Instructions and aduertisements, how to meditate the misteries of the rosarie of the most holy Virgin Mary. Written in Italian by the Reuerend Father Gaspar Loarte D. of Diuinite of the Societie of Iesus. And newly translated into English Meditationes de rosario B. Virginis. English Loarte, Gaspar de, 1498-1578. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A06157 of text S108809 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 16646). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 244 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 128 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A06157 STC 16646 ESTC S108809 99844464 99844464 9279 2240903039

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A06157) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 9279) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 336:4) Instructions and aduertisements, how to meditate the misteries of the rosarie of the most holy Virgin Mary. Written in Italian by the Reuerend Father Gaspar Loarte D. of Diuinite of the Societie of Iesus. And newly translated into English Meditationes de rosario B. Virginis. English Loarte, Gaspar de, 1498-1578. Fenn, John, 1535-1614. [4], 121, [3] leaves : ill. (woodcuts) Printed by W. Carter, [London : 1597] A translation, by John Fenn, of: Loarte, Gaspar. Meditationes de rosario B. Virginis. Imprint from STC. Cf. Folger catalogue, which gives signatures: 2*⁴ A-P Q⁴. The last three leaves are numbered 123, 125, unnumbered. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. eng Mysteries of the Rosary. eebo Instructions and aduertisements, how to meditate the misteries of the rosarie of the most holy Virgin Mary. Written in Italian by the Reuerend Father Loarte, Gaspare 1597 256 41993 124 0 0 0 0 0 29.53 C The rate of 29.53 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2006-11 Assigned for keying and markup 2006-11 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-10 Sampled and proofread 2007-10 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

ORIGO CASTI CORDIS .

Ego dormio et cor meum vigilat . cant . 5. Ego sto ad ostium et pulso , si quis aperue : rit ianuam , intrabo ad illum . Apoc. ● .

Hieronymus Wier● ferit et excud . Cum Gratia et Priuil. Piermans .

INSTRVCTIONS AND ADVERTISEMENTS , HOW TO MEDITATE THE Misteries of the Rosarie of the most holy Virgin MARY .

Written in Italian by the Reuerend Father Gaspar Loarte D. of Diuinitie of the Societie of IESVS . And newly translated into English .

IHS

Non nobis Domine , non nobis , sed Nomini tuo da gloriam .

THE AVTHOVR to the deuout Reader .

ALBEIT THE PROFITE and importance of holye prayer , and meditation of heauenly thinges , hath not bene so wel vnderstoode heretofore , yet is it nowe through Gods good grace so much the better knowen , as it is more vsed . And amongst other thinges which they are wont and may meditate that geue them-selues to this holye exercise , the deuotion of the holy Rosarie is one that is very commendable , very easie , and almost exercised of eche one ; wherein the most highe and diuine misteries are conteined : especially being instituted by the glorious Patriarch S. Dominike , who receaued it by reuelation of our Lady , as his Religion doth witnes and obserue . And hauing in like maner bene confirmed by many Popes , and enriched with many graces , prerogatiues , and indulgences ; namely , by Pius Quintus of holy memorie , as appereth by the authentical priuiledges which the Fathers of the saide Religion haue in Rome , Bononia , Naples , and other places . Howbeit , because al knowe not how to meditate these Misteries ( as it bohoueth ) and by this lacke they loose a great part of the fruit which might wel be gathered thereby , for their helpe this present Treatise hath bene composed ; wherin is shewed , in what maner they ought to meditate with greatest profite and consolation of their soules . And that thou , welbeloued Reader , maiest the better vnderstande , howe fruitful this holy deuotion is to euery sort of people , and howe it behoueth thee to exercise thy selfe therin , thou maiest reade the Chapter folowing wherein this matter is so amply intreated of , as I hope thou wilt not grudge to read the rest of the booke , meaning to embrace this so holy an exercise , which thou maiest assuredly beleeue , shal- be more profitable and pleasaunt , then painful and yrksome to thee .

Monstra te esse Matrem .

Monstra te esse Filium .

Conditor Omnipotens , coeloque , saloque , soloque Sanctius hac nullum Virgine fecit opus .
THE AVTHOVRS Preface touching the great profite and vtilitie that may be gathered by meditating vpon the life of our Sauiour Iesus Christe ; and in what maner we ought to meditate the misteries of the Rosarie ( which are intreated of in this Treatise ) and conteine in them the principal part of this most holye life .

LIKE AS THE Sonn of God vouchsafed to come downe from heauen to earth , and to make himselfe man for the wel-fare and life of man , according to that the selfe same word incarnate a a Ioh. 10. b Gal. 4. a. saith ; I am come that men may haue life , and that they may haue it plentilully : euen so , for the conseruation of this life of grace , and spiritual consolation of man , one of the thinges that maie moste chieflie helpe him herein , is the often meditating of the life of the saide worde incarnate Iesus Christe our Sauiour , and the imitation of his most meruailous examples ; sith , the celestial Father hauing geuen him to the world for a a a Luc. 2. c. Ioh. 1. a. 3. c 8. b. 12. f Act. 13. g light , for a guide , and for a Schoolemaster and teacher of men ; and the Sonne him-selfe assuring vs , that b b 1. Ioh. 1. a. 2. b. Ioh. 13. b 1. Petr. 2. d al , whatsoeuer he did , was done to geue vs an example , that we should do the same ; what should such doo , as could not enioy his vifible presence here in earth ? how should they be illuminated , guided , and instructed of him , if they had not this remedie of the meditation of his moste holye life ? by means wherof , he euen at this day illuminateth , guideth , and teacheth vs , as though he were present , with that he earst did ( wandring corporally in this world ) speake , worke , endure , and teache .

IT BEHOVETH therfore , that this meditation serue vs as a mirror , wherin , by eftsons looking & taking view , we may with the eies of our soule see that , which with the eyes of our bodie we neither could nor can see ; and according to it direct and frame our life , sith a a Rom. 15. 〈◊〉 1. Pet. 2. d al Iesus Christe his actions were done for our institution and instruction ; yea , as S. Iohn the Apostle b b 1. Ioh. 2 ▪ 〈◊〉 saith : Who so saith that he dwelleth in Iesus Christe , that is to say , that he is a member and seruant of Iesus Christ , ought to walke as he hath walked . As if he had saide : Who-soeuer saith , that he is a member of Iesus Christ , must be lowlye c c Mat. 11. d and meeke , as Iesus Christ was ; must contemne al delightes , honours , and woorshipp of this worlde , as he did , seeking in al things the only glorie of God , d d Ioh. 7. c 8. g & not regarding in any thing his owne peculier estimation ; he must loue frendes and e e Mat. 5. g. foes , doo iniurie to none , and if any be done to him , f f Luc. 6. d 1. Pet. 2. d. bear it patiently ; desire rather to serue others , than to be g g Mat. 20. d serued him self . To be short , he must so loue his neighbour , h h Mar. 10. g as if need require at any time , he be ready to lose his life for his welfare and saluation .

Howe is it then possible for a true Christian to doo these and so manie mo things as be necessarie to be done , to imitate Iesus Christ a-right , but if he knowe that Iesus Christ him-selfe did first practise and doo them moste exactly ? and howe shal he wot them , but by eftsons meditating his life , & the liuely & perfect examples , which of such like workes he left vs ? and howe may a man learne the lessons of charitie , patience , pouertie , obedience , and of al other vertues , but if he knowe the life of the Lorde of al vertues ? and therfore , as saith glorious S. Bernard : a a Ber. sub finem serm. 22. in Can. In vaine trauaileth he to attain vertues , that hopeth by anie other meanes then by the Lord of al b b Ps. 23. b. 79. 83. 88. vertues to attain them ; whose doctrine is a nurcerie of prudence ; his mercie a worke of Iustice ; his life a mirrour of temperance ; his death a liuely paterne of prowes . Thou seest , Reader , by this holye Doctour his wordes , confirmed by the testimonie of so manie other famous men , howe necessary the continual meditation of Christes most holie life is , to the obteining of such vertues as be needful for al those that couet to participate of the true and euerlasting life .

Moreouer , besides this so great a profite , which proceedeth necessarily out of this moste laudable exercise , weigh wel , good Christian Reader , what other fruites , graces , and store of spiritual treasure doo associate this holy meditation . Tel me , I pray thee , what thing more sweeter , and of greter consolation may any man desire , that hath not wholly lost his taste , then to meditate , discourse , and think vpon the wordes , workes , examples , and life of our Sauiour Iesus Christe ? Of whom we finde a a Sap. 8. d. written , That his conuersation was without al sournes , and his companie had no encombrance , but ioy and consolation : What time maye we deeme better spent , then that which is emploied in such profitable meditation ? what exercise can there be more meritorious or acceptable to Christe , then this , wherin the soule is busied , in performing Mary Magdalen that most woorthy penitent her function & office , who a a Luc. 10. g Aug. 1. de Trinit. init ca. 10. to . 3. chused the best part , in sitting her downe at our Lordes feete , and listning to his wordes . The like did our Souerain Lady the blessed virgin Mary , b b Luc. 2. g marking wel , and reuoluing the same wordes in her heart : What thing may ther be more valable to gain mercy , grace , and the familiaritie of Iesus Christe ? what more soueraine remedie to come by litle and litle to the contemplation of his infinite maiestie , then is attentiue and serious meditation ? Seing the same our Lorde assureth vs him-selfe therof , c c Ioh. 10. b saying : If anye enter in by me he shal- be saued , and shal finde most sweete feedings . In fine , what thing may ther be more easie or more pleasant for al sortes of people , then is this holy meditation ? sith in meditating the life of Christe , we must needes meditate withal the life of his blessed mother , as also cal the Apostles and other holye Saintes to minde , that liued and conuersed with him : yea , al the blessed Angels too , who greatly delight in this kinde of exercise , and therfore , no doubt , but fauour greatly al those that vse it . In such wise , as if thou wert not to receaue any other guerdon , nor to reap any other commoditie by this so holy an exercise , yet ought this onely thing to allure , yea , constraine thee , to frequent and practise it ; to wit , the pleasure and sweetnes which thy soule shal feele , in contemplating so holy a life , in remembring his so absolute and wonderful workes , in beholding with the eyes of thy soule so beautful a a Ps. 44. a Sap. 13. a Bern. initio Ser. 2. de Epiph. and amiable a Lord aboue al the sonnes of men .

What thing can be more sweete , then to consider his most holy behauiours ? howe humble he was in his conuersation ; howe affable in his wordes ; howe milde in his answeres ; howe feruent in his preaching ; how seuere in reprehending vice ; howe zealous in procuring diuine honour ; howe patient in putting vp iniuries ; how diligent in seeking the sauegard of soules ; howe ful of compassion , in bewailing others annoyes ; how curteous in receauing sinners ; how merciful in pardoning offenders ; how liberal , in graunting that which was required him ; howe mightie in his miracles ; howe modest in his going ; howe temperate in his eating ; howe great a louer of pouertie ; how prone to paines ; how frequent in watching and praying ; how gratious and amiable towardes al men : he despised none , although a sinner ; he shunned none , were he sick or a lepre ; he flattered not the riche , ne draue the needie out of his companie ; he fledd al worldly honours , and was not careful for temporal treasure ; he was common to al ; and to a a Sic Paul 1. Cor. 2. d. win al , conuersed with al. Briefly , he was so delectable , so sweete , and so amiable , as it is not possible to finde , wish , ne yet imagine , a more gratious , exact , and perfect life then his was . What is he therfore that wil- be so senselesse , and of so corrupt a taste , as wil not be delighted therwith , and feele a singuler sweetnes in meditating of this so holie a life ?

Neuerthelesse , thinke not , that in saying , that the meditation of Christ his life is of so great importance , I meane to exclude his passion and death , neither yet his Resnrrection and Ascension ; sith vnder this worde of life , al these misteries are comprehended ; and out of them al oughtest thou to gather , as it were , a pretie posie , to beare alwaies about thee in thy bosome , like to that of mirrhe , which the Spouse a a Can. 1. d said in the Cantikes , she caried continually in hers . Good b b Ber. init . Ser. 43. in Cant. & ger. 12. de d●lect . dei , in tract . de 〈◊〉 be . viu . S. Bernard saide , howe he had gathered such a one , out of al the distresses and annoyances our Lorde had in his infancie , the paines he abidd in preaching , the toiles he endured in his voiages , the temptations he surmounted in fasting , the teares he shedd in praying ; and to say al at once , out of al the iniuries , outrages , scornes , spittinges , blows , nailes , with al the other tormentes ; and amongst so manye branches of this most sweet-smelling mirrhe , he saith , how he left not that out of the soure drinke which was geuen him on the Roode , nor yet that wherwith he was anointed in the sepulchre . By which wordes this holy Saint declareth , howe in meditating our Sauiours life , al these thinges are to be considered .

Howbeit , forasmuch as it is not long agone , that being commaunded by my superiors , I made a smal Treatise that was published abroade , touching the matter of the Passion , wherin were certaine instructions and aduertisementes geuen , both of the principal pointes therof , and in what maner they were to be meditated ; mine intent was in this Treatise ( being in like maner commaunded me ) to haue principally intreated of such other misteries of this most holy life , as had not beene spoken of in the other Treatise . Notwithstanding , when I afterwardes had perceaued , how to write al that might be gathered out of the holy Gospels touching the life , preaching , and miracles of our Lord , would be a veri long thing , and require a iust volume , I determined with my selfe to write onely vpon the misteries of the Rosarie of the moste blessed virgin Mary ; sithens , besides is so godly , renowned , and approued , a deuotion as is abouesaid in the Prologue ; therein , in my fancie , are the chief points of the life of Christ conteined , from the time of his incarnation , vntil the sending downe of the holy Ghost ; in-somuch as , who-soeuer he be that shal meditate these wel , may assure him-selfe to haue meditated the greater and more principal part of his most sacred life .

This is the thing therfore , my derelye beloued brother , which I here present vnto thee ; to wit , the meditations of the misteries of the aforesaide Rosarie , whereof eche one , ( as was done in the other meditations of the Passion ) is distinguished into three pointes , as-wel for the perfection a a Aug. ca. 16 lib. 2. de doct. Chris . to . 3. & li. 2. q. euan . cap. 6. to . 4 & in psal. 6. tom . 8 and deuotion of this number , as also , that eche one may meditate them more amply , and with lesse confusion .

But because the pointes which I noted in the other meditations of the sacred Passion were no whitt amplified and dilated , but onely a bare text set downe of the matters that were to be meditated vpon ( the which was done , supposing that eche one would them-selues , according to their deuotion haue dilated and amplified the same ) vnderstanding since , that if some doo make this discourse and dilatation , yet , al for lack of capacitie doo it not ; for this cause haue I done mine indeuour in this booke , to content both th' one and th' other ; acknowledging my selfe , as S. Paule a a Rom. 1. b. saith , to be indebted both to the learned and the ignorant . For the lerned therfore , I haue thought good , after a text wise , first to set downe that which they maye meditate vpon in euerye misterie , leauing eche one to pause therein , and to dilate the same , according to their capacitie and deuotion : nowe for the ignorant , that knowe not howe to doo this , without some further helpe , I haue shewed than the maner , how to interteine them-selues , and to discourse vpon eche point , which soeuer they may thinke good to meditate vpon ; out of which maner of amplification they may gather these commodities folowing .

1. First , they shal better vnderstand the historye of that point , whereon they purpose to meditate .

2. They maye conceaue the document or example , which some-times is intermedled for their iustruction .

3. They maye learne , howe other-whiles to aske our Sauiour suche thinges , as the point whereon they meditate , may most fitly minister occasion of ; other-whiles to yeeld thanks for such graces and mercies as they maye be put in minde to haue beene done vnto them , and to this purpose may they apply the vocal prayer set downe at the end of euery misterye .

4. They maye with the reading of these amplifications , helpe them-selues to auoide the distractions and wandring of minde , which other-whiles , yea , eftsons , happeth in time of meditation .

5. The Apostrophes and familier speeches which I haue nowe and then intermedled in this methode and maner of dilatation , may serue to excite and kindle deuotion , being weake or wanting , as happeth many times to be .

6. After they haue read more then once the foresaid maner of amplifications vpon eche point , they shal perceaue them-selues so sufficiently instructed , as that of them-selues they may eyther altogether , or in part , be able to amplifie such articles as they are minded to meditate vpon ; and when they found nothing suggested of their owne brayne and peculier deuotion , yet maye the readinge of these points that are here propounded them , with their amplifications wel and leisurly considered , serue for a sufficient meditation , whiles nothing els were graunted them . And of these , and such like fruites which the simple sort may suck and gather out of the fore-saide amplifications , the learned may in like wise helpe them selues ther-withal at some times , when best shal like them ; so that , as-wel to th' one as th' other they shal not be vnprofitable .

Moreouer , this maner of distinguishing and entertaining a mans selfe vpon euerie article , may serue for al sortes of people ; for who so mindeth to discourse vpon al the three pointes of the misterie , whereon he meditateth , wel may he so doo ; and who fancied not to pause in eche point so long time , may make choise of that point that shalt best like him ; seruing his turne , if he thinke good , with the meditating of one onely point , and the amplification therof , if he list ; which he may right easilye finde out , seing euerye point is so plainly distinguished a-part , as one hangeth not of an-other , but ech one is absolute in his owne conclusion . I thinke it good besides , to aduertise thee in this place , that the instructions which I haue geuen thee in the 6. 8. and 11. Chapters of , The exercise of a Christian life ; as also those aduises that I set thee downe in the Tretise I wrote of the meditation of the Passion , at the ende of the instruction , may greatly helpe thee to the better meditating of these misteries ; al the which documentes I here omitt for breuitie sake , referring thee onely to the foresaide places in the bookes aboue especified .

Finally , I thinke it meete to aduertise thee , that for-somuch as in the institution of the Rosarie it is ordeined that tenn Aue Maries and one Pater noster be recited vppon euery misterie , these maye be saide in three sundrye maners . The first is , to recite them before thou enter into thy meditation . The second is , to say them in the very time of meditation . The third is , to saye them after a man hath finished his meditation . And this last way is , in mine opinion , the best , sith the soule doth commonly after meditation finde it self more supple , and better disposed to praye with attention and deuotion . Yet meane I not hereby to make a lawe , but that eche one may say them , at such time as best shal like them .

These particularities haue I thought good to touche , minding thereby to helpe nouices , and such as are smallye acquainted with this exercise , a labor that I haue willingly laide my handss to , as-wel , for that it was appointed me by those that haue authoritie to commaund me , as also , in regarde of the hope I haue conceued that it shal benefite the brethren of our companie , for whose profite and commoditie , this pamphlet was principallye composed : whom I exhort and pray as earnestly as I can , to geue them selues diligently to this holy exercise of meditation , considering that for so smal paine they are promised so great a gaine , and so singuler consolation , as I am persuaded al those shal be able to testifie , who with a willing and feruent desire shal for some time geue them-selues to assaye and proue the same : For verily doo I hope , that such shal by experience finde his life to be the guide of their life , who is the way , a a Ioh. 14 ▪ 〈◊〉 the truth , and the life ; to whom , with the Father and the holy Ghost be eternal and euerlasting glory .

Amen .
TOTIVS LIBRI SVMMA . Nunciat , inuisit , Parit , Offertur , Reperitur : Orat , Flagra , Vepres , Fertque , Subitque Crucem : Viuit , & Ascendit , Paracletum mittit ab alt●● Mors Mariae , Redimit sacra Corona Caput .

THE FIFTEENE MISTERIES OF THE ROSARIE OF OVR LADIE .

WHEREOF THE FIVE FIRST ARE CALLED IOYFVL ; THE SECOND DOVLFVL ; THE THIRD GLORIOVS .

THE ANNVNTIATION .

Hic Maria Gabriel Superi Consulta Senatu● Nunciat , implentur viscera Casta Deo .
THE FIRST IOYFVL MISTERIE IS OF THE INcarnation of the Sonne of God ; and of the Annunciation of our Ladye ; where vpon thou shalt meditate these three pointes folowing .

FIRST , that Cordial charitie of God , who a a 1. Ioh. 4. c Ioh. 1. b. 3. b vouchsafed to be incarnate , and to make him-selfe man , as we are , to repaire thereby the fal of miserable man-kinde , deliuering vs by this meanes from the slauerie of Sathan , and this without any merite of ours going before , b b Tim. 1. b Ad Tit. 3. 〈◊〉 woorthie the receeuing of so great a benefite .

SECONDLY , Consider , howe for the accomplishment of this misterie , he sent that celestial Ambassage to the most sacred virgin , the which Gabriel the Angel caried , according as the Euangelist S. Luke c c Luc. 1. c. reporteth . Wherein thou maiest contemplate the circumstances of the Ambassadour , and of the great Lady , to whom the Ambassage was sent ; as also the wordes of those most amiable speeches that passed betwixt them twaine .

THIRDLY consider , howe presently after the most sacred Virgin had yeelded her consent to the message that was deliuered her by the Angel , this diuine misterie was forth-with accomplished . Here maiest thou meditate , what meruailous matters were done in that instant .

THE FIRST Article maye be amplified , by meditating the pitiful estate which the world was in , when God vouchsafed to bestow this his so bountiful a benefite vpon it ; how many sinnes did euery where beare sway ; how many errours , howe great blindnes , howe many dangers , howe slender a desire , ne yet any imagination to receaue so great a benefite ; and yet , such was the loue of God towardes the world , as without any good desert of our part , yea , with an infinite number of most enormous crimes ; the dai being come , which his maiestie had before al daies ordeined , a a Gal. 4. a. Leo Papa Ser. 2. de Natiuit . D●m . he remembred them that had forgotten him , and with moste rare clemencie vouchsafed to visite them that deserued most seuerely to be chastised ; and to redresse the endlesse euils and miseries that reigned round about the world ; albeit so beetle blinde were men , as they knewe them not , nor any whit perceued them . And for the doing of this matter , he disdained not to ioyne him-selfe to the miserie of humane nature , making him-selfe man for vs , and thral to thousands of annoyes , for our saluation . O inestimable Charitie ? O infinite liberalitie ? Lorde , thou liberally departest with more to the world , than it either durst craue or wish for at thi handes . What diddest thou espie in vs , O Lorde , to constrain thee in such lowly wise to visite vs ? what wer our merits towardes thee ? what seruices had we performed to thy diuine maiestie ? thy mere goodnes it is , that only prouoketh thee therto ; that thy mere clemencie causeth thee to descend from heauen to earth , and to take humane fleshe in the blessed virgins wombe for our wel-fare , which made thee earst to descend down a a Exod. 3. a Deut. 33. b. Mar. 12. b Luc. 20. f. Act. 7. d Ber Ser. in verba . 12. Apoc. signum magnum apparuit . into the bushe , taking pitie of thy peoples affliction , and to procure their deliuerance , as then thou saidest to Moises ; whereby thou figuredst this thy second discent of clothing thy selfe with the mantel of our humanitie . Al the Angels praise and thank thee for this thine ineffable mercy ; seing man can-not condignely thanke thee therefore , nor yet acknowledge it sufficientlye .

IN THE seconde point thou shalt haue a plentiful subiect to dilate vpon , considering on th one side the qualitie of the Ambassadour which God sent downe for the dealing in this affaire ; his high estate , being one of the b b Luc. 1. b. Ber. non longè à princ . hom. 1. super Missu● est . principal Angels of heauen ; the beautie and brightnes of body , wherin he appered to the most sacred virgin ; the humilitie & reuerence , wherwith he saluted her ; the gratious speeches , replenished with al consolation , which he vsed towards her ; the great skil and wonderful wisdom he shewed in reporting his Commission to her , declaring by degrees the diuine misterie of the Incarnation . In this maner maiest thou likewise discourse vpon al the other circumstances .

On th' other side , weigh wel the excellencie and souerain dignitie of her , whom this ambassage was sent to ; her modest countenance in harkening ; her graue prudence , in pondring the wordes that were spoken to her ; that wel-beseeming bashfulnes which made her blush , in hearing her owne praises ; the feruent zeal she caried to virginitie , which made her make answere , meaning to be assured thereof ; the liuely faith , wher-with she firmly beleeued al that was on Gods behalfe announced her , for the which she was of her cousin S. Elizabeth a a Luc. 1. 〈◊〉 singulerly commended ; & lastly , the profound humi with she resigned and gaue vp her self as our Lord his obedient seruant , he hauing chosen her for his beloued mother . If thou discusse diligently al these particularities , as al other the like circumstances of this diuine misterie , thou shalt finde thy selfe rapt into such an admiration , as shal make thee crie out with the Roial Psalmist a a Ps. 138 Dauid : Great and wonderful is thy wisdome O Lord , it is so high , as I cannot comprehend it . It surpasseth my retche and vnderstanding ; sithens of what side soeuer thou turnest thee in this Ambassage , thou shalt finde great , and right miraculous meruailes . Great is the message ; great the Lord that sent it ; gret is the personage , to whom it was sent ; great the Ambassadour that brought it ; great is the affaire that is intreted of ; great and meruailous the maner of proceeding in it . Our Lorde be lauded euery wher , b b Dan. 6. g that doth so gret matters both in heauen and earth .

IF THOV desire to staye vpon the third point , thou shalt neuer want matter , meditating the thinges that tooke effect presentlye after the Queene of heauen had geuen her consent , a a Luc. 1. d. saying : Fiat mihi secundùm verbum tuum . Be it done vnto me according to thy worde . Sith in that verye instant the most sacred body of Iesus was by vertue of the holy ghost formed of the most pure bloud of the blessed virgin Mary ; and in the selfe same instant was his glorious soule created and infused in his body ; and in the ●ame instant was his most holy humanity vnited with the eternal word of God in one self-same person . And thence-forth was the blessed virgin mother of God , Queene of Angels and men , ful of grace , replenished with al the gi●tes and prerogatiues meete for so incomparable a dignitie . O Fiat most puissant and effectual ? with an-other b b Gen. 1. 〈◊〉 . Fiat God did earst make the heauens , earth , and al the creatures of the world ; yet were ther farre greater & more important matters made with this Fiat ▪ seing that by means of this Fiat , the same God made him-self man , and man was made God ; with al the other right wonderful workes that proceed out of this change & most miraculous metamorphosis .

O mightie Lady , thou hast not said without cause in thy a a Luc. 1. c. Canticle , That he which is mightie hath done great things vnto thee ; and what greter matters might there be , then to haue made thee his mother , thou enioying stil thy pure and immaculate virginitie ? what greter matter , them to haue made thee his temple , b b Vide Litaniam B. Maria in fine huius ●●bri . and the sacred tabernacle of the holy Ghost ? what greater matter , then he whom the cope of heauen can not conteine , to haue vouchsafed to shut him-self vp in thy sacred wombe , it being made thereby a celestial Paradise , wherein the Angels delite to adore their Maker . Verilye the Almightie hath done great matters to thee , wherby thy spirite may rightly reioyce , and without intermission magnify him , who hath so highly magnified thee . And we al may rightly for the same cause congratulate with thee , and praise and reuerence thee perpetually , endeuouring our selues al we may , to be thy true & faithful seruants .

A PRAYER .

GREAT and ineffable was the ioye , O moste sacred virgin Mary , which thy most holy hart was seased with , when being saluted by the Angel Gabriel , and vnderstanding the cause of his Ambassage , thou with a most profound humilitie resignest thy selfe into our Lorde his handes , and a a Aug. ca. 5. lib. 2. de ▪ Symb. ad Catech. Chrisol . Ser. 143. wert presently thervpon made the true mother of thine owne Father & Creator . I beseech thee Lady , by this thine incomparable dignitie , that with thy worthy praiers thou wilt obtein me abundant grace , wherby I may conceue spiritually the self-same Lorde , and knowe alwaies howe to keepe him in my soule . Amen .

THE VISITATION .

Visitur Elizabeth , Christumque salutat ab alu● Infans , qui geminae legis alumnus erat .
THE SECOND IOYFVL Misterie is touching our blessed Ladye her visiting of S. Elizabeth ; wherevpon thou maiest meditate these three articles or pointes folowing .

THE FIRST is , how our Lady hauing a a Luc. 1. 〈◊〉 by the Angels reuelation vnderstoode , howe her Cousin was nowe sixe monthes gone with child , she with an exceeding charitie and diligence went to visite her .

SECONDLY , Consider the passing ioye which S. b b Ibidem . Elizabeth felt presently after she had seene the blessed Virgin , and heard the voice of her salutation , as also the wordes which she spake in her praise and singuler commendation .

THIRDLY , contemplate , howe our Ladie hearing the wordes that S. Elizabeth spake , and vnderstanding the secret thinges that were reuealed vnto her , she was s●rceased with a great ioy and exultation of spirite ; and being whollye inflamed in diuine loue , pronounced that moste mistical Canticle of c c Luc. 1. 〈◊〉 Magnificat anima mea Dominum .

MINDING to pause in the consideration of the firste Article , meditate the charitie which caused the most sacred mother to enterprise so long and laborsome a iourney , onely to visite , and to doo some seruice to that holye olde woman Saint Elizabeth , woting wel , that by her presence she might be greatly comforted and holpen .

This a a Amb. in Luc. lib. 1. & . 2. de virginibus . may serue thee for a lesson to endeuour thy selfe , according to her example , to exercise the workes of charitie and mercie with a willing and readie heart . Ponder likewise her most profound humilitie , wherewith albeit she receaued so high a dignitie , as to be made the mother of God , yet did she not for al that refuse to humble and depresse her-selfe , in going to doo that office , which the mener sort is wont to performe vnto their betters . O moste holy and most humble mother , howe farre art thou estraunged from al arrogant hawtines ; howe farre abhorring from the pestilent presumption of men and women of this world , which being but vile and abiect in the sight of God , wil exalt them-selues , and couete to be visited , courted , and serued of al others , not knowing that , moste soueraine Lady which thou knewest so wel , to witt , a a Eccle. 3. 〈◊〉 Phil. 2. a. that to finde fauour in the face of God , and to be respected of his diuine Maiestie , looke how much any one is greater , and more woorthy renowne , & so much ought he the more to humble and submitt him-selfe to others .

Thou mayest extende thy selfe in the consideration of the second point , meditating , howe great efficacie the presence & speech of the most sacred virgin is of , and how happy those are to be deemed , whom gratiously she fauoreth , seing S. Elizabeth ( immediat-after she was visited and saluted of her ) receaued , both she , and the childe she bore in her entrals , so great a ioye and meruailous illumination of spirite ; Sithens the misterie of the Incarnation of the sonne of God ( at that time vtterly vnknowen to the whole world ) was reuealed vnto her . And by the wordes which she vttered them vnto our Lady , plaine testimonie did she geue , what other graces and fauours she had receaued , the which ought mightily to moue thee to enforce thy selfe al thou maiest to be a deuout and zealous seruant of this great Lady , by honoring her continually in thine heart ; whereby thou shalt merite to be spiritually visited and fauoured of her ; in such wise , as thou maiest haue an assured hope , neuer at any time to be destitute of God his diuine giftes and graces .

TOVCHING the contemplation of the third Article , thou shalt haue a large scope to walke in , imagining howe this most sacred soule of the a a Luc. 1. d. holy mother was affected in hearing what her cousin S. Elizabeth said vnto her ; how gratious , how glittering , howe gladd she was , and replenished with al consolation ; howe she blusshed , to heare her owne praises spoken of ; how lowly she humbled her-self , attributing al the vertues she was adorned with , to the bountiful goodnes of our Lord that gaue her them ; with how inflamed an affection she thanked God , for this his so singuler a benefite done both to her , and to al the whole race of mankinde . In some , as not able anye longer to represse her inward exultations , she discouered her-selfe at last , and gaue the feruent flames of diuine fire leaue to burst out , which burned secretlye within her holy heart , reuealing to the world what tresures God had endowed her with , and this by the diuine Canticle ful of misteries , which she then pronounced , a a Luc. 1. e. magnifying thereby that Lord , who had so greatly magnified her , and confessing plainly , that her lowlines and humilitie was occasion of this her so high a dignitie .

O sacred virgin both great and litle ; great in thy holines , great in the graces and fauours which thou haste receaued from God ; great , in the gretest dignitie that was euer imparted to any pure creature . Litle in thine owne eyes ; litle , in respect of thy profound humilitie ; litle , in regarde of thine innocencie and simplicitie of an infant , which is a very necessarye and b b mat. 18. a & . 19 b. Mar. 9. e Luc. 9. f 1. Cor. 14. d. requisite vertue to enter into the kingdome of heauen with ▪ Right woorthely saide one , c c Ber. ho. 1 super Missus est . that with thy virginitie thou pleasedst God ; but with thine humilitie thou made thy self his mother . Alas ! why can-not I learne of thee , and of the blessed fruit of thy wombe , to be humble in hart ; seing that , as thou affirmest , and thy sonn hath confirmed , a a Luc. 14. c & . 18. c the humble are those onely that shal- be by him exalted .

A PRAYER .

RIGHT delectable and plentiful was the ioy thou hadst , O moste sacred virgin , and mother of God , when being replenished with charitie , thou wentest to visite thy holy cousin Elizabeth , and didst vnderstand the miraculous effectes , which by meanes of thy salutation God eternal wroght , both in her-self , and in the child which she bare with in her wombe . I beseech thee , O blessed Lady , by that exultation thou feltest then , and diddest manifest by thy celestial Canticle , that it may please thee to make me partaker of thy spiritual visitation , by meanes wherof I may contemne al worldly consolations , and reioyce me onely in God mine onely Sauiour . Amen .

OF THE NATIVITIE .

Nascitur , & iacet in Stabulo qui torquet Olympum : Pastorum , & Superum cantibus antra sonant .
THE THIRD IOYFVL Misterie is of the Natiuitie of Iesus Christe our Lord , whervpon thou maiest meditate these pointes folowing .

THE FIRST is , howe our Ladye meaning to obey the Emperour Caesar Augustus his proclamation , went from Nazareth to Bethleem , a a Luc. 2. a. where not finding any conuenient lodging , she withdrewe her selfe into the publike and common Inne , or ( if you thinke good ) into the houel and shroud that was there made with bowes for poore folkes .

SECONDLY , consider howe the houre of the glorious child-birth of the most sacred mother being come , she brought forth the Sauiour of the world , and with a wonderful great reuerence adored him , swaddled him vp in suche poore cloutes as she had , and laide him in a manger .

THIRDLY , consider the Angels songes , b b Luc. 2. b and the ioye and triumph they made in this most happy child-birth , wherof one announced the same to the Sheppardes that in that coast did watche ouer their flocks ; who speedily came to see and adore this celestial Infant .

TOVCHING the first point , thou maiest amplifie thy meditation , by weighing the circumstaunces that happed in the voiage which our Lady vndertooke ; wherby is plainly shewed , what pains and trouble she endured therein , albeit , what-soeuer it was , she passed it ouer with exceeding patience . First , the sharpnes of the season did greatly augment her annoyes , sith this iorney was performed in the verye hart of winter , when as we see it is verye painful trauailing . Secondly , her pouertie , which forced her to suffer manye discommodities , especially , being great with childe , and so tender and delicate as she was . Thirdly , the lack of lodging , which could not be prouided her in al the whole Citie of Bethleem , albeit ( wel may we beleue ) that good Ioseph tooke great paines in seeking it very diligentlye ; and howe seing them-selues thus refused , it coulde not be , but that they felt great shame and confusion . O what a soueraine solace and singuler confort should this be for poore folkes that are in this world distressed , despised , and forsaken , if they considered , how the most woorthy , noble , and moste holy creatures , which ought to haue been more honored & reuerenced then al the whole world again ( to witt , the Queene of heuen , and her most blessed Infant ) were the most distressed , annoyed , and pained of al others .

THOV maiest pause in the second point , beholding with thy spiritual eyes , in what state the moste blessed virgin found her-selfe the day of her most sacred deliueraunce ; and here shalt thou see in her so vertuous a disposition , so holye a deuotion , so graue a modestie , so singuler a beautie , so great an eleuation of spirite in God , as no mans tonge can possiblye declare it .

Thou shalt finde , howe in counterchange of griefes a a Gen. 3. c. which other women feele in child-birth , she felt a strange and ineffable solace , a singuler ioy and diuine consolation ; and being there-with wholly rapt and eleuate , the celestial bridegrome issued miraculously out of her wombe , as out of a most pretious b b Aug. initio tract. 1. ●n Ioh. to . 9 bride-chamber , without any alteration or detriment at al to her most perfect virginitie . O virgin-mother , and mother-virgin ; A priuiledge neuer graunted to any other creature ! O diuine excellencie , and dignitie due to thee alone , to be the mother of God , and mother of thine owne Father and c c Psa. 18. a Aug. in principio cap. 5. li. 2 de Symb. ad Catech. Tom. 9. Creator ! Who can possibly conceue what thy heart felt , when with thy bodily eyes thou beheldest the Prince of heauen lying naked in earth ; and him shiuering for colde , who doth clothe and warme al other creatures ? O with what reuerence diddest thou prostrate thy selfe , to adore that infinite Maiestie , masked vnder the vaile of so great distresse and miserie ! Oh , with what compassion diddest thou associate with thy teares those , which thy deere yonge sonne shed , feeling his so great annoiances ! Oh , with what cordial loue endeuouredst thou to lul and lapp him vp in such poore swaddling cloutes as thou haddest , geuing him thy sacred brestes to suck vpon , which were at that time miraculouslye replenished with milke ! Matters sufficient to melt anye flintie heart that would with leisure ponder and discusse them .

THE MEDITATION . of the thirde point wil furnish thee of fitt matter to moue compassion , if thou consider , howe this moste mightie monarche , this King a a Coll. 2. b 1. Tim. 6. c. Apoc. 17. d. & . 19. c of al kinges , he whom neither the heauens nor earth can holde and comprehende , hath in such wise debased , humbled , and throwen him-selfe downe in a harde manger vpon a litle haye ; he , whom the Angels doo adore , and in whose presence the powers of heauen doo quake againe , lieth quaking him-self for colde betwixt two brute beastes . O diuine darling , what meaneth this geere ? what humilitie and basenes is this , O Soueraine a a Ps. 23. b Ad Tit. 2 d King of glorye ? what hast thou to doo with the crib , thou that hast thy throne aboue the b b 2. Re. 6. a. 1. Par. 13. b Cherubins ? how art thou made thus dombe , O c c Ioh. 1. a eternal worde of the Father ? whye weepest and wailest in such sort , thou , that art the ioye of al the holy Angels ? verily , thou haste masked thy diuine nature with our humane nature , to be the King and Sauiour of Israel , and of the vniuersal world . The desire which thou hast to redeeme vs , moueth thee to doo these strange matters ; the loue which made thee wel-●are descend from heuen for our wal-fare , causeth thee nowe to be borne , and to a a Ber. ser. 3 in Natius . Domini . cloake thy puissance with such penurie and extreme want of al thinges , that we shoulde thereby learne to meeke and humble our selues , and to detest al pride , al pamperinges and delicacies of the fleshe , louing the lowlines , the penance , and the pouertie , which thou diddest chuse and teach vs , and wouldest for this cause haue thy natiuitie announced b b Luc. 2. b to poore Sheppardes , of whom thou wast visited and adored , the which their visitation and adoration we ought attentiuely to ponder , and diligently to imitate .

A PRAYER .

WHAT tongue can woorthely tel , O most woorthye Queene of Angels , the ineffable ioy and exultation which thou wert seased with in thy moste sacred and virginal child-birth ? When thou sawest the Redeemer of the worlde borne of thee , and adoring him with great reuerence , didst swaddle him vp in poore cloutes , and laide him in a manger , where he was announced of the Angels , & visited of poore shepperds : I beseech thee , O most happy mother , by this his most holy natiuitie , that seing he was borne for vs , and geuen vnto vs , thou wilt obteine me of him , that he vouchsafe to be borne in my poore soule , with whom I maye be borne anewe , and leade henceforth such a new life , as maye continually be grateful to his diuine Maiestie . Amen .

OF THE PRESENTATION .

Lustratur Genetrix , & templo sistitur Infans : Anna Deum , atque hominem , cum Simeone canit .
THE FOVRTH IOYFVL Misterie is of the Presentation ; to witt , when our Ladye presented her blessed Sonne in the Temple , wherevpon thou shalt meditate , as foloweth .

FIRST , how the a a Luc. 2. c. fortie daies that the Virgin-mother had staide in Bethleem , being nowe fully expired , she went from thence to Ierusalem , there to present her moste sacred Sonne in the Temple , meaning to accomplish that which the lawe commaunded al w●men to doo b b Exo. 13. a Num. 8. a Leu. 12 b in like case .

SECONDLY , consider howe our Lady carying her most sweete Sonne to the Temple , that holye olde Father S. Simeon tooke him in his armes , who for that cause came at that time to the Temple by inspiration of the holy Ghoste ; weigh also the consolation he receaued by doing thus , and the most deuout speeches which c c Luc. 2. d. he vttered .

THIRDLY , contemplate the deuotin and ioy of that old woman d d Ibid. c S. Anna ( that neuer taried out of the Temple ) when she saw this moste pretious present , which the moste sacred mother brought . Behold also , with what reuerence and spiritual consolation the wel beloued Sonne was offred vp to his celestial Father , being accompanied with so holy and reuerent persons as wer there present .

AS FOR the first article , thou maiest intertaine thy selfe therein , meditating , howe rightly the virgin-mother doth imitate her blessed sonne ; especiallye , in such thinges as concerne humilitie ( a vertue so highlye commended and practised of them twaine ) sith the sonne vouchsafed to be a a Luc. 2. 〈◊〉 Ber. Ser. 3. de Circūsi . circumcised , albeit he were not bound therto , nor had any neede at al of Circumcision ( which appertained to sinners b b Gen. 17. b Leuit. 12. Rom. 4. b alone ; ) and the mother , she vouchsafed to fulfil the precept of Purification ( which oblieged only the vncleane women ) albeit she were whollye pure , and deuoide of al c c Ber. init . Ser. 3. de Purif . vnclennes . O most sacred mother , why wilt thou obey this ordinance , which neither toucheth thee , nor maketh anye mention of thee ? for like as for thy sanctitie thou differest from al thy sexe , and surpassest al women in thy most wonderful vertues ; euen so is the conception of thy blessed child far different from that of al other women , and without comparison exceedeth al other conceptions : Sith others are wrought by humane societie , and thine is accomplished by the operation of the holye a a Mat. 1. d Luc. 1. d. ghost . What is it therefore , whereof thou wilt purifie thy selfe , O blessed Ladye ? Seing the holy Ghost witnesseth of thee in this wise : b b Cant. 4. b Thou art al faire , my Louer , neither is there any blemish at al in thee ; forsomuch as thy most sacred child-birth , so farr was it from defiling thee , or distaining th● most pure virginitie , as it adorned , exalted , & renowned thee . What other thing maketh thee then fulfil this lawe ( whereout thou art exempted ) but the selfe-same reason that made thy deere sonne to suffer circumcision ; that is to saye , the desire thou haddest to be by this meanes a glittering mirrour of most obedient humilitie . As he therfore vouchsafed to be taken for one of the common sort of children , so hast not thou disdained to be thought like to other women . This thine humilitie and charitie , with that of thy sacred sons , be hallowed and imitated of vs al for euer .

IN THE second Article thou shalt haue great cause of consolation , if thou fixe thine imagination of the inestimable offering which the most gratious mother brought to the temple , there to present vnto her Lorde . Contemplate attentiuely , the modestie , grauitie , and comely reuerence , wher-with the blessed virgin entred into the temple , carying in her armes that most pretious fruit of her virginal wombe . O what an inestimable ioye was it , to see the sonne thus borne , and to behold the blessed mother that bare him ! whose presence reioyced the Angels , and enriched the whole Temple in such wise , as the glory therof was then farre greater , then when king a a 3. Re. 5. 6 7. & sequ . ●ap . Salomon caused it to be builded .

Consider also what the good olde father Simeon felt , at such time , as ( being instructed of the holy Ghost ) he sawe and knewe that to be come to passe , which he so long time had wished for , and so oft had craued at Gods handes with continual teares and praiers . Beholde with howe great zeale he beclippeth him in his armes , with howe great reuerence he adoreth him , with howe sweete embracinges he closeth him against his brest , neuer being contented with kissing , and beholding him . Al the which his amiable intertainmentes this most sweete babe liked very wel of , as a louer of al those that loue him , and did with his gratious lookes perce and melt the poore olde mans heart , who behelde him al rapt in admiration , as he most apparantlye testified by the teares he shedd for ioye , and by the feruour of the words he vttered in his moste excellent Canticle a a Luc. 2. d of Nunc dimittis seruum tuum Domine . &c. whereby he plainely declared , what singuler consolation and contentment his soule receaued by hauing seene with his corporal eyes the Sauiour of the worlde . Ah , how happye were they that merited with their b b mat. 13. b corporal eyes to beholde so gratious a spectacle ; yea , and happye are they , who with the eyes of a liuely c c Ioh. 20. b. fayth doo deuoutly beholde the same ; sith they in like maner shal- be partakers of the same ioyes and consolations .

THOV MAYEST IN the thirde point interteine thy selfe with great profite and consolation of thy soule , weighing the feruour of Anna the Reuerent matrone , who through her auster fastes , and the perpetual praiers which she made with great deuotion in the temple , as S. Luke th' euangelist a a Luc. 2. f. reporteth , merited to be an assistant at this so glorious a spectacle , and to receaue souerain confort through the sight of such a sonn and a mother ; of whom , al the misteries were reueled vnto her , which she confessed and published to al those deuout persons that were in the temple , and gaue eare vnto her . Whence thou maiest learne , that but if thou keepe the Church with religious deuotion , addict thy selfe to often praier , and with rigorous abstinence dompt the disordinate desires and concupiscence of the fleshe , as chast S. Anna did , thou shalt then be made partaker of the sight and diuine solace , of the fauours and other graces that were at that time so bountifully bestowed vpon her .

Meditate besides the ineffable consolation , wher-with the sacred virgin was surceased , vnderstanding the meruailous matters that were then spoken of her dearly beloued sonne , who by the speeches of S. Simeon and S. Anna was apparantly reuealed and knowen what he was , to al those that were then present in the Temple . Contemplate with-al , the moste deuout a a Ber. ser. 〈◊〉 in Purif . de mod● process . procession which al that holy assemblie made , going vp to the Aultar to offer vp to Almightie God this the most pretious , the most worthie , and most acceptable present to his diuine Maiestie that was presented him til that day , from the beginning of the world . Ponder also , with what deuotion , charitie , and reuerence , with what a cheerful and willing heart the most happy mother offred vp her wel-beloued Infant to the celestial Father ; who had of his infinite fauour geuen him for her sonne ; and did by that meanes make her his owne mother , who was her owne and natural Father . O great Ladye , what did thy heart feele at the time , and at al times after , when thou vnbethoughtest thee of this Misterie ! howe zealous thankes diddest thou breath forth to God , for the gifte he had bestowed vpon thee , and vppon al man-kinde ! with what affection , and with what inflamed desire diddest thou present this moste sacred oblation to God! which thou knewest wel , was onely sufficient to reconcile man to God his maker , and to cause him to recouer againe the blessinges , which he had earst so lewdlye lost . And howe did thy sonne in like maner conforme him-selfe to thy pietie and deuout intent , he at that time offering him-self with a frank heart to his eternal Father as a a Nu ▪ 28. a a morowe sacrifice , whiles the euening sacrifice came , which he was afterwards to offer vppon the Aultar of the Roode . O my soule , if thou wouldest attentiuely consider al this , offering thee wholly to this Lorde , who was offered for thee , what giftes , and what spiritual riches should be imparted vnto thee ?

A PRAYER .

THY HEART , O most blessed mother of God , thy hart was seased with surpassing ioye , when ( the fortie daies after thy childe-birth being at an ende ) thou wentest to the Temple of our Lord , there to offer vpp the selfe-same Lorde thereof , who was thy firste thy first begotten and onely Sonne , and the onely sonne of the Father euerlasting . O what a consolation diddest thou feele , seing the thinges that S. Simeon did and spake , taking him in his armes , kissing and adoring him with great reuerence . I beseeche thee , O most sweete Lady , in fauoure of this sacred misterie , that I may by thy holy intercession haue the vertue of perfect charitie graunted me , wher-with I may in such sort loue thy blessed Sonne , as I may be woorthye to be presented to him in the Temple of the celestial Ierusalem , which is our true home . Amen .

OF THE FINDING .

Disputat in templo , dum quaeritur inter amicos : Masta Parens notas itque reditque vias .
THE FIFT IOYFVL MIsterie is of the consolation which our Ladye receaued , when hauing lost her sonne , she founde him in the Temple , where-vpon thou shalt meditate these three pointes .

FIRST the great deuotion wherewith our a a Luc. 2. f Ladye went euery yeare with her affianced husbande Ioseph to celebrate the Pascal solennities , and caried with her , her sweete sonne Iesus . By meanes wherof he remained there behind in the Temple , vnwitting to his most louing mother .

SECONDLY imagine the extreme b b Ibidem . sorowe which the sacred mother felt , when the holy daies being nowe at an ende , the returned backe againe to her house , and founde not there her most louing sonne , whom she thought to haue been earst returned in companie of her holye affianced husband Ioseph .

THIRDLY meditate , with howe great diligence she went seeking him , where she deemed he might be , not resting any whitt at al , vntil she had found him , and ponder the ineffable ioye she receaued , when at last she founde him in the Temple amidst the Doctors .

MEANING to pause in the first point , consider howe our blessed Ladye is the a a Amb. li. 2 de Virgin . Hier. initio ser. 1. de Assump. tom. 4. liuely paterne of al vertue and perfection , which shineth forth in euery one of her actions ; and thus was she a fulfiller of the lawe , not only when she was thereto oblieged , but also , when she might iustly haue excused her-selfe ; and therefore , albeit men b b Exo. 23. d & . 34. c alone were bounde to go to the Temple of Ierusalem , to celebrate the Pascal solennitie , yet did she for her deuotion sake go thither too , as also her affianced husbande Ioseph , and her sweete sonne Iesus ; geuing vs an example herein , of the care , where-with we ought to obserue the solennities of the Churche , and of the deuotion and reuerence , wherwith we ought to c c mat. 21. a Ioh. 2. c Ierem. 7. 〈◊〉 . go and remaine in our Lordes Temple . O howe sacred were those solennities , where suche persons were present , who adored the celestial Father in spirite and truth , as he a a 2. Cor. 3 ▪ d commaundeth those which adore him , to doo . O howe odoriferous was the Temple at that time , wherein was so great abundance of the most sweet b b Apoc. 8 incense of their prayers ! O howe much more did the glory of our Lorde fil at that time al that holy house , then when king c c 3. Reg. 5. & sequ . Salomon made his praiers therein ! O sacred virgin , who can possibly comprehend what thy praiers wer which thou madest in that temple , howe feruent , howe deuout , howe effectual , howe they pearced the heauens , and mounted vp to the throne of Gods diuine Maiestie ; howe grateful were to his goodnes the most zelous thankes thou gauest him , for hauing vouchsafed to make thee the mother of such a sonne ; of whom depended the welfare and redresse of the whole world ! O , I would it were his holye wil , that some one sparke of so feruent praiers and thankes-geuinges might fal into the frosen coldnes of our deuotions .

IN THE second point thou maiest dilate , meditating , howe the solemnitie being now ended , the virgin-mother returned backe to her owne house , with great desire to see her deere sonne , whom she thought to haue been returned before with Ioseph , not hauing seene him her-selfe al that day ; and finding afterwardes that the desired of her soule was wanting , here maiest thou deeme , in what a case she was , what a a Luc. 2. 〈◊〉 dagger of woe did wounde her heart , what pitiful teares she shed , what sighes and doleful sobbes she fetcht , to ease by that meanes the internal anguish which she felt in her afflicted hart ; how manye feares did fright her ; how many imaginations did amase her ; not woting on which side to turne her ; and for that it was alreadie night , she resolued to stay vntil the morning , remaining in that anxietie and heuines which thou maiest wel imagine . O most innocent virgin , howe long and a a Ier. 13 c Thren. 1. a. dark a night was that to thee , wherin thou weptst with woe , and thy teares neuer left trickling downe thy cheekes , and nothing was able to afforde thee any comfort , sith the true comforter being absent , al the creatures coulde not yeelde consolation . Thy greatest ease al this long night wer thy prayers , thy sighes and tears , the thinking of thy beloued sonne , thy talking to him , as though he had beene present , the beholding of his beautie , his sanctitie , his vertues and perfections ; the vnbethinking thee of his gratious wordes , and of the works which thou haddest seene him doo ; albeit al these thinges , as they did on th' one side yeeld thee contentment , so on th' other side did they increase thy woe , when thou consideredst that he was absent , and knewest not when thou shouldest merite to enioye his presence againe . Finally , this day and night thou feddest thee with thy teares in steade of bread , when thou enquiredst of thy selfe , a a Psal. 41. & . 111. ● where was thy God ? Herein maiest thou wel suppose , that the blessed Virgin did passe ouer the time without sleep or rest vntil the thirde day .

IN THE THIRDE point thou mayest pause also , considering , howe presentlye after the dauning daye once appered , the moste sacred Virgin went with great diligence to seeke the treasure she had lost , where thou maiest meditate , with what zeale and feruour she asked those that she mett with , if they knewe anye thing of him whom her soule did loue ; and howe great griefe and sorowe she felt , when they coulde tel her no tidinges of him . She could neither finde him amongst his kinsfolkes nor acquaintance , where she went seeking of him very diligently . Sithens IESVS is not to be founde a a Iob. 28. b where the daliances and delightes of the fleshe and bloud doo reigne ; yea , there is he wont to be lost , and therfore did she returne to the Temple of Ierusalem , where she had earst left him ; and therin did she find him standing in the middest of the Doctours , geuing eare to them , and questioning of them to b b Luc. 29 Mat. 7 d Mar. 1. b Luc. 4 c Ioh. 7. b their great admiration . O most happy mother , who can possibly declare the ineffable ioye thou receauedst at such time as thou sawest thy desired sonne , whom with so great sorow thou soughtest for ! then did thy heart reioyce which was before oppressed with dole ; then did thy troubled and ecclipsed mind through his absence , growe calme and cleere againe through his presence ; then al anguish , feares , and suspitions departing , was the peace and tranquilitie restored , the which thou wantedst , then were the teares of sorowe changed into teares of solace ; then mightest a a Luc. 15. a thou wel cal vpon the quires of Angels to congratulate with thee , for hauing founde the pretious iewel , which with such sorow thou soughtest . Consider then how the obedient son seing his deere mother , doth most gratiously come vnto her , and with what passing loue she receaueth him , how she embraceth , howe she entertaineth , howe she holdeth him , and will not let him go , with what pietie she complaineth of him , for that he had so manye daies depriued her of his desired presence . Be mery therfore O b b Aug. ser. 2. de Assump. qui est. 35. de Sanctis . tom. 10. Ber. Ser. 〈◊〉 de Assumpt . Queene of heuen , and forget thy former sorowes , sith nowe thou hast found , and possessest him , whom thy soule desired , and according to the greatnes of dolours past , art now surceased with present consolation .

A PRAYER .

WHAT pleasure and contentment did thy soul feele , ( O most sacred Queene of heauen ) when hauing lost thy deerly beloued sonne , thou foundest him againe in the Temple amongst the Doctors . None can possibly conceue it , but he that wel weieth with howe great grief , desire , and diligence , thou wentest those three days seeking him amongst his frends & kinsfolks : I beseech thee therfore , O mother of a a Ans●lm . lib. de excel B. virg. cap. 12. mercy , aswel by the extreme annoy , wherwith thou soughtest him , as by the inexplicable ioy , wherwith thou receuedst him hauing founde him , that thou wilt vouchsafe to helpe me , that I deserue not through my sinnes and offences , to lose the same Lorde ; and if at some time he should absent him selfe from me , I may knowe howe to seeke him , and howe againe to finde him . Amen .

THE SECOND MISTERIES ARE CALLED DOLOROVS , THROVGH THE GRET dolours which the moste sacred virGIN-MOTHER FELT , WHEN such thinges happed , as thou shalt MEDITATE THEREIN ; whereof some she sawe with her CORPORALEYES , and some with her spiritual .

OF THE PRAYER .

Expauet , ingeminatque preces , & sanguine m●nat : Dum socij fugiunt impia vincla subit .
THE FIRST DOLOROVS MISTERIE is of the praier which our Lorde made in the garden of Geth-semani : wher vpon thou shalt meditate these pointes in maner folowing .

FIRST , how our a a mat. 26 〈◊〉 Mar. 14. d. Luc. 22. d Redeemer comforting his Disciples , and exhorting them to pray and watche with him , pronounced this most doulful speeche , My soule is heauy , euen til death .

SECONDLY , howe withdrawing him self from his Disciples about a stones cast , he praied with most profound humilitie and reuerence to his Father , saying : b b mat. 26. d My Father , if it be possible , passe ouer this cupp from me ; howbeit not my wil be done , but thine .

THIRDLY , howe he came to visite his Disciples , and finding them asleepe , awaked and commaunded them to praye , as he did twise more him-selfe , with the same wordes ; and swett droppes of bloud , which trickled downe c c Luc. 22. d to the grounde , and then did an Angel discend from heauen to comfort him .

AS TOVCHING the firste point , thou maiest pause therein , meditating , how our Redeemer fore-knowing the hour of his most holy Passion to draw nigh , ( wherto he through his most feruent charitie , a a Isai. 53. b freely offred vp him-selfe ) got him to the garden of Geth-semani , where he was b b Ioh. 8. a eftsons wont to pray , that Iudas the Traitour , and the other which he brought with him , might knowe where to finde , and to apprehend him . Howbeit , before thei came , our Lorde had praied a longe time , and commaunded , that his Disciples shoulde doo in like maner . wherein he ment , to geue both to them and vs an example , that against al the perils , temptations , and tribulations that may befal vs in this life , and that in any matter of importance whatsoeuer it be that we haue to doo , that we first arme and fortifie our selues with the armour of holy prayer ; by meanes wherof we shal- be illuminated to knowe what we ought to doo , and comforted to endure patientlye the afflictions which we are to suffer .

Meditate also , how our Sauiour finding him-self sore afflicted inwardly through the consideration of so many sorts of griefes and torments as were prepared for him , he shewed the most vehement affliction and heauines which he felt by those woful wordes he vttered to his a a mat. 26 a Cyril . Alex lib. 9. Thes. cap. 3 & Leo ser. 3. de Pass. Disciples ; My soule is heauie , euen til death . The which ought to perce to the verye depth of our heartes , seing we haue been the cause , that he shoulde suffer such sorowe , who is the ioy of Angels . And howe can it be , O Lorde , but my heart , be it neuer so harde , shal- be heuie , and melt againe , contemplating thy heart so extremely anguished and distressed ! What solace can my soule receaue , seing thee , who art the Sonne that illuminatest and reioicest it thus oppressed with dole and sorowe ? If thou which art the ioye of Angelical quiers , art thus grieued● , what thing can suffice to reioyce and comfort man , but to think , that thine infinite charitie which bringeth thee to thy death , doth make thee heauy euen to death , to th' ende , that as thy death is cause of our life , so in like maner thy heauines might be cause of our consolation , and deliuer vs from that mortal heauines , wherein we shoulde perpetually haue remained , if thou haddest not vouchsafed to haue bene made sorowful and heauy for our sakes . This thy heauines , O King of glorie , shal continue euen til thy death , for that euen to death shal thy trauaile endure , wher-with like a moste louing mother thou deliuerest vs ; but when we shal by thy death be borne a-newe , then shalt thou not thinke any more of heauines , by reason of the ioy of our newe birth , and this a a Heb. 12. maye some-what mitigate his sorowe , who contemplateth this sorowful passage .

AS FOR the seconde point , thou maiest staye therein , considering the circumstaunces that happed in this our Lordes praier , and the wordes he vttered .

First the text saith , howe he withdrewe him-self from his Disciples to pray ; and this withdrawing or separation doth S. Luke declare by this worde , auulsus est ; which signifieth plainely , with howe great difficultie he withdrewe him-selfe from them through the loue he bare them , and that to pray : which must be done in solitarines , b b Mat. 6. a Act. 10. b 4. Reg. 4 Ber. ser. 86. in Cant. silence , and attention : and he withdrew him-selfe from them but a c c Luc 22 Mat. 26. d. Mar. 14 Luc. 22. d Tert ●i de orat . stones cast , so that he might easily see and heare them being called , yea , he came eftsons to visite them to wake them , and to warne them of that they had to doo , instructing al Pastors and Curates , how they ought to behaue them-selues towards their flockes , by these his particularities . Learne also of the profounde humilitie , wher-with he threwe him-selfe on ground to pray , what humilitie is necessary for thee when thou praiest ; sith thou presentest thy selfe before the face of the self-same infinite Maiestie , before whom the Potentates of heauen doo tremble againe . In like maner thou maiest out of the wordes which he vsed in his petition , learne the forme which thou oughtest to obserue in thy prayers , not crauing such temporal thinges as thou desirest , absolutelye ; but remitting al things to his diuine wil , wherto thou oughtest to conforme thy wil. Here maiest thou contemplate also , howe with the silence and obscuritie of the night , and with the words which our Lorde pronounced in his petition , this inwarde heauines he felt in his heart , increased and grewe greater , finding nothing that might possibly afforde him comfort . Ah! my moste sweete Sauiour , the onely comfort of the comfortlesse and afflicted , how is it , that I see thee this night without any comfort or ease at al , neither is there any of al thy deere frendes to comfort thee , for whose sakes thou art fallen into such heuines and anxietie . O that I had heard those pitiful sighes and grones , which eftsons issued out of thine annoyed heart , to th' ende , that nowe I am not able any wayes to comfort thee , I might yet at least taste some part of thy heauines and affliction , wherwith I might waile the occasion that I haue geuen thee to be heauie , and that my tears might serue for breade a a Ps. 41. a. & 79. a to susteine me in this my miserable pilgrimage .

IN THE thirde point thou maiest consider many thinges ; firste , by the diligence , where-with a a mat. 26 d Mar. 14. d. our Lorde went from his praiers to visite his Disciples , and returned from them backe again to his prayers , thou maiest note the charitie and fatherlye care he had of them , whom he visited thus oft ; Secondly , consider the greeuous anguish and inwarde paine he suffered , which permitted him not to rest in any place : Thirdly , weigh the perseuerance and often praier which he taught vs , and is most necessarye so to be , to be fruitful and effectual . Fourthly , consider the griefe it is like he felt , ( fore-thinking the tormentes which he was to endure ) seing that by the imagination only thereof , he swett in so straunge and miraculous a maner . O my Lorde , if the bare apprehension of thy future tormentes doo so sore afflict and make thee sweat so strangely , what shal the impression of the self-same tormentes doo ! right euidently doth thy readye and willing heart shewe it self , wherwith thou wilt redeeme vs with the inestimable price of thy pretious bloud , sithens thou beginnest so plentifully to shedd it before those manifold wounds and strokes , wherwith it shal hereafter be whollye drawen out of thy body . O my soule , learne to set by thy self , and doo not sel thy selfe so vilely , as for the filthy plesure of sinne ; seing here , howe greatly thou art set by of thy Redemer , who with so great a price hath bought thee , and hath begonne to paye the same , so long time before the daye . Occupie thy self a while in contemplating the meruailous vision of this garden , which is farre surpassing that that Moyses saw in the a a Ex● . 3. c mountaine ; and shake off the shoes of thy carnal concupiscences , approching to behold this beautiful face al bathed in bluddie streames of sweat , wherin al the Angels take singuler delite to looke . Gather me those doleful drops that fal on ground , by the vertue whereof thy paines shal- be asswaged , and thy woundes recured ; sith the celestial Phisition hath thus vouchsafed to sweat them for thy wel-fare .

Lastly meditate , how our Lord being in this pitiful extremitie , an a a Luc. 22. c Angel came downe from heauen to confort him . O Prince of Angels , howe hast thou thus exceedingly abased thy selfe for vs , that thou standest in neede to be comforted by one of thine owne b b Ps. 103. a Heb. 1. b Epiph. lib. 3 in Arria . tom. 2. seruauntes ? Al the Angelical quires yeelde adoration and thankes vnto thee , who wot muche better then we doo , howe greatly we are bounde to thee , for hauing vouchsafed thus to humble and abase thy selfe for vs thy moste vile creatures . O sacred virgin , if thou haddest with thy corporal eyes viewed this ruful spectacle ( as it is likelye thou diddest see it with thy spiritual eyes ) wel haddest thou stoode neede of an-other Angel to haue come and comforted thee . For wel may we deeme , that thy woes should not haue wanted , nor any anguishe and affliction to haue tormented thee . And albeit thou diddest not then bedewe the grounde with thy blouddie sweat , as did thy sweete sonne ; yet haply diddest thou bedewe it with teares trickling from thine eyes , and filledst the ayre with lamentable sighes , and heauen with feruent praiers . Howbeit , al this was litle in comparison of that which remayned behind , both for thee to see , and for him to suffer .

This vigilant a a Ioh. 10. b Zach. 13. c Mar. 14. 〈◊〉 Shepparde being nowe lastlye of al returned to his sleapie sheepe , thou maiest meditate , howe he remained with them , expecting the furious arriual of those a a Psa. 21. b mad dogges that came to seek him , by whom he was cruellye assailed , bound , and caried to the houses of b b Ioh. 18. c Mat. 26. f Mar. 14. f Luc. 22. f Anna and Caiphas .

A PRAYER .

LIKE AS , O most sacred virgin and mother , thou wert partaker of the ioyes and consolations of thy most holy sonne , euen so didst thou likewise participate of the pains and griefs of his most bitter passion , sith that which he suffred in body , did cruciate thy blessed soul ; and therfore , at such time as he praied , and sweat droppes of bloud thorough the great anguishe he felt in the garden of Geth-semani , them were thou by imagining the same , whollye surseased with vehement sorowe . I beseeche thee therefore , by this thy dolour , and his and thy heauines , that it may please thee to make me partaker thereof , that praying with bitter teares , and wailing my former manifolde and grieuous trespasses , I maye obteine a ful forgeuenes of the same . Amen .

OF THE WHIPPING .

In virgas , in flagra datur , rigat atria sanguis , Verbera deficiunt , non patientis amor .
THE SECOND DOLOrous Misterie is of the whipping of our Lorde , concerning the which thou shalt meditate these pointes folowing .

FIRST , how Pilate ordeined , that our a a Luc. 23. 〈◊〉 Ioh. 18. a Redeemer should be whipped , supposing , that by this chastisement he might some-what appease the fiendish fury of those cruel Iewes , who with such obstinacie b b mat 27. c Mar. 25. b Luc. 23. 〈◊〉 Ioh. 19. a required him to condemne him to be crucified .

SECONDLY , with what diligence and crueltie those barbarous executioners caried our Lorde into the Palace ; and stripping off his clothes , bound him fast to a piller , there to beate him .

THIRDLY , thou maiest consider the extreme dolour , which this most mild Lambe felte , whiles they whipt him ; his most delicate flesh being with so many and so cruel scourges and strokes wholly torne and wounded .

VPON the firste point thou maiest amplifie , by considering the shiftes that Pilate sought to excuse him-self from condemning him to death , who is the authour of life ; for first he c c Luc. 13. a. & . c. Ioh. 18. g Luc. 23. a protested , that he found no cause in him whye he ought to dye ; secondlye , he sent him to Herode , that he might pronounce iudgement of him ; thirdly , he a a Mat. 27 b Mar. 15. a compared him with Barrabas the thiefe , perswading him selfe , that the Iewes hauing choise to saue one of their two liues , would rather take innocent Iesus , then the seditious thiefe and murtherer ; fourthly , this being not sufficient , he determined for a last remedie to make him be b b Luc. 23. c Ioh. 19. a. whipt , weening that by this punishment he should mittigate their felonious madnes . Where note that al these meanes , wherby Pilate sought to deliuer him , ( woting wel his innocencie ) were occasion , that our Redeemer was more tormented and afflicted ; for by this meanes he c c Luc. 23. b added to the death of the Crosse , which they required , and was afterwardes graunted them , the pain and c c Luc. 23. b shame he suffred going and comming from Herode , and being accompted worse then Barrabas , and afterwardes most cruelly whipt and crowned with thornes , in such wise , as not onely they which are his open enemies , cause him to suffer , but he also , who desired to deliuer him , encreased his annoyes . And thou , moste louing Lorde , lettest euery thing redounde to thy greater griefe , to the ende , that to those that loue thee , euerye thing may redound to their greter benefite . Blessed be thine infinite charitie for euermore , which maketh thee respect more our profite then thine owne peculier torment . Consider also , a a Ioh. 19. 〈◊〉 how many mischiefes a vain loue and feare of the worlde is cause of , where-with this miserable b b Luc. 23. a & . c. Ioh. 18. d Pilate let him-selfe be ouercome ; sith that ( confessing him-selfe , that he founde no b b Luc. 23. a & . c. Ioh. 18. d fault in our Sauiour , and knowing that he was accused of mere c c Luc. 23. b. malice ) yet for al this did he condemne him iniustly to this torment , and afafterwardes to death , making more accompt of his owne interest , then of iustice and of truth .

IN THE second point thou maiest entertaine thy selfe , meditating with great compassion the crueltie , wherewith those vile and wicked ministers stripp the most innocent Lorde of his clothes , and binde him with hard cordes fast vnto a piller . Consider that his mildnes , more then of a Lambe , wher-with he suffereth him selfe to be stript and tied , without making anye resistance , for ought that they could doo to him . Beholde with the eyes of thy mind that most sacred body , more beautiful then a a Niceph. cap. 14. li. 1 hist. Eccle. al mens , howe it stood al naked , ful of shame , with necke , armes , and feete fast bound vnto the piller , in maner of a slaue , waiting for that greeuous punishment , which he was forthwith to receaue ; and weigh that his redie and prompt wil , wher-with he haply saide inwardly that verse of the prophet a a Ps. 37. ● . Dauid : I am redie to be whipt , and my griefe is alwaies in my sight . O most sweete Redeemer , me thinkes I see thee fast bound to that hard piller ; howbeit , these cordes , be they neuer so stronge , would litle auaile to holde thee , if thou wert not more straitlye bound therto with the bandes of thy most burning charitie , the which tied thee much faster , with the desire which thou haddest to warme and mollifie our heartes harder a great deale , and more frosen then the piller of marble , whereto thou art thus bound . They stripp thee like a slaue , that being starke naked , they maye more cruelly scourge thee , and thou willingly consentest thereto , that by this meanes thou maiest vesture with thy graces , and set at libertie those , who had earst with their vices made them-selues the slaues of Satan .

IN THE third point thou maiest pause very conueniently , sith therein thou shalt finde more ample matter to melt thy heart with , considering that cruel rage , wherewith those wicked executioners beginn to beat this most sacred virginal bodye , causing that white flesh to turne to a sanguin hewe , and howe with the violence of their blowes they flea his tender skin in such pitiful wise , as his most pretious bloud gushed out al ouer his body ; the which was so barbarouslye torne and wounded , that he might wel pronounce that which was written a a Psa. 37. a 〈◊〉 . 1. a of him : There is no soundnes in my flesh . Beholde nowe , O my soule , beholde attentiuely this most ruful spectacle , and take compassion of such a Lord , who hath vouchsafed to suffer suche paines for thee ; beholde that Reuerend visage made pale and heauie , lening against that hard piller , wherto he presseth him-selfe close through the most vehement pains he suffreth , which made him to breathe verye short , and to sounde out most lamentable sighes . Beholde , howe he standeth fast tied and bounde vnto the piller , shedding his bloud on earth , his eyes lifted vp to heauen , offering those most grieuous tormentes to his celestial Father , which he endured most willingly for our trespasses . Consider how al this punishment and affliction which he suffered , sufficed not to disquiet , or make him lament at al ; yea , the tormentours waxing wery through the infinite number of blowes which they had laide on him , yet was not he for al that weried with suffring ; and his body being al torne and rent , yet was his soule and courage alwaies sounde , and readie to abide greater tormentes through his insuperable charitie . a a Ioh. 1. d Apoc. ● . b O immaculate Lambe , howe doo I see thee al forlorne , besprinkled and died with thy most pretious bloud ; and thou not onely standest without wailing , like other Lambes , a a Isa. 53. b. Act. 8. f. before them that shere thee , but also before them that strike and whipp thy virginal body , thou neither speakest , nor complainest thee at al. O most sacred Virgin , if thou hadst seene the pitiful plight wherin thy most sweete sonne stood bound , naked , couered with blud and blowes , howe would thy heart haue been couered and wounded with mortal woe ; seing him , not onely bereft of that robe , which with thine owne handes thou haddest wouen for him , but also without a great part of the skinne and bloud , which he had taken in thy virginal wombe ! O how much more iustlye mightest thou haue lamented then Iacob did , and vpon greater cause haue saide that which he b b Ge. ●7 . g. & . 44. g saide : Enuie , that most cruel beast hath deuoured my sonn , she it is that hath thus wounded and ill intreated him . Behold , O my soule , howe meruailous is the mercie and charitie of thy Lorde , that hath a a mat. 27 b endured al these thinges , to shadowe thee with his b b Ps. 90. a. shoulders , and with his woundes c c Isai. 53. a to heale thy woes , vouchsafing to take the correction and chastisment due to thee vppon him ; that thou mightest present this satisfaction to the eternal Father , crauing humblye , that it maye please him , for these so great and cruel beatinges of his beloued sonne , to diuert from thee the whipp of his wrath , which thou through thine offences hast most iustly merited .

A PRAYER .

O MOST holy Lady , who can possibly conceaue , how greuous was the sorowe of thy soule , when the virginal body of thy most sweete sonne fast bound to the piller , was with most cruel scourges whipped . O howe did his cordes gripe thy heart , howe did his wounds occasionate thy woes ! I beseech thee therefore , holding vp my handes to thee in humble wise , O mother of mercie , by the moste vehement anguish of this his and thine affliction , that sithens he hath been tied for my trespasses , I maye be losed by meanes of thy sacred intercessions ; and that I may for the merite of so manye his blowes , escape the punishment due vnto my most greeuous sinnes . Amen .

OF THE CORONATION .

Spinea serta caput pungunt , illudit amictus Purpureus , turbis , Ecce homo , Praetor ait .
THE THIRD DOLOrous Misterie is of the Coronation , when our Redeemer was crowned with thorns , about the which thou shalt meditate these pointes .

FIRST , howe these cruel ministers hauing beaten our most patient Lorde vntil they were werie , they then vnlose him from the piller , and how he , hauing very hardly made shift to gett on his clothes , they stripp him a a mat. 28 d Mar. 15. b Ioh. 19. a. anewe to put on that cote of scorne .

SECONDLY , howe Pilate his souldiers scorned him , putting on his backe an olde purple garment , crowning him with a crowne of sharpe thornes , and geuing him in his hande a reede in stead of a sceptre ; howe they adored him in mockerie ▪ b b Ioh. 1. d Apoc. 5. b. saying : Al haile king of the Iewes : smote him with the reede , and gaue him manye blowes .

THIRDLY , howe hauing thus scorned and mocked him a good while , Pilate caused him to be brought forth , and shewed him to the Iewes , c c Isai. 53. b Act. 8 f. saying : Ecce homo , Behold the man ; that by this meanes they might be moued to pitie , seing him thus scornfully and cruelly handled , albeit nothing sufficed to mitigate their diabolical obstinacie .

IN THE firste point thou maiest pause , meditating how with the same barbarousnes and crueltie , wher-with these wicked ministers had bounde our most merciful Lorde , they nowe vnlose him , and vse no kind of plaisters and pitie towardes him , who is towardes al men the most pitiful . Beholde howe he standeth fraight ful of griefs , and from top to a a Isai. 1. a Psal. 37. a . toe al torn with scourges , with the printes of the cords deep rooted in his tender flesh , which caused his no smal annoy ; sith he was fastned with such force , as ( according as diuers doo contemplate ) the cordes were al couered with his very flesh ; & with this grief went he vp and downe seeking his garments , which they had throwen here and there on the grounde ; and thus humblye gathering them vpp , put them on him with very great paine , no one vouchsafing to helpe him , or to afford him any comfort , but most redie were they , al of them , to torment and afflict him .

Ah my Lorde , where be nowe the thousand thousandes , that Daniel in spirite saw , a a Dan 7. c. Apoc. 5. c doo thee dutiful seruice ; and tenne hundred thousand thousandes which assisted at thy throne , and yeelded thee due adoration ? Here is no one of those high Angels of heuen to be seene , that might adore and serue thee ; but contrari-wise , so many contemptible men of earth , which commaund thee , and treade thee vnder their feete ; and thou art wel contented here-with , sith b b mat. 20 d Mar. 10. f. thou art not come into the world to be serued , but rather to serue others , and therfore doth euery one abandon thee , and no one afforde thee helpe , like as thou alone , without others helpe , hast perfected our Redemption .

In the second point thou hast iust cause to stay , pondring that new deuise , which these deuilish executioners contriue to mocke , and withal to torment our blessed Sauiour .

What greater spite and ignominie might there be inuented , then to sett him thus out with a a mat ▪ 27 d Mar. 15. b. Ioh. 19. a those counterfait ensignes of a king which they put vpon him ? meaning thereby to signifie that he was ambitious , and vsurped the Title and Regal dignitie , which was not due vnto him ? and what greter torment then that which they gaue him , in crowning him with such a crowne ? the pricking thornes whereof did perce his head verye deeply , & b b mat. 27 d Mar. 15. b smiting of him with the reede , which in liew of a Regal Scepter they had put into his handes ; in such wise , as his eyes and face were al couered with the bloud which they caused to issue out of him ; and yet doest thou see , howe he abideth al this with an inexpugnable patience ; sith with his tormentes and annoiances , he vouchsafed to satisfie for our disordinate delightes and dissolutions ; and with his scornes and mockeries to pay for our pride and ambition .

O King of heauen , O supernal Maiestie , a a Psa. 99 b Heb. 1. b adored and reuerenced of Angels , and mocked and scorned of men ! I knowe not wel , what I should most meruaile at ; whether at the blindnes and most cruel moode of them that knowe thee not , and thus doo beat thee , or at the pietie and patience , wher-with thou abidest them , making farre greater accompt of our wel-fare and satisfaction , then of thine owne contempt and most bitter sorowes . Great , no doubt , is their impietie , which did thus torment thee ; great also is the malice of our offences , which did occasionate the same ; but farre greater is thy bountie and clemencie , which is infinite , wherewith thou wert redie to suffer more dolours and afflictions then al they could lay vpon thee . O my soul , contemplate deuoutly this most woorthie spectacle , and imprint it in thy heart , seing thou hast been the occasion of al these tormentes and reproches , which thy Lorde hath suffered : Let that his most ignominious robe , warme and heat thy coldnes ; let that horrible crowne penetrate thy bowels ; those sharpe and pricking thornes let perce thy head ; let that be to thee an occasion of continual loue , which was to him an occasion of excessiue griefe .

IN THE thirde point it is right meete thou interteine thy selfe , beholding and adoring this thy moste merciful Lord so lately crowned with that most cruel Diademe , and the other roial ensigns , which his pitilesse aduersaries haue geuen him , wherwith Pilate made him be brought forth be fore al the people , that by seing this his so ruful a figure , their furious might be som-what pacified ; and for this cause did he shew him vnto them , saying : a a Ioh. 19. a. Aug. tract. 196. in Ioh. Ecce homo ; as if he had saide : Behold the man , whom you vniustly persecute , and whose death you so greatly desire ; Behold him , whom ye say , would haue made him-selfe your King , how gretly to your liking doo you nowe see him crowned and attired ? Behold him chastised , in such wise , that hardly can he be taken for a man , so farre is he from being reputed a king . And seing neither these wordes which they heare , nor that lamentable figure which they behold , is sufficient to make their adamantical heartes relent , beholde thou him , O Christian , and let thine relent , yea , rent and burst in twaine for sorowe , considering , howe for thee it is , that he is thus scorned , and vilanously intreated . For thy pride and hautines , is he crowned with these pricking thornes ; for thy superfluous and dishonest decking , is he thus vestured with this ridiculous robe ; for thy folies and most vaine vanities , doth he beare this sceptre of reede in hande ; for thy beastlines and abhominations , is that most beautiful face defiled and beraide with filthie spittle ; a a Isai . 50. 〈◊〉 Lact. lib. 4. Inst. de vera sap. ▪ cap. 18. for thy dissolutions and wanton toyes , are those handes , and that necke fast tied with harde cordes to the piller . See , O thou miserable and wicked man , see what God a most righteous and merciful man hath suffred for thy iustification ; procure thou therfore to be grateful to such a benefactour , and not to renewe his griefes with thy newe sinnes . And to th' ende , that for the doing of this , thou maiest haue a more aboundant grace graunted thee , present this pitiful figure to his eternal Father , beseeching him , that he will looke vpon b b Psa. 83. ● . his Christs face , as it was then disfigured . when Pilate shewed him to the people ; and serue thy turne with the selfe-same wordes he then spake , saying : Beholde the man , O celestial father , which thou so long hast a a Eze. 22. g sought for , to oppose him-selfe against thy wrath , and to be a Mediatour betwixt thee b b Rom. 5. a. Heb. 7. d & ▪ 12. f. 1. Ioh. 2. a Heb. 1. a and sinners . Beholde him , who is the brightnes of thy glory , and the figure of thy substance , how gretly he is obscured and difformed , to restore by this meanes the beautie , which my soule through so great a number of sinnes had lost . Beholde the man , who with his diuine bloud hath sufficiently satisfied thy iustice . Looke therefore , O most merciful Father , looke vpon the lamentable face of this man , who is both God , and thy Sonne , and for the honour of that , which he , being most innocent hath paide for me , pardon the manifolde sinnes , which I haue committed against thy Maiestie .

Finally , thou maiest in this point consider the incomparable sorowe , which his most sacred mother felt , if ( as it is thought ) she were there present , and sawe with her bodilye eyes this most woful Spectacle ; which ( albeit wer not sufficient to moue those Iewish pitilesse heartes to compassion ) yet sufficed it to rent the most sorowful Virgins bowels in twaine , and to perce through her most heauy and dolorous heart . O moste sacred mother , looke wel , whether this man that Pilate sheweth , be thy sweete sonne or no ; sith hardly canst thou know him with this attire and hew , so farre different from that thou wast wont to see him in . Thy beloued sonne is white and a a Can. 5. c. ruddie , the fairest that was euer seene amongst the b b Ps. 44. a sonnes of men , the brightnes of the eternal light , and Mirrour without mole , as the c c Sap. 1. d sacred writt doth cal him ; but nowe , seing him al bathed him al bathed in blood , defiled with spittle , al wanne and pale with woes , howe canst thou possibly know him ? Thy sonne , O Lady , is king of heauen , before whom al the powers celestial doo quake , and the Dominations doo adore him ; what hath that crowne of most cruel thornes to doo with him , that scepter of reede , and that robe of irrision , wher-with those caitiues doo thus scorne him ? yet neuerthelesse , albeit by his outward apparance thou canst hardly know him , yet maiest thou right easily doo it by his inuincible patience , by his profound humilitie , by his infinite charitie , wher-with he condescended , to be thus crowned like a counterfaite king , and mocked here in earth , that we may merite to be crowned with glory , and to reigne with him in heauen .

A PRAYER .

THY HEART was whollye wounded with woe on euery side , O most doleful mother , when thou sawest thine onely sonne king of heauen and of earth , crowned with pricking thornes , arraied like a counterfeit king , made a spectacle and mocking stocke of men , and that al this crueltie sufficed not to moue or melt those flintie heartes ; I humbly beseech thee , O most merciful Ladie , by this thine ineffable griefe , that thy merciful entrals take compassion of my great miserie ; and seing thou seest wel , howe the thorns of mine offences doo pricke and wound my soule , obtein me by thine intercession , that the succour of diuine grace be aboundantlye graunted to me . Amen .

OF THE CARYING OF THE CROSSE .

Pondera dum trahit , & trahitur , dum terga● laborant Sub cruce , puniceo rore cruentat iter .
THE FOVRTH DOLOrous misterie is , when our Lorde caried the Crosse on his backe , whereon he was to be crucified , where-vpon thou shalt meditate the pointes folowing .

THE FIRST is , how miserable Pilate being vanquished with a worldlye feare , through the Iewes a a Ioh. 19. 〈◊〉 threatninges , b b mat. 27 〈◊〉 Act. 19. d Mar. 15. ● . Luc. 23. c . wasshing his handes , adiudged him to be crucified , whom he confessed to be innocent ; the which his sentence our Lorde and Redeemer accepted very humbly , desiring greatlye to dye for our life .

SECONDLY , contemplate , how that most heauie Crosse was laide vpon his shoulders , which he embraced verye willinglye , and did what he could to beare it , albeit with great griefe and paine , which made him eftsons to fal flatt vnto the grounde .

THIRDLY , how the King of heauen hauing caried the Crosse a good space , not being able to go anye further with that haste which they made him doo , they , not for compassion sake , but for the desire they had to put him the sooner to death , tooke the Crosse from him , and caused c c mat. 27 ▪ 〈◊〉 Mar. 15. 〈◊〉 Luc. 23. d Cyreneus to beare it ; and then did our Lorde speake to those d d Luc. ibid deuout wemen , which folowed him with weeping eyes , amongst whom wel may we deeme that his most holy Mother was .

AS TOVCHING the firste point , thou maiest consider the rage and diabolical obstinacie of those wicked Iewes , who seing our Redeemer thus weakned and afflicted , & in so pitiful a plight , as had beene sufficient to make al other heartes to relent , although they had bene harder then the verye stones ; yet were they no whitt at al appeased , nor any deale moued to compassion ; yea , they cried out with a terrible fury , a a Luc. 23 ▪ c Ioh. 19. c Mar. 15. d Mat. 27. c Crucifie him , Crucifie him : Then might that haue been wel saide by them which Iacob had prophecied , sa●ing : b b Ge. 49. a Wo woorth their so obstinate furye , and their indignation so harde and cruel . Where note , howe great a mischiefe it is , for a man to let him-selfe be blinded and possessed with the Deuil ; for after he is once come to this point , then doth he participate of the same properties and conditions that the Diuel him-selfe is of , and by that meanes is his enuie , his furie , and al his other vices rather hellish than humane . Note also to the same purpose , the blindnes and iniustice of miserable Pilate , who hauing so many times confessed , that he founde a a Luc. 23 ▪ a no cause wherefore to condemne our Lorde , yea , that he was iust ; knowing also , that vpon a spite the Iewes had accused him , and deliuered him into his handes , yet did he for al this , being vanquished with their importunitie , and a worldly feare , condemne the innocent to suffer death , and weeneth ( wretche that he is ) b b mat. 27 ▪ 〈◊〉 howe by the wasshing of his hands , his conscience should be cleered . They are like to Pilate , who for feare of the worlde , and of losing their commodities , doo defile their consciences , and weene to wash them-selues with certain workes and outward apparances ; wherewith albeit they maye other-whiles cast a mist before mens eyes , yet are they once sure , they can-not deceaue the eyes of God , who a a 1. Re. 16 b Psal. 6 b 1. Par. 28. b looketh chiefly at the heart and meaning of eche one . Doo thou therefore ( good brother ) considering this point , take heed of falling into such like errors , and thinke , howe it sufsiceth not to beginne wel , as Pilate did , but it behoueth thee to be constant , and to perseuer vntil the ende , b b mat. 10. c if thou wilt be saued .

Lastly , thou maiest in this Article consider the gret patience and humilitie , wher-with the innocent Lambe accepteth so iniust a sentence of death , pronounced against him , by the which he merited , that the iust sentence of eternal death set down against vs for our sinnes , should be reuoked ; and that the sentence of absolution and pardon pronounced by the vicar of Iesus Christe , when we rightly confesse our selues vnto him , might be valable and effectual .

IN THE second point thou hast great occasion to be sory , meditating the crueltie , where-with the wicked Iewes ( presentlye after sentence was pronounced against him , which they so earnestly desired and craued ) doo then take our Redeemer , and handle him much more spitefully then they did tofore , Pilate nowe hauing geuen him to them , to execute freely their furious rage vpon him . And if heretofore they handled him so cruelly , hauing him but as a prisoner , alas , what maye we suppose they did to him being now condemned , and geuen wholly ouer into their most sacrilegious handes . Contemplate , with what inhumanitie they stripp off his robes of a a Mar. 15 b Mat. 27. d. Ioh. 19. a. mockerie , where-with they had earst scorned him , and put his own clothes on again , that he might by that meanes be knowen of euery one ; heping grief vpon griefe , & ignominie vpon ignominie . Behold howe lay that most heauie Crosse on his weak shoulders , which they had with great diligence prepared in such wise for him ; ponder wel , how greatly his paine was increased by that so vnmerciful a weight , being so sore weakned with his former tormentes , and the bloud which he had lost alreadie . Consider howe they make his condition worse then that of the twoo theeues , whom they carye with him to suffer the like death ; sith neither of them carieth his Crosse , as they make our most mild Sauiour to doo . This is the sceptre , ( O my King ) which these Infidels , and rebellious seruants of thine geue thee in signe of the soueraintie a a Isai. 9. b & . 22. f. Tertul lib on Iudaeos . which thou hast ouer them ; the which answereth very wel to the crowne , wherwith they haue alredie crowned thee ; and thine inestimable charitie dissembleth and embraceth al with the great desire thou hast to conduct them by this way to thy celestial kingdome . This is the staffe whereon thou leanest , and goest therwith like an-other a a Ge. 23. ● . Iacob , to passe the floud of Iordan , to witt , of death ; to returne anon after thy resurrection , associated with those infinite legions of soules , which thou deliueredst out of Limbo , and cariedst vp to heuen with thee . With this staffe , and b b 1. Re. 17. 〈◊〉 with the fiue stones , which thou tookest in the mount Caluarie , that is to say , thy fiue most sacred woundes , thou foughtest like an-other Dauid against that proude giant Lucifer , & subduedst him , deliuering by this meanes thy people from the hellish hoste , which did on euery side enuirone them . This is the wood which thou bearest on thy backe like an-other c c Ge. 22. b. Isaac , to offer thy selfe thervppon for vs in this most acceptable sacrifice to thine eternal Father , being burned with the ●ire of thy moste feruent charitie . Consider besides , how the Redeemer going thus loden with the grieuous weight of the Crosse , fel to the ground through the vnmerciful weight that he bare ; and howe they smiting him then a-fresh most tirannously , make him rise vp and go an ende ; where thou maiest meditate , how not only the weight of the Roode did grieue & torment him , but also both thine and the whole world their manifold and enormous offences , which he then bare vpon him , going for them in this wise to be crucified . So did the Prophet a a Isai. 53 b Esay affirme , saying : Howe the eternal Father had laide vpon him al our iniquities , that he should stisfie for al , like as he had offred him-selfe for al. O my most sweete Redeemer , howe grieuous a burden did the b b 1. Pe. 2. d multitude of mine abhominations occasionate thee , which thou berest on thy backe , and paine thee much more then the Crosse it selfe doth . O , how great reason is it , that I weepe and waile with thee , for the paine which I haue caused thee to endure ; and with-al , yeeld thee thankes , that thou like a good Sheppard hast vouchsafed to carye vpon thy sacred shoulders this a a 〈◊〉 c. 15. a Ma●. 18. b. miserable strayed sheepe , which thou diddest come to seeke in the wildernes of this world . Al the quiers of Angels , which thou leftest behinde thee in heauen , adore and blesse thee , who knowe much better then we doo , howe greatlye the clemencie meriteth to be thanked , which moued thee to come , carye , and cure so vile a sheepe , as is that of humane nature , which thou diddest beare vpon thy backe , in carying of thy Crosse .

IN THE THIRDE point thou mayest also interteyne thy selfe , contemplating , in what a pitiful plight our Lorde and Sauiour was in , when the Crosse was taken from him , and geuen to a a mat. 29 d Mar. 15. b. Luc. 23. d Cyreneus , because he was not able to go so fast as those wicked helhoundes woulde haue had him . Howe greatly he was pained and afflicted , sweting through the wearines of the viage he had made , howe wounded and annoyed through the heauines of the Crosse , shedding his bloud a-new , which intermedled with sweat , did bedew the ground he went vpon ; howe fraight with the shame and vilanies they did vnto him , howe brused with the blowes and strokes which they gaue him to make him go on ende . O my God , what a countenaunce is this , ynough to burst his heart with compassion , who had neuer so litle of humane pietie . O my soul , if thou couldest throughly consider this passage , howe great cause shouldest thou find to take compassion & grief , at so many griefs , so many and outragious spites , as thou seest him suffer for thy sins , a a 1. Pe. 2. d who neuer sinned , nor euer was ani falshod found in his mouth ; and howe greatly oughtest thou besides to waile the hardnes of thy heart , which is not rent in twain with the remembrance of such a ruful countenance . O , if thou didst loue this Lord with such loue as thou art bound to doo , he louing thee so dearlye , with howe great feruour wouldest thou desire to gather vpp those pretious droppes of bloud and sweat , which did fal on the grounde , wher-with thou mightest washe out thy staines , and beautifie thy beastlye blemishes . Ah! what a spite shouldest thou beare that Cyreneus , who eased in some wise the paine of this Celestial Monarche , carying b b Luc. 23. d his Crosse hefore him as a Royal Standard ; and that which he bore then perforce , c c Amb. li. 10. in Luc. ca. 99. post Hieron in Mat. and maugre his wil , Orig. hom. 35. thou shouldest beare on thy backe with a willing and cheerful courage , Theoph. & Euthy cap. 67. in mat Mat. 27. d. Mat. 16. d Mar. 8. d Luc. 9. c vbi quotidie additur . woting howe the same Lord hath saide : That if any wil folowe him , he must take vp his Crosse and folowe him . And seing thou hast not deserued to cary that Crosse , which Simon Cyreneus did , carye at least thine owne , like as thou art commaunded , that is to say , the toils and tribulations , which in this life shal befal thee . Carye also the Crosse of compassion , vnbethinking thee of that which thy Lord vouchsafed to suffer for thee ; sith in this sort , thy seruice which now thou doest , shal be much more grateful to him , than that which Cyreneus earst performed .

Meditate also in this Article the pitiful plaintes of those deuout women that a a Luc. 22. d. folowed him , who al of them wept ful bitterlye , seing the crueltie , wher-with the most patient Lambe was handled ; but aboue al , take compassion of those teares , which the most mournful mother shed , who , like as she loued her sonne more then did al the other women , so did she weepe more bitterly then the other , lament more then the other , and feele more greeuous corseys then the other . O sacred virgin , who can possiblye conceaue the excesse of thy most vehement griefes , when thou sawest him whom thy soule loued so tenderly , lodened with that importable weight , weakned with so many woes , pained with so many woundes , contemned with so many iniuries , felowed with theeues , and adiudged to the death of the Roode , which they caused him with such reproche and paine to carye . Euen such was thy soule then , as was the figure which thou beheldest with thy weeping eyes ; neither did the thornes of sorowe perce thine entrals lesse , then those of woodd pearce his most Reuerend head . This onely anguish , O my Soueraine Ladye , had beene sufficient to haue made thee dye , as it sufficed to make thee sowne , were it not thy life had been supernaturally preserued , to see the other tormentes which remained , for him in body , and for thee in soul , to suffer . O how much more willingly then Cyreneus did , wouldest thou haue performed his office , in carying of the Crosse ; sith the strength which thy tendernes and sorows denied thee , loue did make supply of , and the desire thou haddest to beare some part of the afflictions , which , without al pitie they gaue vnto the afflicted , and grieued thee no lesse then they did him-selfe . Lastlye consider the wordes , which our Redeemer a a Daughters of Ierusalem , weepe not for me , but weepe for your owne faults , and for those of your children . spake , Luc. 23. d turning him to the wemen that wept , which ought to make thee careful , and desirous to bring forth some good fruit ; sith otherwise , if thou beest a drye tree and barreine , thinke what punishment thou shalt deserue , if he be thus tormented for thy sins , which was a greene tree , so pretious and so fruitful .

A PRAYER .

HOWE grieuous and paineful was that viage to thee , O most sacred virgin , when thou diddest accompanye thy deere sonne to the monnt Caluary , carying the Crosse on his backe , whereon he was condemned to suffer death ; wel did thy manifold sighes geue testimonie therof , as also the pitiful sobbes , and aboundance of teares which thou sheddest with the other wemen that wept with thee , and accompanied him . I beseech thee , O most doleful mother , by the dolour and affliction which thou feltest in that houre , that by thine intercession I maye haue such grace graunted me , as that I may alwaies faithfullye accompanie the same Lord , in carying of my Crosse ; and that no worldly thing , be it prosperous or contrary , may euer seperate me from him . Amen .

OF THE CRVCIFYING ▪

In Cruce dum pendet tenebris obnubit Olimpū ▪ Expoliat tumulos , & iuga celsa quatit .
THE FIFT AND LAST dolorous Misterie is of the crucifying of Iesus Christ our Redeemer , touching the which thou shalt meditate these pointes folowing .

FIRST , howe being arriued to the mount Caluary , which was the place where they commonly did execute offenders , those wicked tormentours stript our Lorde out of his clothes , to naile him naked vpon the Roode .

SECONDLY , consider the incomparable torment , which the most milde ●ambe receaued , when they racked him out vpon the Crosse , and that his most holy handes and feete were perced through with great nailes , as also the wonderful patience wher-with he endured euery thing .

THIRDLY , thou shalt meditate the shame which increased his other annoyes , when being thus naked and crucified , he was lifted vp vpon the Crosse , and placed a betwixt two theeues ; and ponder here , a a mar. 15. c Luc. 23. e. I●h. 19. c. what his most heauy mother felt , when she sawe him in this case , and hearde the wordes which he spake being on the Roode .

IF THOV wilt dilate the meditation of the first point , consider , in what case our most louing Lorde was , hauing finished this his last and most dolorous procession , howe great the wearines was , which he felt , hauing made so long and laboursome a iourney on foote , and lodened a great peece of the way with the heauie burden of the Crosse . How gret his weaknes , which made him almost to sowne , hauing shed so great a quantitie of blo●dd out of the manifold woundes he had receaued . Howe great the affliction was , that oppressed his most sacred soule , vnbethinking him of the extreme torments which he looked for , besides those that he had alredye endured ; and for the mitigation of so many paines and griefes , the bedd which they had prepared for him , was that harde and narrowe Crosse , wheron they minded to crucifie him ; and the drinke which they presented to confort him withal , was that wine mingled with gal , to th' ende that no of his senses or members might goe scot-free without their peculier torment . O sweet Iesus , thou which art a most pleasaunt hony-combe descended from heauen to a a Mat. 22 d. & f. Mar. 15. b. Luc. 23 c Ioh. 19. 〈◊〉 Psal. 98. c Cyril . Alex li. 12 ▪ in Ioh. ca. 29. li. 1. histor. Eccl. sweeten the sournes of men , and to ease their annoyes and griefes , findest no one amongst them that wil take compassion of thee , nor geue thee any moment of rest , yea , contriue new means how to afflict thee , and to heape b b Ps. 68. d. sorow vpon sorow . O ingrateful world , how yl a counterchange is this thou geuest to thy maker and benefactor , which for hony affordest him gal ; and for solace , sorowe ; and hatred for the loue wher-with he created thee , and came to redeeme thee ; and this thine ingratitude and most blame-woorthye blindnes is cause of thy so barbarous crueltie , as meaning to crucifie him ; thou wilt stripp him out of his clothes , that he may go naked to suffer deth , who came naked into the world to geue thee life . Consider then , with what inhumanitie those cruel hangmen plucke off his clothes , and withal plucke off his tender skinne , and part of the fleshe which did cleaue thereto . Behold , how the most beautiful of al men standeth naked , and fraight ful of shame , amongst so gret a multitude of people , bleeding anewe al ouer , through the rauing of his former woundes ; and ponder the intolerable griefe of his most heauie mother , when she sawe him bereft of the a a Ioh. 19. d. robe which with her own handes she had wouen for him , & without part of the skinn and flesh which she had geuen him in her entrals ; and clothed only with dolours , heauines , and confusion , with which kind of attire his soul was also couered . Learne here to loue pouertie , seing he loued it b b 2. Cor. 8. b Ber. Ser. 1. de Vig. Natiuit . so greatly , Amb. ca. 13 instit . virg. who was geuen to vs for a teacher ; & was borne poore , liued poore , and poore and naked departed this ingrateful world .

IN THE meditation of the second point thou maiest pause in like maner , considering , howe aboue al the dolors and torments , which the most innocent Lambe endured , they passed , which he felt , when his most sacred handes and feet were with huge nailes fastned hard vnto the Crosse . Consider the cruel blowes wherwith they nailed him ; and how the blowes missing many times through the fiendish fury , where-with they were enraged ( as we may godlily meditate ) they fel many times vpon the palmes of his handes , and vpon his fingers & toes , with such a force , as those delicate partes were wholly crusshed in sunder , and wounded with intolerable torment . Behold like wise , how to make his members stretche out to the holes which they had alredy bored in the Crosse , they racke them out so vehemently , as they plucke the bones out of the ioyntes with incomparable griefe ; wherby was that fulfilled , which Dauid had prophecied , a a Psa. 21. b saying : They haue bored through my handes and my feete , and haue numbred al my bones . Behold then , how these sacred armes of our most louing Lorde are thus stretcht out vpon the Crosse , redy b b August . to embrace al those , that wil draw nighe vnto him ; euen like to that his infinite charitie , where-with he suffred for al. Beholde these most puissant handes that earst created heauen and earth , and wherwith he had wrought so many miracles , howe they are now c c Zac. 13. 〈◊〉 nailed fast to the Roode , and distil forth that pretious liquor of his most sacred bloud , sufficient to cure al their spiritual infirmities that wil gather therof ; sith this is the wholsome and most approued mirrhe , which the Spouse d d Can. 5. a. saith in the Canticles , that her handes and fingers did distil . Consider also , how those huge nailes were not onely driuen through the moste holy Sonne his handes and feete ; but also perced the entrals of his blessed mother being there present . O what a horrible sounde made those vehement blowes of the hammers in her eares , which , no doubt , did more torment and wounde her woful heart , then if in very deede her holy hands had been stroken through . And this was a cause of doubling our most merciful Lorde his tormentes , who wist it wel inough , and loued her so tenderly , and tooke great compassion of her paines ; in such sort , as besides the torment which these outward nailes did occasionate in his bodye , he had other inwarde nailes which afflicted more vehemently his most sacred soule . O most patient Iesus , how art thou on euery side enuironed with annoiances ? Rightlye maiest thou say , a a Ps. 68. a. that the waters of tribulation are entred into the very botome of thy soule ; and thine inuincible patience abideth al , which maketh thee become dombe , and to stande like a Lambe , a a Isai. 53. 〈◊〉 before those that shere thee and torment thee . And if haply thou openest thy mouth , it is only to b b Luc. 23. 〈◊〉 Beda ca. 94 in Luc. Leo Ser. 11. de Passio . Theoph. Anselm . excuse & to pray for them , for so much as thine infinite charitie is that which holdeth thee surer nailed and fastned to the Crosse , then doo those material and yron nayles , minding with this so great cost , to confect a soueraine medicine to our saluation .

CONCERNING the thirde point , thou hast a more ample matter to enterteine thee , pondring how our Redeemer being crucified , was exalted on high vpon the Crosse , that as he died for al men , so he might be seene of al men . This exaltation had c c Nu. 31. 〈◊〉 Ioh. 3. b Moises earst prefigured , when he raised vp the Serpent of brasse in the wildernes ; sithens like as then al they were healed of their corporal wounds which looked vpon the Serpent ; euen so they , which with a liuely faith behold this Lord exalted vpon the Roode , receaue cure of their spiritual infirmities , which are farre more dangerous . Pause therefore ( O my soul ) pause and shroude thy selfe vnder the shadowe of this a a Cant. 2. a tree of life , if thou wilt rightly repose thee , and cure thy festred woundes . Behold the wholsome fruit that hangeth b b Deu. 28 g theron ; which albeit thou seest naked , contenned , blasphemed , and reproued of this miscreant nation , yet is he most sweete , most high , and of infinite Maiestie ; God hidden , who vouchsafeth thus to dissemble and cloke his puissance , to make his mercy so much the better knowen . Gather then this pretious fruit , and trial shal teach thee the meruailous vertue thereof . Make thy nest like a simple doue , in the crannies and holes of this c c Can. 2. c Ier. 48. d. rocke , that is to say , in d d Ber. Ser. 61. in Can. his most sacred woundes , sith he geueth thee leue , yea , inuiteth thee so to doo . Weigh wel the throne which this day the eternal King hath chosen amidst two theeues and trespassers , in the same mount where such accustomably were executed ; meaning to signifie by this , that as for sinners and offenders he descended from heauen , and was borne in the world ; so did he for sinners and theeues dye in that place betwixt theeues , paying by this meanes that he had not a a Ps. 68. a. stolne , and taking away the filth and b b Abac. 3. d . infamie of that stinking place , with the most sweete incense of the sacrifice which he offred . Learne moreouer in this point to doo according to the example which is shewed thee in the c c Exo. 25 ▪ d Heb. 8. b Act. 7 ▪ f mountain , crucifying thy flesh with her vices and concupiscences , as the d d Gala. 5. ● Rom. 6. a Colos. 3. 〈◊〉 Apostle doth admonish thee ; sith it is not meete that thou seeke after delicacies & superfluous pamperings of the fleshe , seing thy Lord his flesh thus cruelly handled , as from the sole a a Isa. 1. a. Psa. 37. a of his foote vnto the crowne of his head there is no one free spot in him ; And very indecent should it be , that vnder b b Bernard . a head crowned with thorns the other partes should not be nice and delicate . Contemplate lastly in this point the extreme dolors which the most ruful mother felt , at such time , as standing by the Crosse , she saw him heaued vp thereon , naked , racked , al wounded , hauing his hands and feete perced through , whereout those foure flouds of bloud did issue , being farre more pretious then the c c Gen. 2. b Eccl. 24. c foure flouds that issued out of terrestral Paradise ; when she behelde those gratious eyes wanne and pale , where-with he was wont to comfort al those that were heauie and afflicted ; that beautiful face , wherein the d d 1. Pet. 1. c Angels desire to looke , difformed and withered ; that diuine head ful of thorns , which had a a Mat. 8. 〈◊〉 Luc. 9. g not where to rest it . O Queene of heauen , what dolor was euer like to thine , when with thy weeping eyes thou beheldest this woful figure ! O , howe much more were thy anguishes sufficient to darken thy most heauy heart , them was the b b Luc. 23. f darknes which came then vpon the earth , sufficient to darken it . To whom may I compare thee , or to whom may I liken thee , O most sacred virgin , thine affliction and tribulation , being so great as is the Ocean Sea ! If the Angel , when he first saluted thee , did cal thee , c c Luc. 1. 〈◊〉 ful of grace , at this instant he may cal thee , ful of griefs and sorow , so great a part of the bitter cupp , which thy deare sonne dranke , being fallen to thy share ; to whom , I humbly beseech thee , to offer those greeuous dolors , which thou then enduredst , like as he offered al his bitter griefes , and the bloud he shed , to his eternal Father for the redemption of the world . And thou , O celestial Father , behold , in al humilitie I begg it , beholde the a a Ps. 83. c face of thy Christe , and smel the sweetnes of the sacrifice which he offreth thee . Regard those out-stretched armes , that represent the bowe which thou promisedst to place in the cloudes b b Gen. 9. b Eccle. 43. b Haba. 3 b in signe of peace and frendshipp , which thou vouchsafedst to make with mankinde . Listen that sweete musike he maketh with the wordes he speaketh on the Crosse , where his head is al to torne , and his members and sinewes stretched out like Dauids harpe , whereon when he played , c c 1. Re. 16 d he made the fiend to flye ; and seing al that he hath done and suffred , hath been to appease thee , and to obteine mercie for vs , accept the same , O Lord , and send vs from heauen thy holy benediction .

A PRAYER .

WHAT griefe was euer like to thine , O Virgin & most woful mother , when thou sawest thy dearly beloued sonne exalted on the Crosse , fastned thereto with huge nailes , from topp to toe al wounded like a lepre ; hauing gal and vinegre geuen him to drinke , and blasphemed and mocked of that wicked nation ! O howe in very deede did then the dagger of woes , which a a Luc. 2. 〈◊〉 Simeon had foretolde thee , pearce through thy most afflicted soul ! I beseech thee humblye , O most woful Lady , with ioyned hands , that for thy sonne his most bitter passion , and thy compassion sake , thou wilt obteine me graces to feele the taste of his so strange torments , and of thy excessiue sorows , that being touched with a true compunction , I may crucifie mine olde man with al his vices & concupiscences . Amen .

THE FIVE LAST MISTERIES ARE CALLED GLORIOVS ,

FOR THAT THE MOST HOLY VIRGIN MARYE RECEAVED THEM , AFTER HER SONNE WAS WHOLLYE GLORIOVS , TO WITT , BOTH IN BODY AND SOVLE .

OF THE RESVRRECTION .

Post triduum sospes repetit data membra sepulchro : Tartareaque refert rapta trophea dom● .
THE FIRST WHEROF is of his triumphant Resurrection , about the which thou shalt meditate these pointes folowing .

FIRST , howe our Redeemer being dead , his most sacred soule descended downe to a a Ps. 15. b Limbo to comfort b b Zac. 9. c. Col. 2. c. and deliuer thence those holy fathers , which had so long time looked for him ; with whom he staied til Sundaye morning , when very early he returned to the sepulchre , and taking againe his most holy bodye , he rose vp glorious , and issued out of his closed sepulchre .

SECONDLY , thou maiest meditate , howe our Lord being thus risen vp , he appered first to his most holy c c Niceph. cap. 32. li. 1 Hist. Eccl. mother , who receaued an incomparable gladnes , seing him risen vpp so beautiful and so glorious .

THIRDLY , meditate , howe after he had remained some space with his most blessed mother comforting and reioysing her ▪ he went afterwardes to performe the same office to his d d Luc. 24 b & . f. Act. 1. a Disciples , and his other deuout seruauntes ; amongst the which , he first appered to good e e mat. 28 b Mar. 16. b Mary Magdalen , who loued him most feruently , and with greatest desire did seeke him .

IN THE firste point thou maiest entertaine thy selfe , meditating , how al those holy Fathers , Patriarches , and prophets , with al the other a a Aug. li. 20 de Ciuit. ca. 15. Hier. in ca. 4. ad Ephe. righteous persons which had been dead from the beginning of the world , were al detained in Limbo , expecting the happye comming of our Sauiour , who with the same charitie and humilitie , wher with he had humbled him-selfe , in suffring b b Phil. 2. b death vpon the Crosse , vouchsafed also to humble him-self , in discending downe to Limbo , and visiting that blessed congregation , which with such feruent zeale had long time desired to see this happy daye . I leaue thee now to thinke , what surpassing ioy those sacred soules receaued , when they sawe this most sacred soule of Christ c c Aug. Ser. 137. de tempore . vnited to the Diuinitie enter with such triumph and puissance into their prison , and with his brightnes to illuminate those mistie dongeons ; and vnderstood besides what he had done and suffred in the world , and then , wherfore he was discended thither to be onely to deliuer them out of their imprisonment , and to make them endlesse happie .

What tongue can woorthelye tel their consolations , their ioyes , their songes , praises , and benedictions , which they sounded forth in praise of their glorious benefactour ? Neuerthelesse , albeit the ioye of these redeemed soules were so exceeding great , yet farre greter was that of their Redeemer , beginning now to see the glorious fruit of his great paines , and the great good , which his grieuous passion had wrought . O , with how great reason might eche one then a a Ps. 117. d saye : This is the day that our Lorde hath made , let vs reioyce and be gladd therein : Where note , that albeit it may seem other-whiles , that our Lorde hath forgotten his elect , and that which he hath promised them ; yet doth he not so , but expecteth the fittest time , wherein he knoweth how to fulfil the same , like as we see he hath here done towardes these good holy Fathers . We must not therefore wauer in our beliefe , but abide and waite with patience for his most holy comming . Sithens as the Prophet Abacuch admonisheth vs : a a Aba. 2. a Our Lorde , whom thou hast so greatly called on , wil come at length , and wil not lye ; if he tary , expect him ; for he that commeth , wil come , and wil not tarye long . Consider also in this point , howe our Sauiour hauing staide al Saterday with those holy Fathers , reioycing and conforting them , as wel thou maiest imagine , his most blessed soule did on b b Euang. vbi supra Act 10. f & . 13. 〈◊〉 Rom. 4. d & . 8. f. 1. Cor. 15. a ▪ 2. Tim. 2 Nic. ca. 37. li. 1. Sunday morning returne to reuiue his most sacred body , which laye in the sepulchre ; wherinto he entring , made it become so beautiful and glittering as the Sunne ; and that bodye which earst through the tormentes of his passion was al wounded , al blacke , and al difformed a a Luc. 24. f Ioh. 20. 〈◊〉 like a Lepre , presently after it was vnited to the most sacred soule , and by it reuiued , became the most beautiful of al bodies ; & the blacknes being now changed into brightnes , the woundes and deformitie conuerted into an incomparable beautie , he reserued only the a a Luc. 24. f Ioh. 20. 〈◊〉 fiue most sacred woundes of his handes , feete , and side , in memorie of our redemption , the which doo wonderfully shine forth , and beautifie the same ; and the fight therof causeth a singuler contentation to the blessed Saintes , and moueth his eternal Father to mercy in our behalfes , when for this intent it pleaseth him to shewe them . O , happy are those euer , that shal enioye such a sight ! O what a Mirrour is this so cleare and beautiful , wherein we maye eftsons take viewe of our selues , to know our defects , and to reioyce our hartes , like as his disciples did reioyce eche time , a a mat. 28. b Luc. 24. e. f Ioh. 20. e that the same Mirrour did shewe it selfe vnto them ; and at this day are they neuer satiated with beholding it in heauen .

IN THE second point thou mayest enterteine thy selfe , meditating and beholding with the eyes of thy soule , howe our Lorde and Redemer did presently after he was risen vp , visite his most holy b b Niceph. ca. 32. lib. 1. Sedul . in carm. Pas . ca. 20. de Resur . ver. 4. a fine . mother , whom thou maiest wel beleue , to haue been the first , albeit in the Gospel there is no mention made thereof ; for , that being a commaundement of his , which the wise man reporteth , c c Eccl. 7. c. Tob. 4. a Honor thy Father , and forget not thy mothers sorowe , howe were it possible for the most obedient sonne to forget his mother , who loued him so dearly , and had so bitterly wailed , wept , and sorowed his passion and paineful death ? Whye should not she be visited and comforted before al others , which was more afflicted then al others ? If , as the Euangelist a a Lu● . 24. e Niceph. cap. 34. & 35. lib. 1. reporteth , our Lorde did , after he was risen vp , appere to S. Peter that had earst denied him , why shal not we beleeue , that he appered first to his blessed mother , that neuer did denye him ? yea , continuallye confessed him , and loued him aboue al ; and in whom alone the faith remained firme and incorrupted . Admitt therefore it was so , as reason requireth it should be , force thy selfe to meditate a litle , what ioy this blessed Lady felt , when , being solitary in her chamber , weeping , waiting , and longing to see the sonne of b b Mal. 4. a righteousnes rise vp , to lighten and clear her darke and doleful heart , she sawe her self in a moment enuironed with the glittering beames of the beautiful light thereof . Howe great her gladnes was , when she sawe that bodye which she had lately left in the sepulchre dead , al wounded and deformed , nowe liuing , whole , glittering , and glorious . How great contentation she receaued , when she sawe the soueraine beautie and brightnes restored to that face ful of al graces , and those diuine eyes , wher-with he looked vpon her so cleare and so louely . What pleasure her sence receaued , when with her eares she heard the most sweete voice , where-with he saluted her . Howe soueraine her exultation was , when she saw those most sacred armes embrace her so louinglye , and how with those most sacred handes which she had so lately seene fastned to the Roode , he with such pietie wiped a a Isai . 22. 〈◊〉 Apoc. 7. d & . 21. b off the trickling tears of her reuerend face ; then might she saye , and that with great cause , that sentence of the Prophet b b Ps. 93. d Dauid ; According to the multitude of griefes that my heart hath suffered , thy cons●lations haue reioyced my soule . Consider then in the best wise thou canst the sweete communication that passed betwixt the blessed mother and the Sonne , the the which , wel maye we beleue , did occasionate no lesse comfort to the mother , then did his sight , albeit she could vtter but fewe wordes , by reason she was wholly rapt in beholding that glorious vision which she had before her eyes , and in viewing euery particuler fealtie of that body , and that amiable countenance , whose brightnes and beautie did so greatlye delite her nowe , as did the seing of it blacke and wounded heretofore torment her , in the time of his painful passion . In like maner , beholding those wounds , which in his death had perced her virginal heart with sorowe , nowe became so faire and so glittering , she was therby replenished with so great a ioye , as she remained like one astonished , not being able to pronounce scarse any one word . Reioyce therfore , O Queene of heauen , sith thou hast so great causes to reioyce thee ; Let thy spirite now a a Luc. 2. 〈◊〉 be glad in God thy Sauiour , who hath fully satisfied the longing desires of thy soule ? Nowe thou seest him risen vp again , whose death thou earst lamentedst . a a Can. 2. 〈◊〉 Now is winter , and the stormes of his persecutions , ignominies , and tormentes cleane passed ouer ; now liueth he , and death shal haue no more b b Rom. 6. ● any dominion ouer him . Thou seest him nowe farre more exalted then he was before depressed ; now is he a conquerour of Death , of Hel , and of the Diuel ; nowe is neither he to suffer anye more , nor thou to haue any further feare . Reioyce therfore , O Lady , and let thy soule receaue solace through his triumph and Resurrection , as it was before made sorowful , euen almost to death , through his painful death and passion .

IN THE THIRDE point thou maiest in like maner enterteyne thy selfe , being a matter of great consolation , considering howe our Lorde , looke what office he had performed to his most blessed mother , and the same vouchsafed he to doo to a a Mat. 28 b Luc. 24. b Ioh. 21. a. b Act. 1. a Nic ▪ ea . 34 & . 35. li. 1 . his Disciples , and other deuout seruants ; wher-with we may wel beleeue , that the louing Ladye replenished with charitie , was very wel contented , yea , desired him so to doo ; sithens , like as when he was borne , she laide him in a manger , signifying thereby , that albeit she alone did beare and bring him forth , yet would she not haue him for her-selfe alone , but for al ; euen so would she not haue al the ioye of his glorious resurrection to her-selfe alone , but would in any wise , that others were made partakers thereof . Meditate therfore , how he first appered to good b b mar. 16 b Mary Magdalen , according to the testimonie of the holy Euangelists , who went with the other deuout women to c c Ibid. 16. a Luc. 24. a annoint him with pretious oyntments ( which they caried with them ) in the sepulchre ; where not finding of him ( albeit her companions went away ) yet would a a Ioh. 20. ● not she depart , sith loue held her fast linked to the place where she had earst left him , whom she so dearly loued , and remaining there weeping , she with a desire she had to finde him dead , merited to see him aliue and risen vp , albeit in Gardners weede , b b Ibid. d in such sort , as she sawe him and knewe him not , our Lord aunswering herein to the disposition of her soule ; for she loued and doubted , as he for the same reason appered c c Luc. 24. b in pilgrims shew to those two disciples that went to Emaus ; where thou maiest note , how this Lord knoweth at one time ▪ how both to comfort , instruct , and manifest the defects of his elect , and how such are best fauoured of him as most feruently doo loue him , like as we here see by good Mary Magdalen , to whom for her feruent loue sake was this prerogatiue geuen , that she might first see her deerlye beloued master , a a Ioh. 20. d and that she might be the messenger to announce the ioye of his Resurrection to those that litle thought therof , by reason of the heauines they were in , through the remembrance of his death and doleful passion .

Thinke nowe , ( good Christian ) think attentiuely , what ioy that most denout gentlewoman did feele , when she both sawe and knew her so dearlye beloued master . Ah Lorde , howe that heart leaped againe for ioy , when our Sauior called her b b Ioh. 20. d Mary , and she answered him forth-with with this louing word of master . O what a sodaine chaunge is this , how present an alteration ? What did thy hart feele ( O good Mary Magdalen ) being thus in a moment deliuered from thy surpassing sorows , and surseased with such a wonderful consolation ? What a boiling heat of hart was c c Ioh. 20. d Mat. 28. b that , that made her so impotent ouer her selfe , be about to embrace him , like one dronke in loue , wherby she quite forgot her-selfe of his most sacred Maiestie . O most happy teares , wherewith she bedewed the ground of that garden ; which made her so soone to reape so sweete a fruit ; happy the perseuerance , which made her tarye stil in that place , wherby she was so singulerly reioyced and comforted of our Sauiour . O happy loue , a a Can. 8. b more strong than death , which made her to finde the authour of life reuiued and risen vp , in the very place of death . Contemplate afterwardes , howe she hied her to tel these ioyful tidinges to the Apostles , b b Mal. 4. a whom , euery one of them , this Sonne of righteousnes minded to white , confect , and illuminate ; for like as he was borne for al , and died for al , so did he rise vp again for al , and vouchsafed to communicate the ioyes of his Resurrection to al ; forgetting neither c c Luc. 24. c Nic. ca. 34 & 35. li. 1 Peter , who denied him , nor the other a a mat 28. c Mar. 16. c Apostles , who were nowe for woe and distrust departed from Ierusalem ; b b Ioh. 20. f Nic. ca. 35. li. 1. neither Thomas , who continued so long time in his obstinate incredulitie ; wherby is shewed vs , howe much more this Lord is inclined and prone to comfort and to fauour , then to afflict and punish ; seing how in counterchange of those fewe dayes , wherin he permitted them through his death to be scandalized , troubled , and afflicted , he did afterwardes comfort and reioyce them farre more with his desired presence , appering many times to them , during the c c Act. 1. a Nic. ca. 34 lib. 1. hist. Eccl. fortie daies ; mening ther by to ascertaine them the better of the veritie of his Resurrection : where out thou maiest learne to put thy trust in this most faithful Lorde . And albeit thou feele thy selfe other-whiles afflicted and greeuously tempted , dispaire not yet , for he wil haue care to comfort and visite thee in due time , and wil deliuer thee out of al thy temptations and afflictions , according as it is a a Tob. 3. d written : After a storme he sendeth a calme , and after sobbes and teares , he geueth consolations .

A PRAYER .

AFTER a storm the aire groweth commonly clear againe ; euen so is it happed to thee , O most Souerain Queene of heauen , for after the stormie and woful time of thy dere Son his passion , the bright and calme day of his Resurrection appered to thee , wherein thy heart was incomparably reioyced , seing him risen vp glorious , immortal , and impassible . I beseech thee , O glorious Ladi , by that ineffable exultation which thou receauedst on this most happy dai , that it mai plese thee to make me partaker therof , obteining me that I may dye to mine old life of sinn , and may rise vp againe with a newe life of grace , by means wherof I may afterwardes attaine to the true and perpetual life of glory . Amen .

THE ASCENSION .

Victor agit spolijs auctos in sydera currus : Et Patris aeterna dexter in arce sedet .
THE SECOND GLOrious Misterie is of the Ascension of our Lorde , concerning the which thou maiest meditate these pointes folowing .

FIRST , how our Lord appered the a a Act. 18. a Nic. ca. 34 lib. 1. fortie day after his Resurrection , to his Disciples then being b b mar. 16 〈◊〉 Luc. 24. f at table ; and blamed their slacknes and difficultie in beleeuing his Resurrection , and afterwardes taught them what they ought to doo after his Ascension , and commaunded them to goe to Mount Oliuet , there to see him ascend .

SECONDLY , thou shalt meditate , howe al our Lord his Disciples being gathered together in the Mount Oliuet , as also the most holye mother our Lady , and the other deuout women there with them , our Sauiour came to the place where they were , hauing with him those blessed troupes which he had earst deliuered out of Limbo ; and after he had spoken to them , and bidd them al fare-wel , he beganne in their sightes to mount vp to heauen with great triumph and exultation ,

THIRDLY , consider , how the blessed mother , with the Disciples , and other deuout women , as they were al-together looking vp to heauen , where they saw our Lord ascend , there descended a a Act. 1. b two Angels downe cladd in white , aduertising them to make no longer abode there , and then they al of them returned backe to Ierusalem .

IN THE firste point thou maiest meditate the exceeding clemencie and lowlines of this our Lord ; who being that he was , did neither disdaine , ne was ashamed to visite his poore seruants , and to stay with them in any time , place , or disposition whatsoeuer . Sith as the Gospel b b mar. 16 b telleth , he appered to them when they were at table , and peraduenture did c c Luc. 24. f eate with them , therby to doo thee to witt , that thou maiest at al times , and in al places securely cal vpon him , and howe thou oughtest to enforce thy selfe to order al thine actions in such sort , as if euery houre thou diddest expect his holye visitation . Note moreouer , howe his checkes and scoolinges be of a Father that loueth vs right tenderly , and is greatly desirous of our profite . Like as thou seest here , howe after he had found fault with his Disciples incredulitie , he forthwith taught and instructed them of that they ought to doo in going rounde about the world , besides other a a mat. 18 d mar. 16. c. d Luc. 24. g Ioh. 20. 〈◊〉 graces and fauours which he did impart vnto them . At what time therefore thou feelest either inwardly his rebukes , or outwardly his roddes , be not troubled thereat , nor anye deale discouraged , but beleeue assuredlye , that in thus exercising his whipp , he doth like a louing Father , who , as holye writt doth b b Heb. 12. b Apoc. 3. d Pro. 3 b Iob. 5 , c. witnes , Chastiseth him whom he loueth , and scourgeth him whom he taketh for his childe . Contemplate then the singuler ioye wher-with the holy Apostles were surseased , in beholding their most louing Master ; and and with what attention they gaue eare to his diuine wordes ; and if the most holy mother wer then present amongst them ( as with godly deuotion we may beleeue she was ) howe much more she desired to behold and heare her sonne , then to taste any corporal foode : and if at other times when she was at table with him , she forgot to eate her meat , as we may wel beleeue she did , through the contentation she receaued by looking of him , howe much more did she so this last time , woting , how presently after he was to depart this world . O sacred virgin , who can possibly conceue , with how sundry cogitations thy heart was at that instant occupied ! for on th' one side thou wast delighted with beholding his so amiable presence , on th' other side thou languishedst , vnbethinking thee , how , not many houres after he should be taken from thee , and that thou shouldest remaine here in earth , he ascending vp to heauen , whose absence could not choose , but be greatly grieuous to thee ; in such sort , as the self-same cause and obiect did make thee both glad and sorowful ; howbeit , this did in th' end chieflye comfort thee , that thou knewest such to be his wil and pleasure , wherto continually thou diddest conform thy selfe .

IN THE meditation of the second point thou maiest intertaine thy self , being a matter of great deuotion , considering the wonderful Ascension of our Lorde , and beholding with the eyes of thy minde euery particularitie of the maner of his ascending ; the which wil , no doubt , afford thee gret comfort and spiritual fruit . For if the a a 4. Re. 2. b Eccl. 48. b. Prophet Elias promised to geue his Disciple Heliseus the gift of his spirite which he required , if so be he saw him ascend in that fierie chariot , where-in he was transported into earthly Paradise ; howe much more iustly mayest thou hope to obteyne a greater gifte , if thou contemplate and viewe with the eyes of thy minde deuoutly and with attention , howe , not the Prophete Elias , but the Lorde of al the prophetes ascendeth ; not in a chariot of fire , but by his owne vertue and power ; not into terrestral Paradise , but into the Emperial heauen , where he a a Ps. 109 a Mat. 22. d. Mar. 16. b. Luc. 22. d Act ▪ 7. g Aug. lib. de fide & Symb. ca. 7. sitteth on the right hande of his eternal Father ; and if , as S. Paule b b Eph. 4. b Psal. 67. b. saith , Christe when he ascended into heauen , gaue many giftes to men , wel maiest thou beleeue he wil doo the same euen nowe towardes them that doo spirituallye contemplate the same Ascension . Open therefore thine internal eyes , and with great faith and attention beholde howe the most holye Virgin with al that blessed companye that associated her , being arririued to the mount Oliuet , her most sweete sonne came also to the same place with the sacred spoiles of so many soules as he had earst deliuered out of Limbo . Doo nowe contemplate , with howe great sweetnes and affabilitie he talked to euerye one ; with howe great benignitie he embraced euerye one ; with howe great charitie he a a Luc. 24 ● blessed and comforted euerye one ; and if he did thus to al , consider in what maner he behaued him-selfe towardes that his most sacred Mother , who loued him more then al , merited more then al , and was more tenderlye moued then al with his departure . O howe much more sugred wordes maye we thinke he spake to her , howe much more singuler fauours he did her , and howe much more amiably he embraced her . The blessed mother desired to accompanie her most dear sonne , without whose presence and company her life was lothsome and painful to her ; how-beit , it was not graunted her , our Lord vouchsafing , that she for a a Vndecim annos a morte Christi Maria vixisse dicitur apud Niceph. ca. 3. li. 2. hist. Eccl. ex Euodio . some time should remaine here in the world , as a Keeper and comforter of that litle flock , which the good Sheppard left comfortlesse with his departure ; neither thought he it meete , that in one day they should be made Orphans , being depriued of such a Father and a mother ; the which this Lady vnderstanding , quieted her-selfe , and like an humble and obedient hand-maid resigned her wil to his diuine wil , saying haply the same wordes in the Ascension , which she vttered in the incarnation ; to b b Luc. 1. d wit , Beholde the hand maid of our Lord .

Hauing then in this wise talked with euery one , and taken his leaue of them al , behold , how by litle and litle he beginneth to eleuate him-self from earth , and to mount vpwardes into the aire with his hands lifted vp on high , wher-with he a a Luc. 24. g blessed than , and with his eyes fixed on them , did amiably behold them . Here maiest thou meditate , what the most sacred virgin , with al that holye assembly felt , seing him mount vp thus triumphantly ; how their heartes did rent in twaine through loue , and howe they melted againe with teares , seing him goe further and further from them ; and how they withal were incomparably reioyced , by beholding the triumphe and Maiestie , where-with he ascended , and hearing that heauenlye melodie , which the Angels and blessed Saintes did make , who al of them sounded forth most melodiously the praises of this triumphant Conquerour ; so that the hearing and seing of these thinges could not choose , but make them for ioye and tendernes of heart poure forth plentiful streames of teares . O glorious day , O Soueraine-sweet solemnitie , O most renowned triumphe ! thus is he honored a a Esther 6. c. whom the King of heauen wil honour ; thus is he exalted , b b mat. 23. b Luc. 14. c & . 18. c who humbled him-selfe so profoundly ; thus meriteth he to triumph , who hath obteined so glorious a victorie . Behold , O King of heauen , thy exaltation , and the name aboue al names that was geuen thee for being thus humbled and made obedient to the death of the Crosse . Beholde , howe thou beginnest nowe to reape the aboundant fruit that was promised thee , for hauing c c Isai. 53. d lost thy life for our sinnes . Beholde the noble triumphe thou hast attained , for hauing with such prowes ouercome so daungerous and difficult a daye . Gett thee therfore , O Lord , get thee now to thy d d Ps. 131. b 2. Par. 6. g. rest , seing thou hast taken so great paines , and carye with thee the arke of thy sanctification , that is to saye , thy most sacred humanitie , which is the most rich arke , whereout was taken that pretious treasure of our redemption . Be a a Psa. 107. thou exalted aboue al the heauens , O my God , and thy glorie be ouer al the world ; Al Angels , and al men yeeld thee due adoration and reuerence , seing thou hast enriched and reioyced them al with this thy glorious and most miraculous Ascension .

IN THE THIRDE point thou maiest in like maner enterteyne thee , meditating , howe the most blessed Mother remained with that holye flocke in the mountaine , where she sawe her most glorious Sonne ascende vp to heauen ; who al of them accompanied him with their corporal eyes whiles they might possiblye discerne him , and did after he was once out of sight ( being receued into a white a a Act. 1. b. cloude ) associate him with their soules .

Contemplate a while here , how she with the other lookers on , being al of them deuoutly on their knees , fixed their eyes on heauen without anye looking a-side or shifting of places , being bereft , as it were of al their senses , and wholly rauished with this most glorious vision .

Meditate besides , the solemn pompe and reioysing , where-with this glorious triumpher king of heauen and of earth was receaued into heuen ; think as-wel as thou canst , with what musike , with what songes , with what praises , and with what reuerence euerie celestial order did receaue and adore him ; howe the Angels reioyced ; how the Archangels wondred ; how the Scraphins burned in loue ; howe the inferior orders enquired of the superiour that which the Prophet a a Isa. 63. a. Esaias had so long time before foretolde : Who is this that commeth from Edom ? to witt , the world ; Who is this so beautiful and so attired in new garmentes , that ascendeth with so great puissance and triumph ? with other like words and questions , wherof thou maiest meditate according to thy deuotion . Contemplate lastly , how this most humble Lorde being arriued to the Emperial heauen ( who , as touching b b Ioh. 14. d his humanitie was lesse then this Father ) bowed him-selfe downe , repeting , it may be , the same wordes which in his prayer of the last supper he had vsed in the world ; that is to c c Ioh. 17. a say , My Father , I haue preached and announced thy name vpon earth , and haue perfected the worke which thou commaundedst me that I should doo ; now therfore , doo thou clarifie me , O Father , with the clearnes of the glorie which I had with thee before the world was made And then maiest thou meditate , how his heauenly Father made him sitt in that high throne , on his right hand , where he nowe d d Rom. 8. f. Ephes. ● . d Collos. 3. a 1. Pet. 3. d sitteth ; that is to say , that he exalted him , & made him partaker of the greatest goodes and excellencies that either haue been , or euer shal- be graunted to any other ; yea , that no creature can possiblye comprehend ; which is to be vnderstood , in as much as he was man ; for as he is God ; a a Ioh. 10. f he is equal with his Father , and hath the same glorye and Maiestie that his Father hath . The Prince of glorie being then receaued in this maner , ( who neuer forgetteth them that loue and put their trust in him ) sent b b Act. 1. b two Angels down to earth to visite his most dear mother , with al the other companie , as also to informe them of his arriual into heauen , and to deliuer such other speeches as he spoke to them ; by whose comming thou maiest wel weene , how great consolation they al receaued , what praises and what blessinges they yeelded vnto their Lord , whom after they had with most profound humilitie adored , they returned with great ioye to a a Luc. 24 g Ierusalem : Sithens albeit they were sorowful and heauie , as being left Orphanes in great solitarines through the absence of such a master and a Shepparde , yet for because they loued him better than them-selues , Charitie ( which seeketh b b 1. Cor ▪ 13. b. not her owne thinges ) made them to reioyce more at the prosperitie and glorye of their most louing Lorde , then to sorowe the want of their owne consolations . This is that which thou mayest meditate touching the historie of this most glorious Ascension ; and learne withal to desire , seeke and sigh for celestial thinges , and to lothe al transitorye trashe , endeuouring , that thy conuersation be in heauen , where Christe remaineth a a Collos. 3. 〈◊〉 sitting on the right hand of his eternal Father .

A PRAYER .

LIKE AS , O most sacred mother , thou louedst Iesus thy most sweet sonne better than thy selfe , euen so didst thou make more accompt of his ioyes and happines than thou diddest of thine own . And therfore , albeit thou remainedst behind him here in earth , yet diddest thou reioyce greatly , when thou sawest him ascend vp to heauen , accompanied with the Angels and Saintes he caried with him , with such iubilation , power , and Maiestie , as was conuenient for so glorious a triumpher . I beseech thee , O most holy Lady , by this thy ioye , that seing thou then remainedst in the world , for the succour and consolation of man , that I may neuer be destitute of thy protection , to th' ende , that by meanes thereof I may know my selfe to be a pilgrime in this world , and that my thoughtes and conuersation maye be principally a a Collos. 3. a in heauen , where the self-same Lorde reigneth in the glory of God his Father . Amen .

OF THE COMMING OF THE HOLY GHOST .

Iam Mariae socijsque datur Paracletus Olymp● : Munere quo magno munera magna parant .
THE THIRD GLORIous Misterie is of the comming of the holye Ghost , concerning the which thou shalt meditate these pointes folowing .

FIRST , howe the most sacred Virgin , and that holy assemblye which was present at our Redeemer his Ascension , remained together in the dining chamber or refectorie of Ierusalem , expecting the comming of the holye Ghost , like as the same Lord a a Luc. 24 g Act. 1. a had commaunded them to doo .

SECONDLY , consider , how on b b Act. 2. a Nic. cap. 2. li. 2. Whitsonday , al of them being in the same place , and deuoutly at their prayers , the holy Ghost came in forme of fyrie tonges , which were seene ouer ●che one of the Apostles heades , who were greatlye retoyced and comforted with this comming .

THIRDLY , consider the meruailous effects , which the holy Ghost wrought in them , sith they which before were shutt close vpp for feare of the Iewes , presently after they had receaued the holy Ghost , issued forth , preaching with great feruour in the streates and market-places , by the which preachinges a great multitude of people was conuerted .

IN the first point thou mayest entertain thy self , meditating , howe the most sacred Virgin , with al the Apostolical Societie remained secret in the great hal of Sion , expecting , in great peace , charitie , and vnion that celestial Conforter , which our Lord had a a Ioh. 14. b 25. d. 19. a promised them . Thinke what sighes , what sobbes , and what store of teares they shedd , and how feruent and continual praiers they made in this behalfe ; and learne thou , that if so be thou couet to haue the same comforter come to thee , it behoueth thee necessarilye to haue the same disposition ; that is to say , to be vnited with al in perfect peace and charitie , estranged from al strife and contention ; sith this diuine spirite wil , that such as dwel in the house where b b Ps 67. a he is to come , be of this disposition ; like as contrarywise , the wicked spirite , where-soeuer he soiourneth , doth what he can to c c mat. 13. d sow furious debates and enmities .

This L. wil also be greatly longed for , and inuited with often praier , according to that our Sauiour said once with a loude a a Ioh. 7. f voice : If any be athirst , let him come to me and drink Which he ment by the holy Ghost ; which al they were to receaue that would beleeue in him . Note moreouer in this point , how the Apostles went not forth to preache before they had receaued the holy Ghost , like as their b b Luc. 24 g Act. 1. a Master had warned them tofore ; whence such as are to exercise the same office , may learn , how before they beginne , it behoueth them to with-draw them-selues , and to pray for the receauing of the same spirite , without the which , the worde they preache shal- be of smal efficacie and auaile .

Here maiest thou meditate in like maner , how feruent and deuout were those prayers which our Lady made in this place , who vnderstoode much better then the rest , the cause of this their retyring , and of how great importance and woorthines was the spirite which they required , by whose meanes the Gospel was to be preached through the vniuersal world . O happie was that habitation where such worthie persons remained ; more happy the exercises wherto they addicted them-selues ; but most happie the tresure and the consolation which they looked for . O Harbour far more excellent and delicate then is the terrestral Paradise ! howe iustly might that be applied to it which Iacob had earst a a Ge. 28. c said : Verily our Lorde is in this place , this is the house of God , this is the batche of heauen . Sith here there was nothing thought of but God , nothing spoken of but God , nothing desired and wisshed for but onely God him-selfe .

AS TOVCHING the second point thou hast a plentiful subiect to warm thy soule with , entertaining thy selfe in meditating the comming of the holy Ghost . Thou maiest therefore thinke with godly zeale , according to thy deuotion , howe after that sacred Colledge had beene thus assembled together certaine dayes , geuing them selues diligentlye to the exercise aforesaide , and seing howe the holye Ghost staied longer in his comming then they desired , they beganne to be heauie ; for as it is a a Pro. 13. 〈◊〉 written , The delaied hope afflicteth the soule ; yea , and some did haply beginne to doubt . Our Ladye vnderstanding their affliction , like a true mother and comforter of the afflicted , endeuoured al she might to comfort and harten them , persuading them to perseuer in their prayers with greater feruour and b b Iac. 1. 〈◊〉 faith , assuring them , how they should be sooner visited and comforted of the holy Ghost then they looked for , and to animate them the better , fel her-selfe to her prayers with them .

Contemplate nowe , howe the pitiful mother kneeling on the grounde , with her handes and eyes eleuate vp to heauen , wholly inflamed in diuine loue , pouring forth aboundant streames of bitter teares , did with great instance and feruour craue , that the celestial Comforter whom they expected would vouchsafe to come ; and amongst other deuout speeches , wherof thou maiest meditate , she vttered , likely ynough , that sentence of the royal Prophet a a Ps. 103. d Dauid : Sende Lord thy holy spirite , and they shal be created : to witt , new affectes , newe thoughtes , new wordes , newe force , in these thy seruants which desire and craue thee ; b b Ibidem . And so shalt thou renew the face of the earth . O how great consolation did the praiers and speeches of this most blessed Lady geue to this holy Congregation ; howe exceedingly did she comfort them , how did she inflame them , howe did she animate and stirre them vp to doo the same . A most pleasant and deuout thing is it to meditate and viewe with our spiritual eyes this prayer which the most holy mother made in earth , but much more to contemplate that which the most sacred Sonne , as man , made in heauen , like as he had promised to his Disciples , saying : a a Ioh. 14. 〈◊〉 I wil pray my Father , that he wil geue you an-other Comforter . Whose prayer thou maiest wel thinke , how feruent , how gratious , how effectual and acceptable it was to his eternal Father , especially , when he presented to him those most sacred woundes , which so lately he had receaued , and reserued to this ende . Thus so many deuout prayers , so many sighes , wishes , sobbs , and teares hauing been made before , on whitsonday , at the b b Act. 2. 〈◊〉 Nic. li. 2. cap. 2. hist. Eccl. third * * The third houre is about nine of the cloke in the morning , according to our accompt . hour , which was the selfe-same daye and houre , wherin the old lawe had earst bene geuen in the mount Sinai , a a Exo. 20 a & 34. d Leuit. 19. a Deut. 4. a. 5. a. 10. a they receaued the holy Ghost in the mount Sion , who engraued the newe and Euangelical lawe , not in tables of stone as b b Exo. 31. d Deut. 9. b before , but in their c c 2. Cor. 3. a heartes of flesh ; & those tonges of fire which wer seene ouer the Apostles , signifying the fire of diuine loue which he kindled in their heartes , and the eloquence which he gaue to their tongues to preach with efficacie this Euangelical lawe , like as they did ouer al the whole world . O happye were they which merited through the grace of God to be instructed of such a Master , and comforted of such a Comforter ; sith that good part befel to them , which the prophet Dauid wished for , when he d d Psa. 93 b Blessed is the man whom thou shalt instruct , O Lorde , and to whom thou shalt teach thy lawe .

IN THE thirde point thou mayest like-wise enterteine thy selfe , if thou list , considering the great matters which the holye Ghost wrought in the Apostles , in such sort , as one might wel a a Psa. 76 b This is a change wrought by the right hand of God ; seing in one instant , he made them , of feeble , strong ; of ignorant , learned ; of indeuout , feruent ; ioyful of sadd ; and of terrestral , celestial . Wel saith the Euangelist S. Luke , that at the comming of the holye b b Act. 2. 〈◊〉 Ghost , Ther was sodainly a sound made from heauen , as of a great winde , which filled al the whole house where they satt . It was no noyse or sounde of trompett which might moue any feare or horror , but a sound as of a sweet musike , and harmonious melodie , which comforted , encouraged , moued , ascertained , and gaue signe of the aboundant graces that were infused . And therfore is it saide , that it filled al the whole house , it filled their heartes which was the chiefe house wherein this heauenlye gest came to lodge ; it filled al their senses & powers , their understanding with wisdome , their wil with loue , their memorie with assurance , their eyes with modestie , their tonges with eloquence , their handes with liberalitie , their feete with diligence , and al their soules with al kinde of vertues . Thus behooued it that they should be filled , who were to fil others , and that they shoulde receaue al maner of giftes , who receaued them for the whole Churche . And therefore presentlye after they were filled , they beganne to spreade and sowe what they had receued , and to shew the strength which was geuen vnto them ; sith they which were before shutt vp for feare , and durst scarse mutter the name of Iesus Christe , or make any mention at al of his most holy misteries , doo now coragiouslye come abroade in publike shew to preach , to reprehend , to a a Act. 4. b dispute , and to shew , that there is no other name , wherin they might be saued , but only that of Iesus , whom they them-selues had crucified , to whom they thus preched . And this did they with such feruour and efficacie , as S. Peter in the verye first Sermon a a Act. 2. f Nic. ca. 2 ▪ li. 2. hist. Eccl. he made conuerted almost three thousand of his audience . O diuine power , O meruailous vertue , O celestial force ! This is the newe wine , which , as our Sauiour b b Mat. 9. b Mar. 2. c said , should be put into these newe vessels which were prepared for this purpose .

O my soule , if thou wouldest dispose thy selfe to taste of this sweete wine , howe soure would al worldly thinges be to thee , which at this instant seeme so sauourie ? If thou wert so happie , as that this holye winde might breath vpon thee , refresh thee , and guide thee , O , howe much more securely mightest thou saile and arriue to the desired port ? This is that wind which the Spouse desired and craued in the c c Can. 4. d. Canticles , when she saide : Gett thee gone thou wind of North ; and come thou wind of South ; breath vpon my garden , and it shal become odoriferous and fruitful Thou maiest contemplate lastlye in this point the ineffable ioye which the blessed Lady receaued , who was more then al other replenished with the graces and giftes of the holye Ghost , seing and hearing the prosperous beginning and successe of the holye Church , and the aboundant fruit that begann to rise of the sacred bloud which her blessed Sonne had shedd ; which did so much the more reioyce her , as her desires were more feruent , her charitie more inflamed , her grace more plentiful , with al the other giftes she had receaued .

A PRAYER .

GREAT was the ioy and comfort which thou haddest , O sacred mother of mercy , when being assembled with the holy Apostles and Disciples of thy blessed Sonne , the holy Ghost discended in forme of fire , and illuminated , inflamed , and comforted them al to goe and preach the sacred Gospel with great feruour . Wherefore , I beseech thee most sweete and bountiful Lady , by this ioye common to thee , and to al them , that thy effectual prayers may helpe me , to th' ende that I poore and comfortlesse wretch maye also be made a partaker of the graces and giftes of the same celestial Comforter , wherby I may feruently loue him , announce him , and praise him euerlastingly . Amen .

OF THE ASSVMPTION .

Quae vitam peperit , moritur ; sed reddita vit● Scandit , vbi Nati Regia celsa sui est .
THE FOVRTH GLOrious Misterie is of the Assumption of our Lady ; that is to saye , of her happy death ; when her most holy soule being seperated from her body , went to enioye the endlesse ioyes of heauen ; about the which thou maiest meditate these points that folow .

FIRST , the great desire which our Lady had to depart out of this vale of teares , and to go see her most sweet son , and howe great the ioy was which her soule felt , when the vnderstood , how the houre was now at hande , wherin she was to abandon this temporal life .

SECONDLY , thou maiest meditate , in what maner the most holy virgin prepared her selfe for this last houre , and the companie which she had with her at the time of her most happye departure .

THIRDLY , consider the puritie and innocencie of that most blessed soule which we may wel thinke was caried vp to heauen in her Lorde his armes , the Hierarchies of heauen , accompanying her with most sweet songes and ineffable exultation .

IN THE firste point thou maiest entertaine thy selfe , meditating , a a Nic li. 2 ca. 21. et . 22 as some doo , howe after the Apostles were gone abrode into diuers places of the world to preach the holy Gospel , according as was b b mat. 28 c Mar. 16. c. Luc. 24. g commaunded them , our Ladye remained in Ierusalem , and went afterwardes to Nazareth , where her principal exercise was , to attend diligently to contemplation , and to pray for the holy Church ; and other-whiles through the great deuotion , and continual remembrance which she had of the things that her most sweet sonne had done and suffred , she went most deuoutly to visit those holy places , wherin he had wrought any particuler Misterie , and shed there great aboundance of deuout teares . Thus passed she on her most holy life with a most zealous desire which she had to see him whom her soule loued . For if S. Paul c c Phil. 1. c desired to dye , to liue with Iesus Christe , how much more is it to be thoght , that she should desire this , who loued him much more feruentlye . If the Royal Prophet a a Ps 119. a lamented greatly his so long abode in this obscure world , and b b Ps. 41. a saide : As the panting deare desireth the fountaines of water , euen so desireth my soule to come to thee , O Lord ▪ how much more shoulde the Queene of heauen lament her abode in earth ; where she thought her-self detained as in a long exile ? & how much more should she desire her God , then anye deare the fountaine of water ? O most sacred Virgin , who can possibly tel , with what inflamed desires , with what pitiful teares , with what continual sighes thou crauedst & desiredst to see an end of thy pilgrimage , and to be deliuered from thy bodily prison ? How oft didst thou haply with weeping eyes say to the Angels that came to comfort and visite thee , that , which the Spouse saide in the Canticles : c c Can. 5. b. 〈◊〉 I adiure you , that if you meet my louer , you tel him from me , that I languish in his loue . Howe oft did this loue and languishing desire wholly rauish thee , and transport thee out of thy selfe , not being able to eate , speake , sleepe , or attend to any other thing ; sith thy soule was rather there where it loued , then where it liued . This being so , contemplate then the ineffable gladnes which our blessed Lady felt , when by reuelation she knewe the daye to approche , wherein she should haue that graunted her which she so gretlye desired . If the holy Prophet Dauid a a Ps. 121. a. reioyced so greatly , when it was tolde him , that he should go to our Lords house ; what was the ioy , thinkest thou , of this great Lady , when she vnderstood , how she was presently to goe to our Lordes house ; and that she should see our Lord , and dwel perpetually with our Lorde , and be more made of and fauoured of our Lorde , then al other creatures what-soeuer . O blessed day , O happie tidinges ; so much more ioyful , as more desired . Wel might the most blessed mother a a Lu. 2. d say then with Simeon : Nowe thou leauest thy seruant , O Lorde , contented and comforted , with the assurance , that mine eyes shal see thee who art my Sauiour .

IN THE second point thou mayest meditate , how our Lady , so much the neerer as she drewe to her happie departure , so much more feruent were her desires , so much more zealous her prayers , and al her powers so much more quickned . For like as her death proceeded not of anye natural infirmitie ( according as we beleeue ) by reason of the excellencie of her complexion , like to that of her most sacred sonnes , so could not the functions of her senses and powers be in any wise impeched . Woting therfore , that her deth drew nigh , some doo contemplate , how before her departure , she b b Nic. li. 2. ca. 21. & , 22. hist. Eccl. desired to see the Apostles ( whom she so greatly loued and were dispersed abrode in diuers regions of the world ) that they might accompanye her in this her last houre , geuing vs an example hereby , howe we ought to desire and procure to haue some a a Iac. 5. c deuout and spiritual persons to accompanye and comfort vs in this houre of so great peril . Our Lord therfore moste bountiful , condescending to her desire , caused the Apostles b b Nic. vbi supra . & Mich. Sing post med. encomij in Dion . Are opagit . miraculously to meete together ( such as yet were liuing c c In domo Iohannis Euangelista , vt ait Nic. cap. 3. & . 21. li. 2. in the world ) in the house where his most holye mother dwelt , who were present at her departure , as the great d d Dion . Areop. 3. ca. ad Timot. vt re●ert Nic , initio ca. 22. li. 2. hist. Denis Areopagita affirmeth . Consider then , howe great was the Apostles consolation , finding them-selues thus assembled together , and seing their most holy mother and Lady , whom they loued so dearly , and desired once to see ; with what reuerence may we deeme did they salute her ? with what reuerence did they kisse her garments as most pretious reliques ? with what admiration did they consider her dignitie , which they knewe farre better then any other ? with what co●●tentation did they behold that reuerend visage , supposing that in seing her , a a Nt. c. 40 lib. 2. hist. they saw their most derely beloued Lorde and Master ? How sweet was the communication that was vsed there , how feruent the diuine praises that were there celebrated ; how sweet the tears of tendernes and ioy that were shed there . Thinke then with what confidence and contentment this blessed Lady assisted with so notable a company , and assured of her conscience , expected death , which is to others so b b Arist. ca. 6. li. 3. Ethic. dreadful . Thou must not thinke therefore , that she was before her death in any agonie and paine , as others are wont to be , but howe in mild maner and with a cheerful countenan e that most holy soul departed out of her body more glittering and more faire then the clere moone . O most pure Virgin , how truely maye we say , that in euery thing the a a Luc. 10. g Ber. Ser. 3 de Assumpt. best part hath bene geuen thee . The best , in thine immaculate conception and Natiuitie , which was most pure and free from al sinne ; the best in thy life , which was al holy , and a Mirrour of al perfection ; the best in thy death , which made thee no whitt afraide , as it doth sinners , yea , was to thee a passage to true life . The best part therfore hath bene geuen thee both in earth , and in heauen , whether thou wentest to reigne eternally .

IN THE third point thou mayest pause , delighting thy selfe with the consideration , howe that most sacred soule departed out b b Maria obijt anno aetatis suae 59. a Christo passo . 11 Nic. ca. 3 li. 2. of this life the most beautiful , the most gratious , the most holy of al pure and simple creatures , how replenished with merits , with giftes , with vertues , with excellencies , and spiritual riches , the greatest that may be possibly imagined , proportionable to the incomparable dignitie which was bestowed vpon her . a a Amb. li. 2. de virginib . Aug. 2. Serm. de Assumpt . Consider a while the maner how this most blessed soule accompanied with quires of Angels was conducted vp to the Celestial Court ; neither are we to doubt at al hereof ; for if we read of S. b b Apud Sulpitium Seuerum sub finem li. 1. de trans . B. Mart. Martin and manye mo c c Hier. de Paulo . 1. Eremit . in ipsius vita . Saintes of both d d de Catharina constat ex Mataphrast . sex , who leauing this life , were accompanied with Angels , and honored with their heauenly songes , I see no reason why this fauor and honour should be denied the holy of holies , and more holy and woorthy then al ? Yea , we may not only affirme this to be most true , but beleeue with godly deuotion , that not onely the Angels , but that which is more , the king of Angels in proper person vouchsafed to come and doo her this honour . Herevpon is it , that some doo contemplate , how the most holy mother being vpon the last hour of her blessed departure , her most sweet sonne descended from heauen , associated with the celestial powers , and entred a a Apud Io. Euang. cui commendata fuerat . Io. 19. c Vide Nic. ca. 21. lib. 2 & Hier. ser. 1. de Assumpt. ●om. 4. into that blessed house where she laye ; and beholding her with those his amiable eyes , spoke that with a most sweet voice to her , which the husband said to the spouse in the b b Can. 4. b. Canticles ; Thou art al faire , my frende , and there is no blemish at al in thee ; come from Liban , my Spouse , come from Liban , and crowned shalt thou be . That is to saye , Come receue the recompence of thy desertes , the treasure which thy most holy workes haue merited , the crown that is due to thy so excellent vertues ; c c Cant. 2. c. Get vp , my Doue , it is nowe high time to issue out of this exile ; no toiles , no teares , no sobbes or sorowes any more . Come to enioye the pleasure of those woundes , which when they were geuen , did occasionate thy so great woes ; come nowe and rest thee for the paine which thou hast taken . Come , nowe be merye , for that thou hast wailed and wept , and for that thou humbledst thy selfe so lowlye , come nowe to reigne perpetually . Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. to . 10. & Hier. epist. 1. de Assumpt. ad Paulam & Eusto . to . 4. These and suche like wordes maiest thou according to thy deuotion meditate to haue bene spoken vnto her ; sithens there is no Gospel nor other sacred writt , wherout we maye gather the certaine Storye of her departure ; and therefore eche one maye lawfullye meditate that which shal cause him to haue best deuotion . Doo thou therefore contemplate , what consolation , what ioye , what iubilation this most holy soule receaued with such woordes , with such a sight , and with such a companye ; with what considence and securitie did she depart this life , the most Soueraine King of heauen , taking her in his most sacred armes , a a Ber. paulo post medium Ser. 1 de Assumpt . virg. kissing & cherishing her most louingly according as S. Bernard meditateth . O glorious Ladye , what tongue can possiblye declare the ioye thou feltest , seing thy selfe thus highly honoured , and thus embraced betwixt those sacred armes of thy dere sonne . If the Spouse b b Can. 5. b saith , that her soule was melted when her louer spake vnto her , howe fared thy soul , I beseech thee , hauing heard thy best beloued his wordes , seene his amiable countenance , and tasted of his courtesies . Howe much more was it melted with loue , Aug. initio ser. 2. de Assumpt. qui est. 35. de Sanctis . to . 10. and transformed into her louer , and replenished with such delightes . Behold now , O moste blessed mother , al thy desires fulfilled , nowe hast thou obteined that which thou requiredst ; now hast thou found that which thou soughtest for ; now doest thou possesse that which thou desiredst . Sweet were the kisses thou gauest him , and the louing intertainment thou vsedst towardes him , when thou a a Mat. 1. c. borest him being a litle one in thine armes into Egipt ; b b Ber. ser. c de Assump. Aug. Ser. 2. de Assump. but farre sweeter were those which thou receauedst of him , when nowe being a great one he caried thee to heauen , to enioy the greatest goodes , the greatest riches , the greatest felicitie that was euer graunted to any creature . For if so be no c c 1. Cor. 2. c. Isai. 64. a eye hath seene , nor care heard , nor humane understanding can possibly conceaue the goods that God hath prepared for those that loue him . Who can possibly conceue or imagine those which he hath prepared for thee , which diddest not onely loue him more then al , but diddest engender him of the most pure bloud in thy body ? a priuiledge graunted to thee alone , and worthye thee alone .

A PRAYER .

WHAT spirite can possiblye conceaue , O most blessed Queene of Angels , that incomparable ioye , wherewith thy heart was filled , when that happie hour being come which thou with so great desire haddest longed for , thy most holy soule was deliuered from the bondes of the fleshe , and went to enioye those inestimable treasures which were prepared for thee in the Celestial Region . I humbly beseech thee , O most glorious Lady , by this most happy day of so soueraine consolation , that thou wilt vouchsafe to remember me most vnwoorthie sinner that remaine in this vale of teares , subiect to so many miseries and perils , from the which , I beseech thee , that by thy holy intercession I maye be alwaies defended and preserued . Amen .

OF THE CORONATION OF OVR LADY .

Virginis auricomo cingit diademate frontem Hic Deus , excelso datque sedere loco .
THE FIFT AND LAST glorious Misterie is of the Coronation of our Lady , that is to say , when being risen vp ( according as we doo holily beleeue ) she was glorified both in bodye and soule , and crowned with glory of the most holy Trinitie , concerning the which thou shalt meditate the points folowing .

FIRST , how within a few dayes after that the soule of the most blessed virgin was assumpted into heauen , it discended to take her moste holy body , by entring into the which it rose vp glorious , immortal , and impassible , with al the other glorious prerogatiues , which shal- be graunted to the elect when they shal rise vp in the day of iudgement ,

SECONDLY , consider the glory , triumph , and ioy , wher-with that great Queene accompanied with Saintes , and quires of Angels , went vp to heauen , aboue al the which she was exalted in the celestial kingdome .

THIRDLY consider that most riche and pretious crowne where-with she was crowned of the most holy Trinitie , and placed in that most high throne which was geuen her , where she remaineth making intercession for them that recommend them-selues vnto her .

VPON the firste point thou maiest pause , meditating in what maner that glorious Virgin-mother was raised vp , being a thing very iust and conuenient , that we affirm this of her ; sithens it is more then likely , that like as our blessed God would , that the soule of this Lady should be free from sinn , so would he in like maner , that her most holye body should be free from al corruption , and not permitt that fleshe to turne to asshes , whereof the word eternal had taken his flesh . For if our Lord would not that a a Iosue . 6 d Heb. 11. f Raab the harlots house should be rased with the other houses of Ierico , because she had receaued and lodged for one onlye day the spies of Iosue : how much more reason is it , that the house of the blessed Virgin Mary which had receaued our Lord him-selfe , yea , and lodged him therein nine monthes , should not be destroyed and turned into asshes . Let vs beleeue therefore , that as God gaue to the first a a Gen. 2. d. 1. Cor 11. c. Mat. 19. a. Adam a companion like vnto him , to th' end he might not be alone in terrestral Paradise : so was it conuenient , that such a like companion should be geuen to the second Adam , who being risen vp and glorious , might reigne with him risen vp and glorious in the celestial Paradise . And seing it is saide of other Saints , that being now risen vp they doo reigne in b b mat 27. f Hier. epist. 1. de Assump to . 4. heauen ; much more meet is it , that we both say and beleeue this of her , who in sanctitie surpasseth al Saintes , and in dignitie al pure creatures . The which being presupposed , consider , how with the very same solemnitie , with the same ioye , with the same honour and triumph , where-with that most happie soule was assumpted into heauen , it descended downe to earth , & came to the sepulchre , where her virginal body lay , which , as it is said , was in the vale of Iosaphat , and by operation and diuine vertue , a a Hier. ib● vbi vallem Iosaphat inter montem Sion & montem Oliuetum esse scribit . did not raise her selfe vp , as the sonne of God and hers did him-selfe ; but was of her sonne raised vp . Ponder nowe the state of this virginal body being re-vnited to the glorious soul , how beautiful , how glittering , immortal , impassible , b b D. Th● . q. 82. 3. p. & q. 95 and adorned with the other glorious partes , which the elect being risen vp , shal be indued with . And if the c c mat. 13. f. Sap. 3. b Dan. 12. a Gospel telleth vs of the other iust persons , howe they shal shine like the Sonne in the kingdome of their Father , how ought this Lady , being risen vp , to shine , which is the most righteous of al righteous , the most holy of al holies , the most gratious of al gratious ? how shal that bodi glitter , which was the d d Ps. 14. a. Apoc. 21. a. Iacob in Liturg. tabernacle and habitation of the son of God ? what shal the beautie of that body be , which was neuer defiled nor subiect vnto sinne ? If liuing in mortal flesh , it was so faire , e e Amb. li. 2 de virgin . Ber. Hom. 3 sup. Miss. that it sufficed to make God him-selfe take plesure therin , what shal th' excellencie thereof be , being risen vp with al the most absolute gifts , graces , and excellencies that are added thervnto .

O with how great reason are al deuout soules allured to beholde this glorious spectacle by those wordes that say thus : a a Cant 3. c Ber. Ser. in verba . 12. Apoc. Apparuit . Come out ye daughters of Sion , and see your Queene , whom the morning starres geue laude vnto : At whose beautie the Sonne and Moone doo meruaile againe . But what meruaile is it , if the Sonne and Moone doo meruaile at her beautie , if the Angels them-selues doo meruaile thereat , as also at her other riches and fauours , and as amased at such matters , doo saye : b b Cant. 8. a Ber. initio ser. 4. de Ass. Who is this that ascendeth from the desert , replenished with such delicacies , and leaning vpon her louers shoulder ? What is she this so glittering , so faire , so gratious , that mounteth vp thus c c Cant. 3. b. odoriferous , as the fragrant smel of her vertues doth delight and fil al the whole Court of heauen ? Howbeit , meruaile not , O ye Angels of to see in earth a creature so faire and glittering , being vestured with the a a Apo. 12. 〈◊〉 Sonne , and hauing the Moone vnder her feete . Meruail not to see such riches and excellencies in a house which the eternal wisdome hath thought good to b b Pro. 9. a. Amb. li 2. de virgin . frame for him-self ; And this day hath he made an ende to geue it the last and entier perfection , fulfilling that which the c c Isai. 16. b Exod. 15. c. Prophete Esaie he had c c Isai. 16. b Exod. 15. c. foretolde : I wil glorifie the mansion of my Maiestie .

IN THE second point thou maiest pause , assisting with thy spirite the most solemne triumph that was celebrated in the celestial court , on that daye that the most sacred virgin being risen vp , was both in body and soule assumpted into heauen .

We reade in holy writt of two solemne festiual dayes that wer kept at the Arke of the old Testament . d d 2. Re. 6. c. Exod. 15. 〈◊〉 The first , when king Dauid caried it from Obeded on his house to the Citie , and to his palace ; & this did he with such reioycing , both of his owne part , and of al the people , that it is a wonderful matter to consider the great solennitie which the Scripture telleth to haue bene celebrate that daye , in so great a multitude of sacrifices as wer offred , such varietie of musical instruments as were plaied vpon , such store of Canticles , himnes , and diuine praises , as were there sounded forth , yea , and king Dauid him-selfe did sing , play , and daunce ( being araied with newe robes made for the same purpose ) through the great feruour and deuotion which he felt inwardlye in him-selfe . Yet for al this was the festiual and solemne daye that his sonne a a 3. Re 8 a Salomon made farr greter , when he caried the same Arke into the famous Temple which he had erected for it . These two solemn festiual daies that were thus celebrate in the honour of that holy material Ark , doo foreshew in figure the farre more solemn festiual daies that were celebrate in the honor of the mistical Arke , that is to saye , of the most sacred virgin-mother , which was a farre more woorthy and more pretious Arke then th' other ( albeit it were of souerain sanctitie and woorthy great woorshipp ) for that a farr more rich and pretious a a Christus omnes thesauri sapientiae Dei . Colos 2. a treasure was kept in this Arke mistical , them in that b b Duae tabulae lapideae . 3. Re. 8 a material . The first solennitie was celebrate in her honor , when in soul she was assumpted vp to heuen , wherof I haue alredy spoken in the former misterie : And the second it was solemnized , when being risen vp in body and soule , she was placed in that celestial throne that was prepared for her . And albeit the first solemnitie were of so surpassing ioye , as no humane eloquence can possibly expresse it , yet was the second , without al comparison farr greater . Howe may therefore any humane capacitie suffice to comprehende the solemne reception and intertainment , that was made vnto this glorious Queene of al the celestial Court , when with her most beautiful and glittering bodye she ascended into heauen in so great a Maiestie ? What store of musical instrumentes yeelded forth a most melodious harmonie ? a a Amb. lib 2. de virg. what Canticles , Himnes , Psalmes , and praises were there sounded forth vnto her ? howe gret the ioy and iubilation was , which al the blessed spirites shewed ? howe soueraine the contentment and consolation which al those auncient Fathers and other Saintes of both sexe felt ? O how much more iustly might they say to this most blessed Ladye what they had saide tofore to the chast and valiant Iudith : b b Iud. 15. c. Thou art the glory of Ierusalem , thou art the ioy of Israel , thou art the honour of our people . c c Ibid. 13. c O daughter , thou art blessed of our Soueraine Lord God , for by means of thee we haue obteined the fruit of life , blessed art thou therfore amongst al women . Now , if al the Saintes and Angelical spirites did reioyce so greatly , and make so exceeding triumphe for the Assumption of their Queene ; what maiest thou thinke was the exultation of her most puissant Sonne , and th' onour and interteinment he vsed towardes her , vouchsafing to accompany her , a a Ber. Ser. 1. de Assumpt . and to lodge her him selfe , in counterchange of the lodging which he had receaued of her in her entrals and virginal wombe . O most woorthye mother , thou alone hast merited to receaue such fauours ! Thou alone wast woorthy of suche interteinmentes ! Thou alone couldest tel thy plesures and sugred tastes , thy delightes , and soueraine iubilation , and vpon new causes mightest thou recite and sing a-newe that diuine Canticle which thou pronouncedst earst before thy holy Cousin S. Elizabeth , for that he hath done great thinges to thee which is mightie , whose holy name be blessed euerlastingly .

REASON requireth , that thou pause in the last point , meditating , how the glorious Queene of Angels going with them , and with al the blessed Saintes thus accompanied , thus reuerenced , and thus honored , arriued to heauen , where she presented her-selfe before the high throne of the moste sacred Trinitie , who receaued her most louingly , and exalted her so much the more as she had humbled her-selfe more profoundly liuing in the world , like as our Sauiour had manye times fore-tolde , a a mat. 23 b Luc. 14. c & . 18. c. saying : Who so humbleth him-selfe shal- be exalted . The celestial Father receaued her as his most dere daughter , The sonne receued her as his most worthy mother ; the holy Ghost receued her as his most holye spouse ; and then was she of al the thre diuine persons crowned with a most pretious crown , and placed in a most sumptuous throne on the right hand of her sonne . Then was that fulfilled which the royal Prophet had with diuine spirite a a Ps 44 fore-tolde : The Queene hath assisted at thy right hande in a garment of gold enuironed with varieti . By the which wordes he signified her souerain●ie , her dignitie , her beautie , the diuersitie of giftes , vertues , prerogatiues , riches , and excellencies that wer graunted vnto her ; sith she neither wanted the faith of Patriarkes , nor the charitie of the Apostles , nor the constancie of Martirs , nor the wisdome of Doctors and Confessors , neither the chastitie of Virgins , nor the puritie of Angels ; nor the knowledge of Cherubins , nor the most inflamed loue of Ceraphins , & besides , the vertues & graces that wer geuen to other by peece-meal and measure , were al geuen to her together , and heaped in al fulnes one vpon an-other . And like as her vertues and excellencies exceeded far those of al the Saints & blesded spirites , so in like maner merited she to be exalted in heuen aboue them al

This is the woman that S. Iohn saw in his a a Apo. 12. a Ber. Ser. ▪ in illa eadem verba . Reuelation clothed with the Sonn , and hauing a crown of twelue starres on her head , wherby are denoted the prerogatiues of plentiful graces , where-with she was adorned , wherat we are rather to wonder , than to go about to write them .

O most blessed Ladye , and most woorthy of al praise , who can tel what thy merites were , but he that considereth thy reward ? who can conceaue what thy grace was , but he that contemplateth thy glorie ? who can knowe what thy perfection was , but he that beholdeth thy Crowne ? Reioyce therfore , O noble Lady , reioyce for hauing atchieued so Soueraine a felicitie as shal neuer in al eternitie be taken from thee ; And remember them that remaine in this vale of tears ; Seing also , that thy greatnes can not make thee forget thy profounde humilitie , encline thine b b Ber. 4 Ser. de Assumpt. eyes of mercie towardes vs , and make intercession for vs . Ceasse not to continue thy office of being our Aduocate , sith thou art now more mightie , and of greater credite and a a Ber. ser. 1 de Assumpt. authoritie then thou wast tofore . Procure , O Queene of heauen , procure , that by thy meanes we maye be pardoned our offences ; and that the same most sacred Trinitie which hath enterteined and crowned thee so liberally , vouchsafe to receaue vs like-wise to his fauour and mercie ; To th' end , that when we shal depart out of this exile , we may merite to remaine in thy company , praising , adoring , and enioying the saide most Soueraine and sacred Trinitie perpetuallye in the celestial Kingdome . Amen .

A PRAYER .

WHO so loueth thee best , O most soueraine Queene of heauen , hath best cause to reioice at thy last and most inexplicable ioy which gaue the perfect accomplishment to al thy felicities , when being now risen vp , and in bodie and soule assumpted into heauen , thou wast crowned with a pretious crown of the most holy Trinitie , and placed aboue al the quires of Angels in that most high throne which was prepared for thee , where nowe thou sittest as Queene on the right hand of thy most louing sonne king of glorie , who sitteth on the right hand of his eternal Father . I humblye beseech thee , O most happy Lady , by this thy glorious exaltation , that by howe much the dignitie is greater which thou hast obteined in heauen , by so much the fauours may be greater which by thee both I and al others may obtein here in earth . Amen .

The most sweet name of IESVS , and of his most holy Mother the Virgin MARY , be praised for euermore . Amen . FINIS .
Diuini diuina patet vis nominis : vnum Orco , est poena : polo , gloria : vita , solo .

Dulce tuum nostro scribas in pectore nomen , Namque tuo constat nomine nostra salus .

Monstra te esse Matrem . Monstra te esse Filium .

LITANIAE DEIPARAE VIRGINIS EX SACRASCRIP tura depromptae , quae in alma domo Lauretana omnibus diebus Sabbati , Vigiliarum , & Festorum eiusdem B. Virgiginis musicè decantari solent . KYRIE eleison . Christe eleison . Kyrie eleison . Christe audi nos . Christe exaudi nos . Pater de coelis Déus . Miserere nobis . Fili Redemptor mundi Déus . Miserere nobis . Spiritus sancte Déus . Miserere nob . Sancta Trinitas vnus Déus . Miserere nobis . Sancta MARIA . Ora pro nobis . Sancta Dei Genetrix . ora . Sancta Virgo Virginum . ora . Mater viuentium ora . Genes. 3. d. Mater pulchrae dilectionis . Eccl. 24. c ora . Mater sanctae spei . ora . Paradisus voluptatis . Genes. 2. c. ora . Lignum vitae . ora . Domus sapientiae . Prou. 9. a. ora . Porta coeli . Gene. 28. d. ora . Desiderium collium aeternorum . Gen. 49. d. ora . Vrbs refugij . Num. 35. b. ora . Gloria Ierusalem . Iudith . 15. c ora . Sanctuarium dei . Exod. 15. c ora . Foederis arca . 2. Reg. 6. b ora . Altare thy miamatis . Exo. 30. a. ora . Scala Iacob . Gen 28. b ora . Speculum sine macula . Sap. 7. d ora . Lilium inter spinas . Cant. 2. a ora . Rubus ardens incombustus . Exod. 3. a ora . Vellus Gedeonis . Iudic. 6. g. ora . Thronus Salomonis . 3. Reg. 1. d. ora . Turris eburnea . Cant. 7. a ora . Fauus distillans . ora . Hortus conclusus . Cantic. 4. c ora . Fons signatus . ora . Puteus aquarum viuentium . ora . Nauis institoris de longe portans panem . Prou. 31. b. ora . Stella matutina . Eccl. 50. a ora . Aurora consurgens . ora . Pulchra vt Luna . ora . Electa vt sol . Cantic. 6. c. ora . Castrorum acies ordinata . ora . Solium gloriae dei . Isai. 5. d. ora . A cunctis periculis . Resp. Libera nos virgo gloriosa . Per salutarem conceptionem tuam . Libera nos . Per sanctam Natiuitatem tuam . Lib. Per admirabilem Annunciationem tuam . Libera . Per immaculatam Purificationem tuam . Libera . Per gloriosam Assumptionem tuam . Libera nos . Versus . Peccatores . Resp. Te rogamus audi nos . Vt veram poenitentiam nobis impetrare digneris . Resp. Te rogamus audi nos . Vt Societates tibi peculiari obsequio deuotas conseruare , & augere digneris . Resp. Te rogamus audi nos . Vt Ecclesiae sanctae , cunctoque populo Christiano pacem , & vnitatem impetrare digneris . Resp. Te rogamus audi nos . Vt omnibus fidelibus defunctis requiem aeternam impetrare digneris . Resp. Te rogamus audi nos . Mater Dei . Resp. Te rogamus audi nos . Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi . Resp. Parce nobis Domine . Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi . Resp. Exaudi nos Domine . Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi . Resp. Miserere nobis . Versus . Ora pro nobis sancta Dei Genetrix . Resp. Vt digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi .
OREMVS .

PIetate tua quaesimus Domine nostrorum solue vincula peccatorum , & intercedente Beata Maria , cum omnibus sanctis tuis , nos famulos tuos , benefactores , Praelatos , atque loca nostra in omni sanctitate custodi : cunctosque consanguinitate , affinitate , & familiaritate nobis coniunctos à vitijs purga , virtutibus illustra : pacem & salutem nobis tribue : hostes visibiles , atque inuisibiles remoue : carnalia desideria repelle : aërem salubrem indulge : Inimicis nostris charitatem largire . Regnum etiam Angliae , vrbemque nostram N. vnà cum vniuersis in ea commorantibus ab haereticorum feritate conuerte . Omnibus fidelibus viuis , atque defunctis in terra viuentium requiem aeternam concede : & benedictio tua sit super nos semper . Per Christum Dominum nostrum . Amen .

QVI VOLET , HAS QVOQVE IN DEIPARAE virginis laudem recitare poterit .
SECVNDO DIE ANcilla & Mater Domini . Luc. 1. d. Columba Christi . Cant. 2. c. Vas electionis . Act. 9. c. Arca Testamenti . Apoc. 11. d. Lectulus Salomonis . Can. 3. c. Tabernaculum dei . Apoc. 21. a. Tabernaculum Cedar . Can. 1. a. Domus aurea sancti sanctorum . 2. Par. 3. a. Turris Dauidica . Canti. 4. b. Turris Libani . Cantic. 7. b Terra Domini benedicta . Psal. 84. Terra sacerdotalis libera . Gene. 47. c. Cypressus in monte Sion . Eccl. 24. b Plantatio rosae in Iericho . Palma in Cades exaltata . Oliua speciosa in campis . Cedrus exaltata in Libano . Lilium in aquae transitu . Eccle. ▪ 50 a. Flos rosarum in diebus vernis . Thus ardens in igne . Thus in aestate redolens . Arcus refulgens inter nebulas . Luna plena . Sol refulgens . Cantic. 1. a. Nigra , sed formosa . Mulierum pulcherima . Cantic. 5. d. Benedicta inter mulieres . Luc. 1. d. Gratia plena . Ianua coeli . Psal. 77. c. Regina varietate circundata . Psal. 4. 4. c.
TERTIO DIE. Ambros . li. 2. de Virginib . And. Hieros . in salut . Angelie . Ambr. in instit . virg. cap. 12. Bruno ser. de laudibus Mariae , & Aug. sub finem ca. 16. li. 17. de Ciuit. Dei . Bruno Carth. vbi supra . And. Hieros in salut Angel . Damasc . sub f. carm. de Annunciat . Aug. sub . f. ser. 6. de Natali . Greg. pp. initio ca. 1. li. 1. in lib. 1. Samueli● . And. Hieros . in salut . Angel . Bern. hom. 2. super Missus , & Innocent. 3. ser. 2. de Assumpt B. Mariae . Bern. ser. in verba ca. 12. Apo. signum magnum apparuit . Hier. in ca. 2. Zach. to 6. & li. 7. comment . in 19. Isa. & Amb. ca. 13. Inst. Virg. Amb. ca. 13. in instit . virginis . Hier. in fine Apolog. pro li. ad Pamachium . Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. & Damasc li. 4. ca. 8 & Amb ca. 7. 8. & . 9. Instit. Virginis . Bruno Carth. ser. de laude Mariae . Beda lib. 4. in cap. 11. Luc. tom. 2. Hier. li. 1. cont. Iouinian . Mat. 27. g. & in fine Apologiae ad Pamach . Aug. ser. 6. in natali . 10. de temp. Bern. sub finem homil. 2. de laudibus Mariae . Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. Beda in cap. 2. Genes. tom. 1. Aug. ser. 1. post Dominicam . 1. Quadrag . Bern. ser. 2. de Aduentu , & Beda lib. 4. in cap. 11. Luc. tom. 2. Aug. in praefat. li. 1. de Assump. to . 9. & Bruno serm. de Annunciat . Ephraem in orat . de Laudibus Mariae . Ephr. ibidem . Damasc . li 4. cap. 8. et Bern. homil. 2. super Missus , et Ephr. vbi supra . Hier. epist. 22. ad Eustoch . de cust . virg. et in epitaph . L. Betici ad Theodoram : et Ambr. in instit . virg. cap. 9. et Tertul. cap. 6. de probat . Natiuit . Christi li. contra Iudaeos : et Leo PP . 1. init . ser. 4. de Nat. Domini . Hieron . post initium Ser. 1. de Assumpt . tom. 4 et Bern. homil 2. de laud. Mar. Bruno ser. 1. de laud. Mariae . And. Hieros . in salut . Angel . Ephr. quoque in orat . de B. Virgine .
EX NONNVLLIS PAtribus nonnullae aliae compellationes perhonorificae .
QVARTO DIE. Apost. in sua Liturg. Damasc . li. 4. cap. 8. Bern. hom. 2. de laudibus B. Mariae super Missus est . Aug. ser. 2. de Annunciatione . Ephr. in orat . ad B. Virginem . Ber. homil. 3. super Missus . Aug. Ser. 2. de Assump. Ephe. in orat . de laudib . Mar. Ephe. in orat . ad B. Virginem . Ireneus li. 3. cap. 33. Bern. hom. 3. sup. Missus . & serm. de Natiuit . Mariae . Ber. ser. 2. de aduent . Leo pp. 1. serm. 3. de Natiuit . Domini . Cyrillus lib. ad Reginas de recta in Christum fide , & lib. 8. in Iulianum . Ephr. in orat . ad B. Virg. Rupertus in ca. 3. Math. li. 2. Greg. Naz. in Christ . pat. Bern. hom. super Messus . Greg. Naz. in trag . Christi patientis . Athanas . in Euang. de sancta nostra Deipara . Ephr. in orat . de laud B. Mariae . Iacobus in Liturgia . Hier. li. 1. aduersus Iouinianum . Amb. li. 2. de Virgint● . Bruno ser. de Natiuit . B. Mariae . Basil . hom. 25. de humana Christi generatione ▪ ●t Nazianz. in Christo patiente .
QVINTO DIE. Hieron . in Apol. ad Pammachium pro li. contra Iouinianum . Bern. ser. 2. dominicae . 1. post oct. Epiph & ser. 1 de Assumpt. Anselm . etiam lib. de excellentia● Mariae . cap. 12. Iacob . frater Domini , & Chrisost. in suis Liturgiis . Ephr. in orat . a● laud B. Mariae . Bern. ser. 2. dominicae 1. post oct. Epiph. & Ser. 1. de Assump. Anselm . quoque de excell . Mariae . cap. 12. Iacob & Chrisost in Lit. Bern. serm. de aduentu . And. Hieros . in salut . Angelic . Bern. ser. 2. dom. 1. post Epiph. & ser. 1. de Assumpt. & Anselm . ca. 12. lib. de excell . Mariae . Anselm . ibidem . Athan. in Euangelio de nostra Deipara ; & Bern. ser. 2. de aduentu . Aug. ser. 2. de Annunciat . & Beda . lib. 4. in cap. 11. Luc. Chrysola●us serm 143. in Euang. de Annunc . Iacob . & Chris . in Liturg. Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. refertur etiam inter opera Hieronimi . tom. 4. Bern. homil. 2. de laud. Mariae super Missus est . Aug. ser. 11. de Natali , qui est 15. de sanctis , et Fulgentius ser. de laud. B. Virginis . Chris●●n Liturg. Ansel . lib. de excellentia B. Mariae . cap. 12.
SEXTO DIE. Aug. init . Ser. 1. de Assumpt . tom. 9. Iacob . in Liturg. Cyp. ser. de Natiuit . Christi . to . 2. et Bern. sub finem ser. de Assumpt . And. Hieros in salut . Angelicam . Iacobus in Liturgia . Bern ser. de Natiuit . B. Mariae . Cyprian . ser. de Natiuit . Christi . Aug. ser. 14. de Natali qui est. 18. de tempore . Bern. ser. 2. de aduentu . Aug. ser. 11. in Natali , & post medium ser. 2. de Assumpt. Fulgent . & ser. de laud. B. Virg. Bern. hom. 2. super Missus , & Hier. in inter . Hebraic . nominum , et Beda in ca. 1. Luc. lib. 1. Ephraem in orat . de laud. B. Mariae . Aug. sub finem ser. 6. de Natali qui est. 10. de tempore . Hier. non longè à princ . ser. 1. de Assumpt. to . 4. Ambros . li. 2. de virginibus . Bern. hom. 2. de laude Mar. super Mis. Bern. ser. 2. de Aduent . Ibid. Bern. et Ephr. in orat . de laud. Mar. Irenaeus li. 3. contra haereses . ca. 33. Greg. Naz. in Christo pa● . Bern. ser. 2 de Aduent . Iren. li. 5. aduersus haereses .
SEPTIMO DIE. Bern. serm. in verba Apoc. 12. Signum magnum . Chrysolaus ser. 143. in Euang. de Annunciat . Aug. ser. 6. de Natali . Aug. ser. 11. in Nat. et . 2. de Assumpt. et Fulg. serm. de laud. Mar. Bern. ser de Nat. B. Mariae . Ephr. in orat . de lau . B. Mariae . Idem Ephraem in orat . ad B. Virg. ●ug . ser. 2. de Annunc . qui est. 18. de sanctis tom. 10. Ephr. in orat . ad B. Virg. Aug. ser. 2. de Annunc . Greg. Naz in Christ . patient . Ephr. in orat . de laud. Mariae . Gregor. in Christ . pat. & Hieron ser. 1. de Assumpt. to . 4. Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. 35. de sanctis . And. Hieros in salut . Angelic . Ephr. in orat . de laud. B. Mar. Greg. Naz. in Christ . patiente . Cyprian . ser. de Natiuit . Christi . tom. 1.

Cùm Litanias dicimus , non humanis verbis , sed oraculis spiritum Deum placamus . Basil . ep. 63. anno Domini . 300.

THE MANER HOW WE ought to examine our conscience .
WHAT we ought to doo in the morning after we are got vp

FIRST , to thanke God generally for benefits receued , and particulerly for hauing preserued vs the night past .

SECONDLY , to offer our selues wholly into the handes of his diuine Maiestie , and to praye him that he wil keepe vs , and geue vs grace to doo euery thing that day according to his holye and diuine wil.

THIRDLY , to consider what vices and sinne we are most enclined to , purposing to eschew the same , and to beginne presently to renew our selues according as our Lord Iesus Christe hath taught vs .

FOVRTHLY , to craue helpe for the doing of this of the blessed Virgin , and of our Gardian Angel ; recommending our selues to al the whole company of the blessed Saintes in heauen .

FIFTLY and lastly , to saye three Pater nosters and three Aue Maries for al the faithful liuing and departed , procuring to go deuoutly to heare holy●Masse , and to offer that sacrifice to God for our own sinnes , and for al the necessities of holy Churche .

WHAT we ought to doo at night before we go to bedd .

FIRST , to thanke God generally for al benefits receaued heretofore , and especially of that present day .

SECONDLY , to require grace and true light , to knowe and hate our sinnes .

THIRDLY , to cal our soules to an accompt , wherein they maye on that daye haue offended God , hauing a special consideration of such defects , wherto we are most inclined .

FOVRTHLY , to craue pardon humbly of God for al the defects whereof we finde our selues giltie .

FIFTLY , to haue a firme purpose thorough Gods grace to beware of sinne hereafter , with a purpose to confesse them which we may haue already transgressed in . Lastlye , to saye the Pater noster , Aue Mary , and the Creede , making then the signe of the holy Crosse vpon vs .

THE faultes escaped in printing are to be corrected in this wise . The first figures signifie the leafe , the letters folowing the page , the figures next after , the line .

Fol. 16. pag. a. lin. 17. for resignest , read resignedst . ] 68. a. 12. read , this his so great cost . ] 69. b. 7. read , should be nice ] 71. a. 19. read , grace . ] 72. b. 1. read , The first glorious Misterie is of his triumphant . &c. ] 73. b. 3. read , and the ende wherfore . &c. ] 74. b. 19. read , happie are those eyes that . &c. ] 75. b. 14. wailing . ] 76. b. 7. read , particuler feauters . ] Ibid. lin. 17. read , become so faire . ] 87. a. 2. Edon . ] 93. a. 8. contemplate that . ] 93. b. 7. signified . ] 107. a. 11. read , Esaie had . &c.

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