The paradise of delights. Or The B. Virgins garden of Loreto With briefe discourses vpon her diuine letanies, by way of meditation. For the comfort of all such, as be deuout vnto her; and desyre her holy patronage & protection. By I.S. of the Society of Iesus.

THE PARADISE OF DELIGHTS . OR The B. Virgins Garden of Loreto .

THE I. MEDITATION . Of the Venerable , and sacred Name of the most B. Virgin , MARIA .

MANY pious and deuout considerations of the mysticall signification of this most venerable Name , Maria , haue beene with very great reuerence set down by the holy Fathers : and with no lesse diligence learnedly collected by the Reuerend Father Canisius , in his memorable worke Of the sacred Virgins prayses : which for so much as at this present serue to our purpose , we may not vnfitly reduce to three .

First , Maria , is as much as to say Stella Maris , Illuminata , or Illuminatrix , that is , Starre of the Sea , or North Starre , one that is illuminated , or giueth light to others . Secondly , Maria is amarum mare , a bitter sea , or sea of bitternes . And thirdly , she is Dòmina Lady , or Mistresso . Out of the which we may frame three point in this manner .

1. How fitly this sacred 〈◊〉 is deriued from Light ; and as a● North-star is known by the name of the Sea-starre , because thereby the wandering Marriners direct their course , the better to attaine vnto their hoped and pretended Hauen : so this Beautious Queen of light in the Catholike Church is placed , whose radiant beames of vertuous life & heauenly conuersation drawes the eyes of all those who desire to arriue at the happy Hauen of eternall blisse ; which being fixed vpon her vnchangeable light , must needs eschew the dangerous shipwracke of this wicked world , vnles they willfully forsake the infallible direction of so faire a Starre , and blindly run themselues against the vnhappy rockes of vtter ruyne , and euerlasting Death .

2. Moreouer she is sayd to be Illuminata , endued with light , and this by reason of the diuine knowledge of most high and heauenly Misteries , the which so firmely and vndoubtedly she did beleeue , that not vnworthily she deserued to heare , Luc. 1. Beata quae credidisti , blessed art thou who hast beleeued . And as all the beautifull stars do participate their borrowed light which we behold from the bright shyning lamp of the world the Sunne , according to their capacity and greatnes : euen so this sacred Queene being neerest vnto the bright Sunne of Iustice Christ Iesus , and most capable of his Celestiall influences , and heauenly blessings , did participate so much of his diuine light , that rightly she may be called Illuminata , indued with light .

Further more she is sayd to be Illuminatrix , one who giueth light vnto others : For that indeed is one of the chiefest effects of true vertue , as our Blessed Sauiour not obscurelye did insinuate vnto his louing disciples , when he sayd , they were Lux mundi , Matt. 5. the light of the world , and presently did annexe their proper office and function , Luceat lux vestra coram homi nibus : let your light shine before men . This , I say , is a rare effect of true vertue , not only to be lightsome , yea delightsome in it selfe ; but also to shine & giue light vnto others . And this being more apparant in the B. Virgin then in all other Saints togeather , I think none will deny , but that in a speciall manner , and that most fitly she hath this diuine Epitheton of Illuminatrix , one that giueth light vnto others .

2. The second Etimology , or deriuation of this Blessed Name Maria , is amarum mare , a bitter sea , or sea of bitternes , which well expresseth the sorrowfull estate of the B Virgin , in the depth of her excessiue griefe , that she suffered at the foot of the Crosse , when with watry eyes , and most heauy hart , she did behold her louing Sone , the author of life , yea life it selfe wrastling with death , euen till death : Which dolefull spectacle did fill her tender hart with whole floudes of sorrow , whose bitter panges ( as many holy Fathers haue left written to vs ) did leaue her more then martyred . In which almost deadly agony , and strong encounter with a sea of griefe , we may behould this glittering Starre , almost ouerclouded with the thicke mist of grief , yet yeelding a most beautiful light by reason of her constant fortitude ; notwithstanding we cannot choose but say , Thren. cap. 2. Magna est velut Mare contritio tua ; quis medebitur tui ? Thy Contrition or sorrow is like vnto a sea ; who shall be able to comfort thee ? The abundant teares of Iacob for his murthered Ioseph , Gen. 37. Iob. 10. 1. Reg. c. 20. 2. Reg. 18. & 19. Thren. per totum . the vncessant griefe of Anna for her wandering Pilgrime , the harty sighes of Ionathas for his louely Dauid , the inward throbs of Dauid for his rebellious Absalom , the pittifull sobs and rufull lamentations of Ieremias for his sinnefull people , may well be shaddows ( & but shaddowes ) of her griefe .

O sacred Queen , in the middest of these bitters stormes , shall I yet presume to call thee beautifull ? Me thinkes I heare thee say with mourneful Noëmi , Ruth . 1. Nolite vocare me Noëmi , sed vocate me Mara quia amaritudinibus valde repleuit me Omnipotens . Call me not Noëmi , that is to say beautifull , but cal● me Mara , that is bitter , because the Almighty hath filled me abundantly with bitternes .

Another reason also may be why she should be compared to a bitter sea . Because as the Red sea prooued most bitter vnto Phara● & his wicked army , miraculously withstanding their passage , and hindring their pursuit to the great comfort & strengthening of the children of God , and to their own vtter ruine and destruction : So this B. Queene is a sea of bitternes vnto the Diuell and his damned ●pirits ( figured in that obstinate Tyrant & his impious followers ) who like roaring lyons , neuer ●●ease to persecute the chosen and beloued Children of God , seeking whome they may deuoure . In whose strong defence the powerfull Virgin is alwayes ready at hand , whose only Name is most terrible vnto them , and for these respects , she is most iustly intitled amarum mare , a bitter Sea .

3. Then lastly Maria , is as much as Domina , Lady , or Mistresse : & with great reason , for indeed she was euer Lady & Mistresse ouer all her actions , making alwayes her inward thoughts keep a most perfect concord with her outward deedes ; and both the one and the other directly to tend to the greater honour and glory of God , the true and chiefest scope of all her vertuous endeauours .

Besides , she may be sayd to be Domina , a Lady , a powerfull Princesse , or mighty Empresse , by reason of the great power and authority she hath with her sweet Sonne , to help and succour sinners , as most deuoutly S. Bernard doth acknowledg , Ber● . ser. in Apo. c. 12. when he sayth Amplectamur Mariae vestigia & deuotissima supplicatione beatis illius pedibus prouoluamur : teneamus eam , nec dimittamus donec bene dixerit nobis , potens est enim . Let vs imbrace the sacred footstepps of Blessed Mary , and with most deuout supplication , let vs fall at her blessed feet , let vs take hold on her , and neuer let go , vntill she vouchsafe to grace vs with her blessing , for she is powerfull .

Thus hauing somewhat dis●ouered the hidden treasure wrap●ted in this happy Name of Mary ; The fruit of Meditation . 〈◊〉 followeth that we stirr vp our ●esires and inflame our harts with most feruerous deuotion and true ●oue towardes so beautifull a La●●ly . What soule in danger of eter●all ship wracke , beaten with the ●ough billowes of sinne , & threat●ed with the surging waues of instant death , would not open his deafe eares and hearing the comfortable voyce of S. Bernard giue attentiue eare , whilest he sayth , Respice stellam , voca Mariam , looke vp man that art in perill , view this beautifull Star , call vpon the blessed Name of Mary . What man so wretched , who hauing crucifyed her only Sonne by his manifold sinnes & grieuous offences , would not run to the foot of the Cros● where this sorrowfull Mother standeth , and weep floods of tea●● for his misdemeanour , and by he● powerfull intercession obtay●● forgiuenes of them . What sinful wight in distresse and misery would not fly vnto so powerfull Lady , to obtaine new strength ● greater forces whereby to mast●● his vnbridled appetits , and ouercome his disordered passions ? Finally who would not be serua● to so mighty a Princesse ? who would not be suppliant to so lo●uing a Mother , and wholy deu●ted to so beautifull a Queene ?

Heerupon I wil in most humble manner desire the gloriou● Queen of heauen , The Colloquium that hencefor●● by her motherly help I may so kee● myne eyes fixed vpon the bright ●eames of her shining vertue , that ●vtterly hate all workes of darke●●es , and so drown my soule in the ●owing streams of deuotion , that ● may wash away al the staynes of ●y former offences , and neuer ●ore offend Almighty God : yea ●●at I may alwayes fly vnder her ●●otection , & that she wil vouch●●fe to guard and defend me ; Sub ●●um praesidium confugimus sancta ●●ei genitrix , vnder thy protection ●●e flye , O holy Mother of God . ●o conclude this Meditation , ●t vs with a firme and resolute ●●rpose dedicate our selues who●● vnto her , in all our necessityes ●ue confident recourse vnto her , ●●d to the best of our powers , ●●itate her excellent heroical ver●●es , as the most true token of our loue , and most louely pledge of our endles friendship . For the better obteyning whereof , let v● heere deuoutly recite the Salu● Regina , or Aue Maris Stella which in this place is more proper .

THE II. MEDITATION Of the rare sanctity of the Blessed Virgin .

THREE famous workes w● read to haue beene most curiously accomplished by the wis● King Salomon in the old Law which if we consider as types an● figures of what our true Salomon Christ Iesus did afterward fullfil in his blessed Mother , they wil help vs somewhat to declare th● vnspeakable greatnes of the rare ●anctity of the holy mother of God which is indeed so far beyond all ●umane reach , as the wits & best vnderstandings must be forced with S. Augustine to cry out , Quid ●icam de te paupere ingenie ? What can be sayd of thee by the weake wit of man ? Where the high conceits of learned S. Augustine came short ; where the golden eloquen●e of fluent S. Chrysostome was not inough ; where the graue sen●ences of renowned S. Ambrose ●raue pardon ; where the famous workes of learned S. Hierome con●esse their weaknes ; the piercing eye of enlightned S. Anselme da●eleth ; the hony-flowing stile of Holy S. Bernard is dryed vp ; ●he deuout hart of seraphicall S. Bonauenture is consumed ; finally where al the whole troope of worthy Writters doe acknowledge themselues vnable to declare thy vnspeakable prayse , I must needs say with S. Augustine : Serm. 18. de Sanctis . Accipite itaque quascumque exiles , quascumque meritis tuis impares , gratiarum acti●nes , accept of these how euer so slender prayses , how euer so vnequall , vnto thy worthy merits .

1. The first worke of this forenamed King , registred in holy Writ , 3. Reg. 1.6 . is the building of the famous Temple of Ierusalem , which both for great cost and excellent workmanship may well be accounted the Mirrour of all Ages , an earthly Heauen , where God himselfe chose to dwell , and of the which we read , Nihil erat qu●● non auro tegeretur , there was nothing that was not couered with gold . If now we turne our eyes to the sacred Temple of the Sonne of God , to the diuine Tabernacle of the Holy Ghost , and secret closet of the blessed Trinity , the humble Virgin Mary , we shal find her a worke beyond all admiration ; wrought by the eternall Wisedom of Almighty God ; adorned with all kind of vertue ; enriched with aboundance of diuine grace , and prepared as an vnspotted veyle , wherein God himselfe should be inwrapped , that so indeed she might become the sacred Temple of God , so enlightned with grace , so inflamed with Charity , that al the world might see & beare witnes , that Nihil erat quod non aur● tegeretur , there was nothing in her , that was not couered with golden Charity . Neither was the famous Temple of Hierusalem , euer so frequented as is this Holy Temple of God , because as S. Bernard witnesseth , omnibus sinum misericordiae aperit , vt de plenitudine eius accipiant vniuersi : She layeth open her mercifull breast vnto all , that of her great aboundance euery one may take part .

2. The second worke of admiration recorded in the holy Scripture , we find to be a stately Pallace that King Salomon erected for his owne vse . And this was finished by him , and brought to full perfection in thirteen yeares . But Wisedome it selfe built the house of which we heere speake , and for himselfe , Sapientia aedificauit sibi domum , Wisedome built himselfe a house , of which the Prophet Isay spake when he sayd : Erit praeparatus mons domus Domini in vertice nontium : There shall be a mountain prepared for the house of our Lord in the top of Mountaynes . Which words S. Gregory the great expoundeth of the Blessed Virgin thus : An non mons sublimis Maria , in Reg. 1. ●uae vt conceptionem aeterni verbi at●ingeret , meritorum verticem vsque ad solium Deitatis erexit : Is not this Virgin a high & lofty mountayn , who to reach to the Conception of the Sonne of God she raysed the ●eight of her merits aboue the ●uirs of Angels vnto the thron of God . And as by the mountaine is signifyed Perfection , she being pla●ed in the top of mountaynes , gi●eth vs to vnderstand of how great perfection and rare sanctity ●he was , & is aboue al other Saints and Angels : and all this the diuin Wisedome had brought to passe in the space of thirteene yeares ; for she was not full fourteene , when she was chosen the Mother of God .

Behold then , O my soule , this stately Pallace , ascend this holy mountaine , admire the diuine workemanship of all , and euery part of this famous building , and thou wilt be forced to say Digit●● Dei est hic , Exod. 8. this worke could only be done by the finger of God .

The third worke of fame mentioned in Holy Writ , was ● stately Throne , which King Salomon built for himselfe , & where●● he gloryed very much , of which the holy Scripture auerreth : N●● est factum tale opus in vniuer●● regnis : The like peece of work● was not made in the world : 〈◊〉 was of Iuory , couered with the best gold ; it was beset with princely Lyons in diuers places , and there were six steps to ascend vnto it . By the Iuory Throne co●ered with beaten gold is signifyed the Blessed Virgin , by reason of her chast purity , and the most beautifull lustre of her golden Charity . The six stepps signify ●●x vertuous acts , by which we must ascend into the Blessed Vir●ins fauour , signifyed by these ●etters of her venerable Name ●irjám , for Sochath , the Hebrew word . The stepps be these ; Mag●nimity , Inuocation , Reuerence , I●itation , Affection , and Memory of ●er . Magnanimity bringeth forth a ●●me & constant Resolution to be ●uly hers . Inuocation , calleth vnto ●●r for ayde and succour , for the better performance of this good purpose . Reuerence causeth a desire of Imitation . Imitation breeds loue and affection . Affection keepes a perpetuall memory of what we loue : & Memory is both a watchfull aduiser of what we haue promised , and a certaine Note-booke of what we haue receaued .

These be the shaddows which may in some sort giue vs to vnderstand the admirable sanctity of the euer Blessed Queen of Angels and holy Mother of sinners . For greater was the Sanctity of this excellent Virgin , then the sanctity of all Saints and Angells , iointl● conceaued , as both Fathers , and Deuines do auerre . Ceteris per partes , Mariae autem se infudit tota gr●tiae plenitudo , sayth S Hierome : T● other Saints grace was giuen by parts , but to this sacred Queene , all fullnes of grace was at once infused . And therefore most worthily she was saluted by the Angel when he brought his heauenly Embassage Gratia plena , Luc. 1. full of grace , that of her fullnes ( as before I sayd out of S. Bernard ) we might all participate .

Hauing thus by these three considerations grafted in our harts and minds the vnspeakable greatnes of her imcomparable sanctity and fullnes of grace , it resteth that as little children & tender Infants we haue recourse vnto her , who is louing , and therfore will not deny vs ; who is our Mother , and therefore cannot be forgetfull of her poore distressed children , who with true deuotion seeke her . Let vs therefore cry , and call , Sancta Maria ora pro nobis , Holy Mary pray for vs . Monstra te esse Matrem , shew thy selfe a Mother . And the better to incline her louing hart , that she may shew her selfe a carefull Mother , let vs shew our selues true & obedient children , giuing attentiue eare vnto the diuine sentence , and healthfull counsell of S. Peter : Quasi modo geniti infantes rationabiles , sine dolo , lac concupiscite . As new borne children reasonable , without deceipt , desire yee milke : not sweet alluring milke of vayne pleasure & worldly vanityes , but the true nourishing milke of a pure & vnspotted life ; the delightsome milke of deuout loue to the B. Virgin , in which we may increase vnto eternall happines .

All haile , O sacred Virgin , full of grace the Mirrour of Sanctity , Colloquium . and patterne of all perfection : Behould I most vnworthy of ●l thy Children do heer prostrate my selfe at thy feet , desiring from ●he bottome of my hart that thou wilt vouchsafe to take me vnder thy protection , and with the a●undance of thy gracious fauours ●o to enrich my needy soule , that 〈◊〉 may be gratefull vnto thy belo●ed Sonne , & pleasing vnto thee . And being honored with so great and high a Title as to be called ●hyne , I may endeauour to the vt●rmost of my power so to behaue ●y selfe , that I may in all my acti●ns shew my selfe a true child of ●●ch a Mother . Amen . Salue Re●●na .

THE III. MEDITATION . Sancta Dei genitrix ora pro nobis . Holy Mother of God , pray for vs .

THIS most excellent Title of Mother of God is giuen to the Blessed Virgin , by the holy Euangelists in diuers places . S. Matthe● recounting the genealogy of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , deriueth it from Abraham , and bringeth it to S. Ioseph , Spouse of the Blessed Virgin , De qua natus est Iesus , qui v●catur Christus ; of whome was borne Iesus who is called Christ . S Iohn speaking of the wedding in Cana of Gal●lee , sayth : Erat mater Iesu ibi , The Mother of Iesus was there . An● at the death of our Blessed Sauiour making mention of her constant fortitude at the foot of the Crosse writeth : Stabat iuxta Crucem Iesu Mater eius : Iesus his Mother stood at the foot of the Crosse . In the Acts of the Apostles , S Luke also honoureth her with the same renowned title of the Mother of God , all which being inuincible testimonyes need no further proofe .

1. First then , I wil consider how this excellent title of Mother of God , is the chiefe ground & foundation of all her rare , and singular prerogatiues . Why should this heauenly Queen be called , and be both Mother & Virgin ? Because so it was fit for the B. Mother of God . Wherefore preserued from all spot , both of actuall and originall sinne ? Because she was the B● Mother of God . Why replenished with grace aboue all other Creatures ? For the same reason that she was Mother of God . Why more Holy then all Saints & Angells togeather ? Because such sanctity was agreable to the renowned title of Mother of God . She was elected the deuine Tabernacle of the most Highest , Et sanctificauit Tabernaculum suum altissimus , & thus he sanctifyed his holy Tabernacle . This most noble Title therefore being giuen her , by reason of her profound humility , the ground of all vertues , was the beginning of all the rest her singular fauours .

2. But to diue a litle further into botomles depth of this matchlesse Title ; let vs consider the greatnes therof . If there could be found some noble Lady on earth , whose Father should excell all the world in power , riches and authority ; whose Sonne did go beyond all creatures in wisedome wealth , and nobility ; and lastly whose Spouse did equall them both in all noble acts and veriuous proceedings : if such a Lady could be found for her singular vertues and rare qualityes , worthy to be acknowledged of such a Father , to be honoured by such a Sonne , and to be beloued of such a Spouse ; what titles could this gracious Queene be honoured with , but such as both by Father , Sonne , & Spouse must needs be excellent ? Consider then the euer Blessed & most happy Virgin Mary , daughter vnto Almighty God , Mother to his only Sonne , and Espoused to the Holy Ghost ; who for her profound humility , Angelicall chastity , most burning Charity , and the rest of her admirable vertues , is most worthily and tenderly beloued of them all . And shall we not thinke they would honour her with such a title , as might both answere the greatnes of them that gaue it , and be most honourable to her that should receaue it ? Yea doubtlesse . And what title could this be but , Sancta Dei Genitrix , Holy Mother of God , Mater Iesu , Mother of Iesus .

3. I will then consider the great dignity of this most noble Title . For the better understanding wherof we may contemplate how in the Eternal Wisedome of God the Father , the second person of the 〈◊〉 Trinity , was from all Eternity borne of his Father without a Mother , and at the decreed tyme being to be borne of a Mother without a Father , he made choise of the Blessed Virgin , which was the greatest dignity which any creature could be exalted vnto ; as this ●acred Queene did most humbly acknowledge and prayse God for ●he same , in her diuine Canticle , when she did also prophesy how ●or his cause all people should call ●er Blessed : Ecce enim ex hoc beatam ●e dicent omnes generationes : Behold from henceforth all generations shall call me Blessed . Therefore most worthily this honourable title is placed in the beginning 〈◊〉 her Letanyes , as the chiefe ●●ound of all the rest of her noble 〈◊〉 deuout appellations . This I say in the beginning , as the greatest and most worthy to be engrafted in the harts of all such as desire to come vnto her , for the sweet milk of true & cordiall deuotion . And as little Infants neuer cease crying and calling after their Mothers , or Nurses , vntill they see them ; and neuer content vntill they come to sucke the full duggs , and imbrace the paps from whence they draw their sustenance : So ought we to cry after this our louing Mother , and thinke our selues and soules robbed vntill we both find her , & tast the sweet milke of deuotion● of which S. Augustine spake , whe● imagining himselfe betweene th● sacred wounds of Christ , and th● full duggs of the B. Virgin , 〈◊〉 sayd : hinc pascor à vulnere , hinc ●●ctor ab vbere . On the one side I a●● fed with the precious bloud 〈◊〉 Christ , on the other with the deuotion-flowing teats of the Blessed Virgin ; of which two dainties S. Bonauenture also gloryed , and sayd he made himself a most sweet potion .

O euer Blessed , Colloquium . and most happy Mother of God , who notwithstanding so great a Title , and high dignity , dost not disdaine to be the Mother of sinners ; vouchsafe to cast thy humble eye vpon a desolate and forsaken Orphane , who cryeth with the Kingly Prophet : Tibi derelictus est pauper ; orphano tu es adiutrix : Vnto thee the poore is left , and thou wilt be a help vnto the Orphane : Ad te suspiramus gementes & flentesin hac lachrymarum valle . Eia ergo aduocata nostra , illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos conuerte . Vnto thee , O sacred Queen we crye , groaning and lamenting in this vale of miseryes . Come therfore , O most Blessed aduocate turne thy mercifull eyes towards vs , heare our humble pititions , Sancta Dei genitrix ora pro nobis : holy Mother of God pray for vs , that we may escape the manifold dangers of this wicked life ; that we may follow thy diuine and humble footsteps ; that we may not only in word and hart acknowledge thee the Mother of God , but also come to behould thy glorious Crowne , which thou hast receaued , answerable to so worthy a Title and so great a dignity . And that so we may reioyce with thee for all eternity , Amen . Salue Regina &c.

THE IIII. MEDITATION . Sancta Virgo Virginum , ora pro nobis . Holy Virgin of Virgins , pray for vs .

CONCERNING this Epitheton , we may consider three principal points . First the dignity of Virginity . Secondly why the Blessed Virgin , is called Virgo Virginum , Virgin of Virgins . Lastly of what esteeme virginity is with God , and our B. Lady .

1. The first consideration of the excellency of Virginity , we find expressed & counselled by Christ , when in the mysticall parable of the three kindes of Eunuches , Mat. 19. the ●ast , sayth he , are such as haue made themselues chast , for the kingdom of heauen : and to shew the difficulty in attaining to this excellent vertue , Matt. 13. he addeth , Qui potest capere , Luke 18. capiat : he that can reach vnto it , let him imbrace and follow it . The like proofe we haue of the dignity of virginall chastity , out of another parable , where Christ comparing his holy Church to a good land , whereof one part yealdeth fruit thirty fold , Cypr. de hab. virg. Hier. l. 1. in Iou. August . de sancta virg. c. 44. & 45. another sixty , and some an hundred : vnderstanding heereby , as some Fathers expound , the chastity of honest wiues , deuout widowes , and vertuous Virgins ; amongst which , as the chiefest , Virginity bringeth forth an hundred fold . S. Paul also much extolleth the quiet condition of virginall life , 1. Cor. 7. because as it is more free from troubles and vexations of the flesh , so it is an estate more sequestred from earthly pleasures , and therefore more fit for the seruice of God .

Moreouer the excellency of this celestiall gift may be gathered out of the common and continual practise of the Church , and the high esteeme the holy Fathers euer had of this so pretious a iewel . S. Ambrose calleth it Principalis virtus , Lib. 2. de Virg. the chiefest vertue , adding that no wit is able to comprehend the dignity thereof , because it exceeds the bondes of Nature , pierceth the clouds , passeth aboue the Stars , goeth beyond the quires of Angels , and taketh the Sonne of God for Spouse . De disc. & habit . Virg. S. Cyprian calleth virginity , the flowre of the Church , the grace , and ornament of spirituall fauour , the liuely image of our Sauiour , deciphring his sanctity , and the more illustrious portion of the Church and flock of Christ . I omit others , for by these we may sufficiently vnderstand the excellency & dignity of virginity considered in it selfe .

2. Consider why , & with how great reason the B. Mother of God is called Virgin of Virgins . Where we may contemplate , how this sacred Queene was the first , that euer offered her virginity to God by Holy Vow ; and this either in the Temple at her Presentation being of three years of age , where she was brought vp vntil by diuin ordination she was espoused to S. Ioseph : or , as some thinke , she made this laudable vow ( being preuented with the vse of reason ) in her Mothers wombe . Howsoeuer it was all with vniforme consent agree that in this she was the first , and therfore , most worthily intitled the Virgin of Virgins .

Besides , she may most iustly be named Virgin of Virgins , because in her vnspotted life she was the most perfect modell of all vertues , the most exact patterne of virginity , & the most liuely example for all Virgins , whereby to frame their actions , and some their liues , as S. Ambrose witnesseth : Sit vobis ( sayth he ) tamquam in imagine descripta virginitas , vitaque Beatae Mariae ; Ambr. l. 2. de Virg. de qua velut in speculo refulget species Castitatis , & forma virtutis . Let the virginity , and life of the Blessed Virgin Mary be vnto you as it were engrauen in an image , from which as in a lookinglasse the beames of Chastity , and the forme of vertue do yeald a most beautifull lustre . For heere you shall find , both what to fly , and what to follow . And furthermore to stir vp in our harts an earnest desire to learne of such a Mistresse to follow such a guide , and leuell our liues to such a rule , he setteth forth her vertue and nobility as followeth : Primus discendi ardor , nobilitas est magistri , the first and chiefest motiue of the desyre of learning , is the nobility of the maister : then further ; Quid nobiliùs Dei matre , quid splendidiùs ea quam splendor elegit ? What more noble then the Mother of God , what more bright then she whome brightnes hath elected and chosen for his Mother ? She therefore for nobility deserues the Title of Mistresse , and for her bright shining vertue worthy the most exact patterne of all perfection .

Againe she may be sayd to be the Virgin of Virgins , because vnto the honour of her virginity was ioyned the fruitfulnesse of a Mother , neuer the like heard of before , neuer the like hoped for heereafter : Virgo perpetua , mater & Virgo ( sayth S. Hierome ) a perpetuall Virgin and Mother , or Virgin-Mother , and therfore Mother of Virgins , and Virgin of Virgins . This is the Easterne gate ( as S. Hierom expoundeth ) alwayes shut , alwayes shining , mentioned by the Prophet Ezechiel , graced with the Title of Mother , yet without detriment or hurt of her vnspotted virginity , alwayes remayning a Virgin : therfore we ought to call vpon her , and earnestly to cry vnto her , Sancta virgo Virginum ora pro nobis . Holy Virgin of Virgins , pray for vs .

3. The third point may be to consider , how gratefull this vertue is in the sight of God , and how pleasing vnto the Blessed Virgin . So highly esteemed in the sight of God , that being to effect one miraculous work , that should be the wonder of the world , that is , to wrap himselfe in the slender veyle of our humanity , & become man amongst men ; he would not take that mantle , but of a Virgin , and a Virgin dedicated vnto himselfe by a perpetuall vow of chastity : Virginitate placuit , Humilitate concepit , sayth S. Bernard : By virginity she seemed pleasing vnto him , and by Humility she became his Mother , or ( as S. Chrysostom saith ) by Chastity . This is that Altar of Perfumes , called Altare Thymiamatis , so pleasing vnto God . This is that dainty Rose of Saron springing from the pricky thornes of mortification : this that beautifull lylly of the humble vallies , which admitteth not the least touch or stain : it is that florishing flower of the field , which being roted in the B. virgin , hath now sprouted forth so many branches , that we may wel see and say , Flores apparuerunt in terra nosstra : Flowers haue appeared in our Land ; and being virginall flowers , and flowers of virginity , Adducentur Regi virgines post eam : After her , troops of virgens shall be brought to the King of Kinges , to Christ the true Spouse of holy Virgins . For , Oleum effusum nomen tuum ideo Adolescentulae dilexerunt te . Thy name , O Lord , is oyle powred out , therefore young virgins loue thee , and following thy diuine steps they cry : In odorem vnguentorum tuorum curremus : We will runne after the sweet smell of thy pretious oyntements .

Virginity must also be most pleasing to the B. Virgin : for she knowing best the valew of such dainty flowers , and considering how much they are esteemed by her sweet Sonne , must needs haue a particuler loue therto , and a peculiar care therof that such choice flowers be not defiled , or trampled on by incursion of bruit beasts . And as one that is the first founder of some holy & Religious Order , hath a most diligent care both to defend & aduance his religious Institute , and taketh great delight in the increase and progresse therof : so the B. Virgin being the first that euer found out this Angelicall life , the first that layd the ground and foundation of vowed Chastity , the first that displayd the banner , vnder which all chast virgins ought manfully to fight , & vnder which so many haue already winne the goale , gotten the victory , and worne the Crowne : She , I say , must needs take great delight in the groth of these so faire flowers of her louing Sonne , as he takes great content in gathering of them . Witnes those beautifull flowers of virginity & constant pillars of renowned Chastity , transplanted by our Sauiours ●and from this garden of misery ●nto the heauenly place of Paradise S. Catherine , S. Agatha , S. Lucy , S. Agnes , S. Cecily , S. Winifride , and thousands more in like manner , who rather made choice to loose their liues , then liue to be depriued of so rare a Iewel , and with the vnspoted Ermyn seemed rather to dye then be defiled .

And thus hauing viewed the excellency of Virginity in it selfe , the esteeme it hath in the sight of God , the prize it beares with the Blessed Virgin : and considering how truly she is Virgin of Virgins ; let vs stir vp in our selues a reuerend loue vnto this excellent vertue , and desire this Virgin of Virgins to pray for vs , that we may euery one in his estate , and according to his calling imitate this glorious Virgin , in keeping our soules and bodyes as the chast vessels and chosen tabernacles of the Holy Ghost , bringing forth fruit , some thirty , some sixty , and some ●n hundred fold , whereby we shall be most pleasing to God , beloued of the B. Virgin , and shall ●e of the happy number of that ●elect band , of so many thousands of most holy & vnspotted virgins whose priuiledge is to follow the Lambe wheresouer , and whithersoeuer he goeth : to which effect let vs say , Aue Maris stella &c.

THE V. MEDITATION . Mater Christi , ora pro nobis . Mother of Christ , pray for vs .

HAVING contemplated the excellent dignity of the Holy Mother of God , let vs now consider her as Mother of Christ , which although it be the same in effect , yet heere we will ponder some particuler points , as it were deriued from this word Christ , wherby it may the better appeare what dignity hath redounded to the B. Virgin by being called Mother of Christ . Christ therfore , is as much to say , as Annointed , because he was indeed the annointed of his Father , Vnxit te Deus , Deus tuus , O God , thy God hath annointed thee , and that Oleo laetitiae prae consortibus tuis , with oyle of gladnes aboue thy fellowes . By which diuin vnction is signifyed the abundance of heauenly grace , wherewith the sacred Humanity of Christ was beautifyed aboue al others .

Priests , Prophets and Kings are wont to be annoynted , to signify the particuler grace which they haue giuen them to perform their functions : and Christ Iesus being both Priest , Prophet , and King , ought by al titles to be Christ that is Annoynted , so that by Christ we vnderstand as it were the flowing fountain of all graces , from whose fullnes we al receaue to satisfy our wants . Now if we seeke the head of this diuine fountaine , we shal find it hath one beginning in heauen from all eternity of his Father , another on earth in fine temporum , towards the end of the world , Homo in fine temporum . when being made Man he came to pay the ransome of our sinnes , and that is his blessed Mother , heere iustly intitled Mater Christi , Mother of Christ .

Let vs now consider foure propertyes of oyle , which will in some sort declare vnto vs the wonderfull effects of this diuine oyle , whereby the greatnes of the benefit we haue receaued of the B. Virgin ( who was Mother vnto this Annoynted Sonne of God , and brought him into this world among vs ) may appeare the more .

The first property of Oyle is to feed vs , and this S. Bernard noteth , and experience teacheth , & Christ is he who is our true food , without whom no soule can liue ; for vnles we eate his flesh , and drink his bloud , we cannot auoyd eternall death . The Israelites in the desert were cloyed with the heauenly Manna , and sayd , they were weary of so light meates ; therefore by the powerfull hand of Almighty God they were soarely chastized with fiery Serpents , the stinging wherof could not be cured , but by the beholding of the brazen serpent : So if we be cloyed with this diuine food , which the Blessed Virgin hath brought vnto vs ; what can we expect but the annoyance and byting of fiery serpents , that is of vnruly passions , disordered , and disordinate lustes of the flesh , neuer ceasing to afflict vs vntil we cast our eyes vpon our B. Sauiour nayled to the Crosse , sigured in the brazen serpent ; which if we do with true deuotion , firme fayth , and harty repentance of our sinnes , we shall be cu●ed , and our soule shall find it selfe refreshed with the oyle of glade●es ; for as S. Augustine sayth : de ●ccato dolet , & de dolore gaudet , a sinner grieueth for the sinne committed , & reioyceth that he is sorrowfull for it .

The second property gathered out of the same S. Bernard is , that it giueth light : and as Christ himselfe auerreth , he is the light of the world , Lux sum mund : I am the light of the world : therfore who soeuer findeth himselfe oppressed with the darke cloudes of dull ignorance , let him haue recourse vnto this diuine lampe of burning oyle ; and let him with the blind man call vpon him and say , Lord haue mercy on me : & if most bountiful Iesus shal demand what thou wouldst haue ? Thou shalt answere Lord , that I may see light . What light ? The light of thy celestiall doctrine , of thy heauenly grace , of thy eternall glory .

Another property of oyle is to cure wounds , as the same Holy Saint recordeth , of which we haue an euident proofe out of the parable of the miserable man , who descending from Hierusalem to Hierico , fell into the handes of theeues , & being sore wounded , was cured by oyle and wine . The precious bloud of Christ , is the medicinable oyle powred forth for the cure of our soules , & salue of our soars ; this must be the only remedy of our bleeding wounds .

The last property of oyle is ( as S. Gregory writeth ) to swim aboue all other liquors , which is the true effect of the grace of Christ , to make them who are indued therewith to swim aboue al waters of tribulation ; and though for a tyme they may seeme to be cast down , because we see them encountred with so many changes and chances ; yet they will come vp to their naturall place againe , & like the flourishing palme grow the faster vnder the greatest burden , for that is to florish like the palme , as the Kingly Prophet writeth , Iustus vt palma florebit .

These are the foure excellent propertyes of oyle which do shew vnto vs the admirable cures that Christ by his diuine grace worketh in our soules . And the Blessed Virgin being called Mother of Christ , if we want food to our soules , we must call to her , that she would vouchsafe to pray vnto her most louing Sonne to feed vs . If we be destitute of light , that she would intreate him to enlighten vs . If we be wounded , that she would desire him to cure vs . If we be oppressed & ready to be drowned in the depth of misery , that she would by her Motherly intercession pray him to releeue vs with his mercy , that we faile not in his cause , but like vnto oyle , alwayes striue to ascend , that so we may shew our selues to haue participation of that diuine oyle Christ , vnto whose euer Blessed Mother we must haue recourse , saying : Mater Christi ora pro nobis , Mother of Christ pray for vs .

THE VI. MEDITATION . Mater diuinae gratiae , ora pro nobis . Mother of diuine grace , pray for vs .

THIS Diuine Tile may be giuen to the Blessed Virgin for three reasons , which yeald vs three deuout points of Meditation .

1. The first reason why she is called Mother of diuine grace , is , because she is the mother of Christ who is the author of all graces , and fauours , and replenished with such aboundance of grace , that not vnfitly he may be called Grace it selfe , whose Blessed Mother was the Queene of Angells , of whom we speake , and therefore most rightly intitled Mother of Diuine grace . For if we consider the menifold benefits which we haue receaued from our Sauiour by his comming amongst vs , and the aboundance of grace we may draw from the Holy Sacraments , which he hath left as fountaines continually flowing like the seauen-headed Nilus , to which we may run at our pleasure , to refresh our needy and thirsty soules : These things Isay , considered , & how he chose the Blessed Virgin to be the long desired ship , that could bring vs in , to our hauen at once such a precious Iewel , as might not only supply al our wants , but also make vs exceeding rich ; we may with great reason say , Mother of diuine grace , pray for vs .

2. The second reason of this noble Title is , because of the great aboundance of spirituall graces , wherewith this sacred Queen was endowed , as partly we haue sayd in the former Meditations , and after shall more playnely appeare . She was saluted by the heauenly Embassadour Gratia plena , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . or as the Greeke word imports Singularly gracious , because by reason of her great merits , she was aboue all creatures pleasing vnto God , and for this great aboundance of grace produced in her blessed soule , partly , by the gift of God , and partly by her owne cooperating thereto , she may fitly be called Mother of Diuine grace .

And if we consider with attention how this grace did increase in the Blessed Virgin , we cannot choose , but acknowledge her to be the Mother of diuine grace . For as many Deuines affirme , the B. Virgin by euery act doubled the grace she had before receaued and this for the space of all her life which was 72. yeares ( as the best Writers do proue ) whereby in the end of her life the grace wherwith she was indued , was almost infinite , & far surpasseth the weak reach of humane reason to vnfold . How rightly then do we call her , Mother of diuine grace ?

3. The third reason of this appellation is , because she is a perpetual Aduocate for vs vnto her beloued Sonne , & doth by her holy intercession obtaine grace & pardon for our sins . For as S. Bernard deuoutly writeth , Quidquid nos habere voluit , id per Mariam transire disposuit : Whatsoeuer God would haue vs to receaue , that would he haue to passe through the handes of the Blessed Virgin . And for this cause she is sayd to be as it were the Necke , & Throat of the Church and Christ the Head . And as all that maintaynes the body , passeth from the head through the Throat to the chiefe parts of the body from the which it is duely distributed to all the rest of the members : so all that commeth from Christ vnto his Spouse the Church , he will haue to passe through the sacred handes of the Blessed Virgin , vnto the whole body , & euery member of the Holy Church : & therfore we say , Mater diuinae gratiae , ora pro nobis , Mother of diuine grace pray for vs .

O happy Mother of diuine grace , Colloquium . who by thy profound humility , vnspotted chastity , vnspeakable charity , and the rest of thy excellent vertues , didst bring into the world the author of grace & wast thy selfe replenished with all fullnes therof , and art as a perpetuall conduct to conuay his diuine fauours vnto vs ; let vs so be strengthned by thy diuine fauour and holy intercession , that we may in such sort shew our selues true children of diuine grace , that thou maist not refuse to be our Mother , or deny vs to be thy children ; but according to thy Name , as thou art called Mother of mercy , for the loue thou shewest vnto repentant sinners ; so also shew thy selfe Mother of diuine grace , in obtayning for vs some portion of that celestiall gift which may make vs truly heyrs of that eternal Kingdom , of which this diuine grace is the only pledge , and surest warrant . Amen . Aue Maria.

THE VII . MEDITATION . Mater purissima , ora pro nobis . Most pure Mother , pray for vs .

IN this Title of Purity we will not speake of the Virginall purity of the Queene of heauen , of which we haue sayd somewhat already in the Title of Virgin of Virgins , and shall adde more in the Meditations following : but we will now speake of the vnspotted Purity of the B. Virgin , from the blemish and staine of sinne .

1. First therefore we may consider , how free this B. Virgin did alwayes keep her selfe from the foule and vgly blot of all mortall sinne . Our first Mother Eue was called the Mother of the liuing , but was indeed Mother of the dead ; for being seduced and subdued by the serpents subtilty , she intised & deceaued Adam to sinne also , by whose disobedience we all remayned subiect not only to death , but also vnto thousands of miseryes . But the B. Virgin , mutans Euae nomen , changing the name of Eue , did alwayes remayne vnited with God , and so crushed and bruized the Serpents head , that withal his crafty guiles and subtile trickes he could neuer supplant this gracious Queene , to giue but the least concent vnto any vnlawfull act , or to speake any hurtfull word , or haue the least thought that might tend into any mortall sinne : but she alwayes kept her selfe most pure ●n thought , word , and deed , and therefore most worthily deserues the shining Title of most Pure and Vnspotted ; giuing vs also courage when the foule monster and enemy of mankind shall assault vs , to cast our eyes vpon her , and say , Mater purissima , ora pro nobis , most pure Mother pray for vs . For the Diuell being excessiue proud , and insolent , and hauing beene conquered and foyled by this glorious Queene , he dares not stay at the inuocation of her sacred Name , nor can he endure to heare vs call for her soueraigne ayde and assistance , who is most pure , and most ready to help all those who truely call vpon her .

2. The second poynt yealdeth vs matter to meditate and ponder , how this pure and vnspotted Virgin-Mother , did not only keep her selfe free from all tainture of mortall sinne , but did also auoyd the least blemish of any venial sinne , into which ordinarily euen the most Iust do fall , and that many tymes a day , as holy Writ doth witnes in these words : Septies in die cadit iustus , & resurgit : seauen tymes a day the iust man doth fal , & rise againe , which is to be vnderstood of smal sinnes , and light offences . Neither are they tearmed light , because we do carelesly commit them , or make light of them ( for one of them ought not to be committed to saue the whole world ) but they be so called , because they be of their own nature such , as they do not extinguish the grace of God in the Iust man , nor are directly against Charity , & therefore may stand both with grace and charity , and may the easier be forgiuen . Yet I say from the little blemishes that taint euen the best , this B. Virgin was alwayes free , euer so perfectly vnited with Almighty God , and so wholy imployed in his diuine seruice , that the least blast of any venial sinne , could neuer stayne the flourishing beauty of her excellent vertues . This consideration made S. Augustine say , Cùm de peccatis agitur , Aug. l. de natur . & grat . cap. 36. nolo de B. Virgine mentionem fieri , When there is any speach of sinne , I will haue no mention made of the B. Virgin ; for right well he knew how free she was , not only from the deadly wounds of mortall sinne , but also from the least shaddow of any veniall sinne , and therefore most pure and worthyly called vpon by that Title , Most pure Mother , pray for vs .

3. The third point is to contemplate the vndefiled purity of the B. Virgin , euen from the generall spot of originall sinne , vnto which all the children of Adam were subiect , if they descended by naturall propagation , as this sacred Queene did ; yet by particular priuiledge was she excepted from that generall law . For the infinite wisedome of Almighty God did not thinke it fit that she who was chosen from all eternity to be the Mother vnto his only Sonne , should euer be sayd to haue been in the power of Sathan . And therfore with his particular grace did preuent the effect of the general curse , whereby our most pure Mother did remaine most beautifull in the sight of God , pleasing vnto his Sonne ; and euen from her first beginning , in her immaculate Conception , espoused vnto the Holy Ghost by heauenly grace . And by this indeed the Title of Most pure doth fitly agree vnto her . For we may say she was pure in that she fled all mortal sin ; yet more pure in that no veniall sinne could euer taint her ; but in this most pure , that euen from the spot of originall sinne she was preserued , and by singular fauour exempted from that curse , as indeed befitted the chosen Mother of God .

O most pure , and vnspotted Mother , Colloquium . cast thy diuin eyes vpon thy deuout seruants , and let not the impurity of our former sins , defile vs . We must all confesse , we are conceaued the children o● wrath , and borne in wickedness by originall sinne ; yet , Mater purissima ora pro nobis , most pure Mother , pray for vs : That as we haue by Baptisme drowned the one , so we may , by true Pennance and Contrition wash away the other , that being sprinkled with the dew of diuine grace , and made more white then snow , we may appear most ioyfully in the sight of thy sweet Son , whose pretious bloud hath beene the medicinable riuer Iordan , to wash away our Leprosy . Pray for vs , O sacred Queen , that we may so imitate this thy Angelicall purity , & be most pure children of a most vnspotted Mother . Amen . O gloriosa Domina &c.

THE VIII . MEDITATION . Mater Castissimae , ora pro nobis . Most chast Mother , pray for vs .

WE haue already in the fourth Meditation spoken of the excellency of the virginity of this powerfull Queene . Now are we to consider the renowned title of her singular Chastity , by which we salute her whé we say , Most chast Mother , pray for vs In this Angelical vertue of Chastity , I find three degrees , which if we consider how eminent they were all in the B. Virgin , we shall easily perceaue how worthily she is called Mater Castissima .

1. The first degree of Chastity is coniugall , that is , such as may be kept betwixt man and wife , at least for a tyme , as S. Paul counselleth those that be maryed to do , that they might pray the better , and be the fitter for the seruice of God . This degree of Chastity , the B. Virgin had in the highest perfection ; for although she were truly despoused to S. Ioseph , and was his vndoubted wife ; yet as S. Gregory sayth , he was but Custos integerrimae Castitatis , the keeper of her most pure Chastity . For as the sacred Text of holy Scripture doth lay open vnto vs , before they euer came togeather the mystery of the incarnation of Christ was knowne , though not as a Mystery ; and therfore , as S. Hierome writeth , Celabat silentio , cu●us Mysterium nesciebat , he couered with silence the mystery he knew not : So that the B. Virgin was a wife , but alwayes most chast , and therefore called a Most chast Mother .

2. The second degree of Chastity is of holy Widdowes , who after the death of their husbands most earnestly imbrace this heauenly vertue . In this also the B. Virgin was most eminent : for it is very probable that S. Ioseph was departed this life before the Passion of our Sauiour . And therfore Christ commended his B. Mother to S. Iohn , as himselfe witnesseth ; after whose death , the B. Virgin lead a widdowes life , and was the mirrour of all chast Widdowes . Besides she may be sayd to be a Widdow after the Ascension of Christ , in that , she was left as it were , Viduata columba , a doue without her mate , alwayes groaning , euer mourning like the forsaken Turtle , vntill she came to meet him againe in the happy pallace of eternal blisse : she therefore was a most chast Widdow , and that in a most remarkable manner .

3. The third and most renowned degree of this noble Vertue , is called Virginal Chastity , which is , when Virgins wholy dedicate themselues vnto Christ by holy vow , and take him for their only spouse , as the B. Virgin was the first that euer did , binding her selfe by vow of perpetuall chastity to be wholy and only his ; after whose rare example so many thousandes of holy Virgins haue followed with vndaunted courage , and many of them lost their liues in the iust defence of this worthyly esteemed vertue . And how eminent the B. Virgin was in this , we may easily gather out of that which hath beene sayd of her Chast Virginity .

And by these three degrees , which we find most eminent in the B. Virgin , we may easily conceaue with how great reason she is intitled , Mater castissima , most chast Mother . We must therefore mooue our selues with an earnest desire , & louing affection toward this vertue , and no lesse to wardes the B. Virgin , who so greatly excelled in it . Colloquium . And with these desires we must fall downe before this chast Mother to implore her ayde and help , for the better accomplishing what we desire , and say Virgo singularis , inter omnes mitis , nos culpis solutos , mites fac & castos : Virgin without peere , & amongst all others most mild , we being cleansed from our sinnes by thy holy intercession , make vs also both mild & chast . Amen . Then we may conclude , to this effect , with the deuout Hymne , Aue Maris stella .

THE IX . MEDITATION . Mater Inuiolata , ora pro nobis . Vndefiled Mother , pray for vs .

BY this most worthy Title is signifyed vnto vs the admirable combination of the dignity of Virginity , ioyned with the honour of Mother ; a thing naturally impossible , and only by the omnipotent hand of God to be broght to passe . Therefore in this Title we are to consider this wonderfull worke of admiration , and to prayse the diuine prouidence of Almighty God ; who to prepare our hard hart to the great mystery of the Incarnation of his only Sonne , would beginne with this admirable Conception , long before discouered by the holy Prophet Isay , Ecce Virgo concipiet , & pariet filium : Behold a Virgin shal conceaue , and bring forth a Son , that is , neither the strang conception , nor desyred birth of that miraculous Sonne , should any way impeach or diminish the dignity of Virginity , & yet he should bring with him the fecundity of a Mother : therfore the sayd Prophet as it were inuiting vs to admiration , sayth , Ecce , behold . And the holy Prophet Hieremy called it Nouum , a new thing , as indeed it was both strang & new . She was a chast Virgin , yet a fruitfull Mother , and therfore a Virgin-Mother , Mater inuiolata , an vndefiled Mother . For how could she be defiled , who conceaued by the worke of the Holy Ghost ? how could she be spotted , who as S. Ambrose teacheth , Corpus sine corporis contagione concepit , conceaued the sacred body of Christ without any contagion of her owne .

Let vs therefore by this both prayse the goodnes of God , for chosing the B. Virgin an instrument of this diuin miracle of miracles ; Colloquium . and also congratulate our happiest Queene , that she was elected to so high a dignity , & of so great esteeme in the sight of God , and so the more powerfull to help vs , when we say , Mater inuiolata ora pro nobis , vndefiled mother , pray for vs . For calling vpon her by this diuine Title , is as much as to say , for the loue of that diuine worke of admiration , wherin thou wert made Mother of God remayning a Virgin , pray for vs , For the ioy thou didst conceaue in this diuine Mystery , pray for vs . In honour of this vnspeakable combination of the venerable title of Mother , with the shinning Iustre of virginity , pray for vs : & obtayne , that by thy powerfull prayers and holy intercession we may be worthy to conceaue thy Blessed Sonne sweet Iesus in our soules . Amen . Salue Regina .

THE X. MEDITATION . Mater Intemgrata , ora pro nobis . Vntouched Mother , pray for vs .

BY this Epitheton , we must consider another excellent property of the B. Virgins chast renowne . For as in the former title we did contemplate how she was Mother , yet without all stayne of her angelicall purity : so heere we may ponder the vnspotted beauty of her chast virginity , not any whit diminished , or so much as touched with that wonderfull accesse of this new title of Mother , and therfore most aptly she is intitled , An vntouched Mother .

The Lilly which is the chief symbole and figure of Chastity , ●s of it owne nature of most dainty condition . To the eye most pleasing , to the smel most fragrant ; but if it come to be handled , or touched , it is so soon bleamished , that it looseth both the exquisite smell , and the excellent beauty , so the renowned vertue of chast Virgins will not admit the least touch of any earthly affection , & worldly loue , without a perpetuall stayne and vtter disgrace of so rare a vertue . And because this beautifull Lilly of the valleys , the B. Mother of God , was Lilium inter spinas , a Lilly a midst thornes ; yet euer vnspotted , vndefiled , & vntouched , therefore she is called Mater intemerata . Of this most pure Virgin the holy Catholike Church singeth : Benedicta & venerabilis es Virgo Maria , quae sine tactu pudoris inuentaes Mater Saluatoris . Blessed & venerable art thou , O Virgin Mary , who without any touch of thy chastity didst becom the Mother of God .

Let vs see further how this admirable worke was effected . She , as the most beautifull flower of virginity , was replenished with great aboundance of grace , and so saluted by the heauenly Embassadour , when he denounced vnto her that she should become Mother of God : yet our sacred Queene replyed , in the behalfe of her vnspotted purity , asking how that could come to passe , being she was a vowed Virgin ? To which the Angell answered , that it was a worke to be accomplished by the diuine help of the holy Ghost ; and therefore the child she was to beare , was to be the Sonne of God . The humble obedient Virgin , diuing in the depth of her owne nothing , answered withall submission , and most perfect resignation , Ecce Ancilla Domini , fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum : Behold the hand-mayd of our Lord , let his wil be fulfilled in me , according to thy speach . And so by this humble consent , by this admirable fiat , she became indeed Mother of God . Behold then how she was made Mother , yet with the integrity of her virginall chastity . By a word , with a fiat , the heauens were created , the Sunne , the Moone , and all the glittering light of heauen ; by a word , with a fiat the earth was made , the Sea , the Land , and all thinges els that sea and land contaynes : now ( O miracle of miracles ) by one word by one fiat of a Virgin , God himselfe is made Man , conceaued by a chast consent , borne of a pure and vnspotted Mother , Mater intemerata .

O diuine Mother , let the sweet perfumes of this Angelicall vertue , so enter into our senses , so wrappe our vnderstanding , Colloquium . and so rauish our will , that we may admit no other thought , or imagination , no other affections or desires , but such as may bring forth this sweet smell , this fragrant perfume of purity ; that we may be grateful in the eyes of our Creator , pleasing in the presence of our Redeemer , and in thy sight worthy to be beloued . Amen . Aue Maris stella .

THE XI . MEDITATION . Mater amabilis , ora pro nobis . Louely Mother , pray for vs .

MANY causes may be assigned & many reasons found why the B. Virgin is sayd to be louely , which I will endeauour to reduce to three general heads , because I will not exceed my wonted breuity .

1. The first cause or reason , which both maketh her louely , & moueth vs to loue her , may be her excellent beauty , which did so abound in this louely Queen , as the like hath not beene found in any other . For as our Sauiour was the most beautifull of men according to the kingly prophesy , Speciosus forma prae filijs hominum , beautifull and comely in shape beyond the sonnes of men : so the B. Virgin was most beautifull of all the daughters of women ; that whosoeuer should behould them both , might say , she could not be Mother , but of so fayre a Sonne , nor he Sonne , but of so beautifull a Mother . And this beauty of the B. Virgin ( of externall beauty & comlines we speake ) did consist in a most perfect proportion of all the lineaments of her sacred body , whereby she was pulcherima mulierum , the most beautifull of women , and therfore most louely in that respect . Neither was her virginal comelynes such as vsually doth stir vp wanton lustes , or inflame bad desires ; but altogeather so far contrary , that who so should behold the beautifull blush of her modest and virginall countenance , could not chose , but be inflamed with most chast desires and Feruent loue towardes this vertuous Queene .

This then may be giuen for the first reason of this louely title , Mater amabilis . And in this beauty I include her grauity in speach , her modesty in countenance , her grace in conuersation , & the due proportion of all her actions , being alwayes guided and gouerned by her inward vertues , of which heere after we shall haue occasion to speake more . Iudith being to worke the ouerthrow of proud Holofernes , in defence of her citty and people , adorned and decked her selfe withall the richest iewels and best or naments she had , and made herselfe as beautiful as with her best skil she could , ouer which Almighty God cast a splendour , of which holy Writ telleth vs : Cui Dominus quoque contulit splendorem , Iud. 10. vnto which beauty our Lord also added a lustre . And shall we not then thinke of the B. Virgin , whose figure Iudith did beare , that after nature had shewed her selfe in this admirable worke , that our Lord also added the chiefest grace of her excellent beauty ? How then could she be but louely , and therfore , Mater amabilis .

2. The second cause , and more chiefe reason of her comelynes ( which shall be the second point ) is her inward beauty , that is , her excellent vertue , by the which deseruedly she may be sayd twice beautifull , and so in the Canticles she is , and that with a kind of admiration , Quàm pulchra es amica mea , quàm pulchra es ! How beautifull thou art my beloued , how beautifull ! Beautifull by reason of her outward comelynes , but much more by reason of her inward vertues : For Omnis gloria filiae Regis ab intus , all the glory of the Kings daughter is from within .

Heere therfore we must consider the singular grace & comely meeting of all vertues in this gracious Queene ; her profound humility ; her humble obedience ; her shining purity ; her vnspeakable modesty ; her burning charity ; and most perfect resignation of her selfe into the handes of God , withall the rest of her excellent vertues in due tyme and place , in the best manner , guided by reason , with exact obseruation of euery circumstance , and as it were Castrorum acies ordinata , an army of souldiers well ordered . This considered as an harmony of perfect musicke , where no voyce misseth his right note and tune , no instrument iarreth , no sound out of order , must make vs of force to stand amazed at the rare composition of her inward beauty , the singular concord of her matchles vertues , & thus be moued to loue & affect her most worthy person , wherin we find them so perfectly vnited , and by which indeed she is Mater amabilis , a louely Mother .

3. The last generall reason , and the third point , is to meditat how much we are beloued of her , and in how princely and bountifull manner she dealeth with vs . For nothing moueth more to loue , then to know we are beloued , & since loue can neuer be repayed but by loue , seeing she hath shewed her selfe so louely a Mother vnto vs , we are bound in all gratitude and dutifull respect , to the vttermost of our power , to requite it . She had but one only Sonne , whome she loued far more then al the Mothers in the world loue their children ; yet was she content that in his infancy he should be our companion , at his last supper our food , at his death the price of our Redemption , and now she continually prayeth for vs , that he may be our endles ioy , and happines . How could she shew her selfe more louing , or how more louely , then like another Abraham to offer vp her owne beloued Son at the commandment of Almighty God , only for our good ? Let vs therefore louingly and deuoutly say Mater amabilis ora pro nobis , louely Mother , pray for vs . O gloriosa Domina &c.

THE XII . MEDITATION . Mater Admirabilis , ora pro nobis . Admirable Mother , pray for vs .

IN this admirable title we must first suppose the force of this world Admirable ; for it doth import some strange and wounderfull thing which is cause of admiration : and from hence miracles do take their name , because being beyond our naturall reach , they make vs admire . But if we consider the vertuous life , the miraculous death or departure , & the excessiue glory of the B. Virgin , we shall not only see how iustly this Title is applyed vnto her , but also with how great reason we may say , Mater admirabilis , admirable Mother pray for vs .

1. First then , in a briefe and compendious manner , we are to call to mind the admirable life of the B. Virgin . Admirable was her conception , obtayned by prayer and vow , denounced by an Angel , of aged & barren parents , without the spot of originall sin : all these thinges are great causes of admiration . Admirable was her strang Natiuity , borne in the field ( as S. Iohn Damascen witnesseth ) in a certaine grange of her Fathers , among the sweet tuned notes of innocent bleating Lambes , as one who was to be the Mother to the immaculate Lambe of God , designed to be slaine for ransome of vs all ; or as one who was to bring vs the true sheep-heard of our soules , who would haue most tender care of vs . Admirable , in that she was preuented with the vse of reason either in her Mothers wombe , or at the third yeare of her age , when she was offered vp and presented in the Temple . Admirable in her life and conuersation , and aboue al admirable in that she was both Mother and Virgin . Admirable also in her constancy , at the foot of the crosse , admirable in knowledge , in grace , and in all kind of vertue . These thinges , and the like considered , will giue vs perfect vnderstanding how she is indeed Mater admirabilis , an admirable Mother .

2. The second point is to ponder the admirable departure of her Blessed soule out of her sacred body , and out of this life . For she liued 72. yeares , dyed not of any disease , or distemper of disordered humors , but of pure loue and longing desire to be with Christ her dearest Sonne , which was an admirable death . Besides , all the Apostles then liuing were miraculously gathered togeather at her departure , and most solemly performed the dutyes of her exequies . After three dayes , our Sauiour descended from heauen accompanyed with his Quires of Angells , and assumpted her into heauen body and soule , where she was seated in such maiesty , and crowned with so great glory , there to raigne for euer .

3. The third point , shall be to admire this Elected Queene of Angells passing through the Blessed company of Virgins , leauing behind her the constant Confessors , glorious Martyrs the holy Apostles , Patriarkes , and Prophets ; mounting aboue the nine Quires of Angells , seated aboue the Cherubims and Seraphims in a Royall Throne by her selfe , as best befitted so glorious & admirable a Mother . And if we will at length come to the height of admiration , let vs behould this diuine Empresse vested with the Sunne , crowned with stars , and treading the Moone vnder her victorious feet , that is , in exceeding great glory , answerable both to her admirable titles , and singular vertues . For as we haue already meditated , she was enriched with more grace and spirituall gifts , then al Saints and Angels besides , and therfore must haue a Crown of glory answerable thereunto ; which must exceed the glorious crowns of them all . And by these three points we see how she was admirable in life , admirable in her departure , admirable in glory , & so most worthily called Mater admirabilis , an admirable Mother .

O most admirable , and euer happy Mother , who art in all points so much to be admyred ; Colloquium . be now vnto vs a powerful aduocate that we may ( as far as our weaknes will permit ) imitate thy admirable vertues in our life ; that we may find comfort at our death and deserue to receaue a Crown of glory with thee in heauen for all eternity . Amen . O gloriosa Domina .

THE XIII . MEDITATION . Mater Creatoris , ora pro nobis . Mother of the Creatour , pray for vs .

MANY of these Titles are the same in effect , with Mother of God ; yet we will so consider them , that we may conceaue some particuler reason of this , & the like titles , whereby the great dignity of the B. Mother of God may the more appeare . For although sometymes we vse to attribute Omnipotency to God the Father , Wisedome to the Sonne , and Bounty to the holy Ghost ; yet being all but one God , they are all equally Omnipotent , Wise , and Bountifull : And because in their outward actions ( as the Deuines speake ad extra ) they work inseparably , so that whatsoeuer the one doth , they are sayd to worke all three togeather ; Creation is as well attributed to the Sonne , as the Father , and in this sense the B. Virgin is called Mater Creatoris , Mother of the Creatour . For indeed so he was , since as S. Iohn sayth , omnia per ipsum facta sunt , all thinges were made by him . Heere therfore we are to consider how the infinite wisedome of God found out so sweet meanes to communicate himselfe to man , as to shut himselfe within the B. Virgins sacred wombe , whereby we worthily say , Quem caeli capere non poterant , tuo gremio contulisti : He whome the wide heauens could not contayne , thou hast inclosed in thy sacred womb .

2. Secondly consider , that the B. Virgin being mother of our , & her Creatour , she is the fittest Patronesse for all sinners to chose , that the worke of their creation may not be frustrate ; seeing then that God hath created all thinges for vs , and our selues for himself , ●t vs make recourse to the Blessed Mother of the Creatour of all things , that by her powerfull intercession , we may vse them according to the end for which they were created , & make of them a ●adder to clime and ascend to the ●eight of that dignity , for which we were ordayned by the eternal Prouidence of God .

3. Thirdly we may contemplat how Creation is nothing els , but the making of a thing of nothing ; and this can only be performed by the Omnipotent hand of God : we then considering our selues to be nothing , we may say with the Kingly Prophet , Cor mundum ●rea in me Deus , & spiritum rectum innoua in visceribus meis : Create a cleane hart in me , O God , and renew a right spirit in my bowels since of this nothing of ours , he is able to make most excellent work by the sending his diuine spirit amongst vs . For as we see the scorched fields in the middst of Summer refreshed by some gentle shower ; or the face of the earth after a long and tedious winter , renewed by a pleasant spring : so doth the presence of this diuine spirit make vs all new againe . Therefore if we feele our vertues dying , or our resolution fayling , let vs not cease to cry , Emitte spiritum tuum & creabuntur , & renouabis faciem terrae : Send forth , O Lord , thy holy spirit , & al things now turned to nothing wil receaue another being , and thou wilt renew the face of the earth : and to obtayne our petition of the Creatour of all thinges , let vs not be vnmindfull of his Blessed Mother , but with this worthy title say , Mater Creatoris ora pro ●obis , Mother of our Creatour pray for vs .

THE XIV . MEDITATION . Mater Saluatoris , ora pro nobis . Mother of our Sauiour , pray for vs .

THIS most Venerable Title doth inuite vs to contemplat a while vpon the sweet name of Iesus ; for Iesus and Sauiour are the same ; and to be Mother of our Sauiour is to be the Mother of Iesus : let vs therfore with attention diligently ponder the greatnes of the gift , that our deuotion towardes the giuer may increase the more .

1. First then let vs conside● how we were all lost , in perpetuall boundage , in euerlasting thraldome and captiuity of sinne vntill this B. Mother brought 〈◊〉 forth a Sauiour , a Redeemer , whose most pretious bloud was the only ransome of our sinnes , whose death was vnto vs life , and whose bleeding woundes were the only cure and most soueraigne balme of our festred soules . For darke night she brought vs cheerefull day ; for a hard and sharp winter , a sweet & pleasant spring ; for our mortall wounds , immortall medicines ; for our pining soules , bread of life ; and lastly for all our misery , the Father of mercyes . This the glorious Angell song vnto the seely sheep hards , in the happy night of his Natiuity , Natus est vobis hodie Saluator , qui est Christus Iesus : You haue this day born vnto you ( of the B. Virgin ) a Sauiour , which is Christ Iesus . Our lost tast by this sweet Name must be restored , for he is hony in the mouth : our eares accustomed to iarring discordes , must be reformed by this sweet musicke , for he is melody in the eare : our harts oppressed with grief & sorrow , must be replenished with ioy , for he is gladnes in the hart .

2. Secondly to diue yet deeper into the greatnes of this benefit , consider what ioy a poore prisoner would find in his hart , if condemned to a most ignominious & cruell death , one should come & louingly offer him his pardon ? What comfort should one find if being by sentence iudged to perpetuall banishment , a fauourable sentence should recall him , and place him again in his former honour and ancient dignity ? Then let vs apply this to the B. Virgin , who brought vs forth a Sauiour after the sharp sentence of death , to pronounce vs a fauourable pardon ; and after the doome of perpetual banishment , from the sight of God , for hauing incurred his high displeasure , he hath brought vs backe againe , & made vs Sons of his heauenly Father , & fellow-heires in this owne kingdome .

3. Thirdly we are to consider the great part our B. Lady had in this happy work of our Redemption , being chosen by Gods eternall Wisedome to be his Mother , and the flowing conduit of all happynes to vs , that we might with great deuotion say , Mater Saluatoris ora pro nobis , Mother of our Sauiour , pray for vs . And what better petition can we make vnto her , but that we may be grateful for so great a benefit , that now the price of our Redemption being payd , we neglect not to make our best profit and commodity thereof , that he may be truly and indeed a Sauiour vnto vs , as she truely was a Mother vnto him . For how great might our ingratitude be accounted , if after so long seeking vs , & so deare buying vs , we should neglect his bountifull mercyes , and seeme to be careles of his vndeserued liberalityes .

O most Blessed & euer happy Mother of Iesus , assist with thy holy prayers , Colloquium . we beseech thee , thy deuout suppliants , that thy sweet Sonne Iesus may be vnto vs Iesus , that is a Sauiour . Behold we cal vpon thee , Mother of our Sauiour to be saued , Mother of Iesus to be healed , Mother of God to be made his true and faythfull children by thy powerfull intercession , throgh the infinite merits of the Blessed fruit of thy holy wombe . Amen .

THE XV. MEDITATION . Virgo Prudentissima , ora pro nobis . Most prudent Virgin , pray for vs .

THAT we may the better vnderstand the reason why the B. Queene of Angells is called Most prudent , we will produce three or foure examples of prudent Matrones in the old Testament , who may seeme to haue borne the type and figure of this prudent Virgin .

1. The first we read in the booke of Iudith , where this vertuous & prudent matron , seeing the extreme affliction of her beloued nation to increase in such sort that the wisest of them were thinking it best to yeald themselues vnto the merciles handes of their proude enemyes ; she prudently by the direction of Almighty God behaued her selfe with such prudence and fortitude , that she both foyled her enemies , and got her people a most famous and triumphant victory : for which she was by the high Priest , and chiefest of the people denounced blessed , and all the vulgar sort answered , Amen . This no doubt was an act not only of inuincible fortitude , but also of admirable prudence . But if we turne our eyes vnto the sacred Virgin , we shall find that she hath deliuered vs from a stronger enemy , preserued vs from greater danger then temporall death , foyled & ouercome a prouder foe then Holofernes ; and therefore with great reason we may say , Tu gloria Hierusalem , tu laetitiae Israël , tu honorificentia populi nostri : Thou art the glory of Hierusalem , thou the ioy of Israël , thou the honour and renowne of our Nation . She bedecked with the pricelesse ornament of vertue , her soule adorned with the splendor and beames of diuine grace , and assisted by the potent hand of Almighty God , came to tread our ancient enemy Sathan vnder her conquering feet .

2. The second act of admirable Prudence , we read in the booke of Hester , how for the good of her Nation , Hest. 5. she aduentured to enter before the King , was inuited by his golden Rod , wher with her great prudence she so wrought the King , that she obtayned not only the liues of her deare Countrymen , but also great and ample priuileges for them ; yea & seuere chastizement of those that sought her , and her Countryes destruction . No lesse the B. Virgin , after Sathan had conspired the ouerthrow of mankind , entring before the King of heauen , with her profound humility , so prudently she behaued her selfe , that she became Mother vnto his only Son , who both deliuered vs from eternall perill , and made vs of the happy number of the children of God , and heyres to the kingdom of heauen , which by our disobedience we had lost , and therefore most worthily she is called Virgo Prudentissima , a most prudent Virgin .

3. Iud. 4. The third and fourth example we haue in Iahel & Abigaël the one vanquishing proud Sisirae the fierce enemy of the Iewes ; 1. Reg. 25. the other appeafing the fell wrath of King Dauid , against her foolish husband , when he was in danger of his life . But how often hath this most prudent Virgin deiuered vs from our cruell perse●utors , who like roaring Lyons ●eeke day and night whome they ●ay deuoure , & how many times ●ath she appeased the iust wrath of God , kindled against vs for ●ur foule offences , & brought vs ●gaine into his gracious fauour .

O most prudent Virgin , by this we see , Colloquium . how fittly this Title doth agree vnto thee ; wherefore as by thee we are deliuered from so manifold dangers , & by whose holy intercession we receaue so many & gracious fauours , let thy most prudent counsell so direct vs , that we may auoyd all danger of sinne , & keep our selues in the fauour of thy B. Sonne Amen .

THE XVI . MEDITATION . Virgo Veneranda , ora pro nobis . Venerable Virgin , pray for vs .

THIS worthy Title , doth manifest vnto vs the honour due vnto the B. Virgin , which beeing threefold , doth yield vs three substantiall groundes for this present Meditation .

The first kind of honour is called Ciuill , which is due vnto great Personages , by reason of their Nobility , Place , Estate , or the like . The second is Religious worship or honour , which belongeth to vertuous and holy men , as they are indued with excellent vertues , eminent graces , and supernaturall gifts . The third is diuine and supernaturall worship appertayning to God , and his Saints in heauen as we shal after declare .

1. First therefore to consider the B. Virgin according to her lineall descent , we shall find her worthy to be honoured withall Ciuill honour and dutifull respect . For if we should demaund with holy S. Bernard , Bern. ser. c. 12. in Apoc. Quid ergo sidereum micat in generatione Mariae ? What star-like splendor doth shine in the generation of the B. Virgin Mary ? We may take his owne answere in the same place , that she sprung from Kinges , of the seed of Abraham , of the stocke of Dauid , that she was foresignifyed by Figures , foretold by Prophets , and by mysticall Oracles insinuated vnto vs ; therefore if we respect her Nobility , we shall find that she is worthy of ciuill honour , in the highest degree , and so in this respect Virgo veneranda , a Virgin worthy to be honoured .

2. Secondly if we weigh the great aboundance of her singular graces , the greatnes of her excellent vertues , the number of her supernaturall gifts , and lastly the dignity of Mother of God , we shal find her as worthy of Religious honour aboue all others , as she doth exceed them all in her singular vertues and vnspeakable gifts . For as the diuine Wisedome pronounceth of the prudent woman , Parab. 31. Multae filiae congregauerunt diuitias , in supergressae es vniuersas , Many daughters haue gathered riches togeather , but thou hast gone beyond them all ; for we may iustly say of this sacred Queene , That many Holy Matrons in the old law , many sacred Virgins in the new haue been indued with rare vertues , singular graces , and merua●lous fauours ; but when this glittering star appeared , she did as far exceed them all , as the least star is in light inferiour to the Sunne , and therefore most worthy of Religious honour and respect , Virgo veneranda .

3. Thirdly if we come to the diuine and supernaturall worship belonging to God , and his Saints in heauen , we shall find her to be preferred before all Saints , & Angels , and installed next vnto God ; for as the diuine worship of Latriae ( so the Deuines terme it ) is due , and giuen to none but to God alone : so vnto his Saints is due the worship of Dulia , which belongs vnto them , as friends & seruants of God , the most eminent degree whereof is called Hyperdulia , which most iustly is giuen to the B. Virgin . Loe how worthily we do giue vnto her honour and reuerence in all the senses aforenamed : and why should we not confidently fly vnto her in our necessityes and troubles , saying Virgo Veneranda ora pro nobis , Venerable Virgin pray for vs .

Heere we ought to stir vp our affection towards this happy Queene , and earnestly to desyre , that this honour so iustly due vnto her , Colloquium . may be giuen her by al true Christians , and endeauour to the vttermost of our forces to aduance it most carefully , procuring that by our negligence it be not hindred : to which effect we must deuoutly implore her Motherly help , and powerfull hand . Then may we conclude with this diuin Hymne , Aue Maris stella .

THE XVII . MEDITATION . Virgo Praedicandae , era pro nohis . Virgin worthy of prayse , pray for vs .

IN this laudable Title , the B Virgin is denounced to be worthy of prayse and commendation , worthy to be called Blessed throughout all Generations : but because Prayse may be giuen vnto this B. Creature three manner of wayes therfore we will a while contemplate this threefold branch or triple head of her deserued prayse .

1. The first manner of setting forth the B. Virgins prayse , is in hart , when with a true and cordiall affection we desire that she may be honoured and praysed of all people ; & that we do inwardly reioyce from the bottom of our harts of her eternall glory and euerlasting happynes , praysing the diuine prouidence of Almighty God that hath chosen and elected her to so great felicity ; and in this deuout cogitation we may wish and desire for her greater honour the vnderstanding of Cherubims & the burning loue of Seraphims , the better to blaze her worthy prayse throughout the whole world , and to in flame the harts of all people to loue and affect her : and in this first manner of prayse the first ground and foundation of true deuotion doth consist .

2. The second manner of prayse is by word , where first we may consider how little we are able to perform in respect of what is due vnto her . For how many learned Fathers , holy men , & great Saints haue seriously imployed their happy tongues in setting forth to the view of the world her rare excellencyes , and yet they haue beene forced to say , that they could say nothing at all in comparison of what her heroicall actions haue deserued . What then shal we presume ( most holy Virgin ) to speak of thy prayse , where so many deuout seruants of thyne haue acknowledged themselues vnworthy ? Yet B. Queene we know thou dost not ponder the words , but the will , not the gift , but the loue , as thy B. Sonne did with the poore , yet truly affected widdow who with so great deuotion offered her little mite among the rest , and therefore by him iudged to haue giuen more then all the rest . Therefore no gift so smal , but being offered with true deuotion , will be gratefull vnto thee , o B. Virgin . And since we neither haue those words which may be sitting vnto thy greatnes , nor the sincere deuotion which may supply them ; yet let these weake desires of ours by thy holy intercession , so increase , that it may bring forth fome fruit worthy to be presented vnto thee , and gratefull in thy sight .

3. The third manner of prayse is by Worke , that is , when our workes be such , as they redound to the honour of our B. Lady . For as it were not inough for the Iewes to say they were the Sons of Abraham , but they must also shew the workes of Abraham , to be the truest signe and best token of their progeny : so it will little auayle vs to say we are the deuout children of the B. Virgin , if our life and conuersation be not conforme to the rule & square of her directions , which are the right patterne & true forme of perfect life ; and which when we follow , we greatly commend in her . S Iohn not content our loue one towardes another should be in wordes only , but that it should also appeare in deeds , writeth , non diligamus lingua , & sermone . sed opere & veritaete : let vs not loue in the tongue , & speach ( as we say from the teeth outward ) but indeed , and in truth : for works are the surest testimony which speak the best language for all men to vnderstand .

O thrice happy they , Colloquium . who haue their wits and wilis , their minds and harts , wholy imployed in the B. Virgin prayses ! It is sayd , there is a tree called Persea , that hath leaues like a tongue , and fruit like a hart , which some wise men haue applyed to the beautifull concord betwixt the hart & the tongue , when the tonguespeaks what the hart thinkes . But how far more beautifull a concord wil there be , when not only the hart and tongue , but also the outward works shall sound forth the sweet musicke of the B. Virgins prayses . Doubtles it wil be such as the heauenly Quires will not disdayne to beare a part ; & these be the three wayes by which euery deuout child of the B. Virgin , ought to ●ing her prayse . O Blessed Virgin worthy of greater prayse , then humane or Angelical tongue ca●● giue vnto thee , graunt that by th● holy intercession we may so imploy our thoughts , wordes , an● workes in this diuine harmon● of thy prayse , that they may turn to the glory of God , to thy honour , & to the profit of our poor and needy soules . Amen . O gloriosa Domina .

THE XVIII . MEDITATION . Virgo Potens , ora pro nobis . Potent Virgin , pray for vs .

IN this Title we doe acknowledge the great power which the B Virgin hath both in heauen & earth : in heauen to obtayne vs graces and fauours , in earth to defend vs from perils & dangers .

1. First then let vs consider her ●ower in heauen : for the better vnderstanding whereof , we will consider the noble and heroicall ●ct of Salomon the Wise , who sea●ed in his throne of State , caused ●is mother to be placed on his ●ight hand , and sayd vnto her , Aske what thou wilt , I will not say thee nay . If King Salomon had ●his dutifull respect vnto his Mother , to make her so potent , that whatsoeuer she demaunded , she ●hould be sure to obtaine ; what ●ay we thinke our B. Sauiour ●vould say vnto his louing Mother , when she was seated by him 〈◊〉 heauen , but aske whatsoeuer ●ou wilt my deerest Mother , for ● will not deny thee . For how ●ould she be denied who neuer ●●ew how to aske but wel ? And how shoud he deny , who neuer could deny what was asked wel●● Could Queene Hester be so gratefull in the sight of King Assuerus that he bad her aske what th●● would , if it were the halfe of hi● kingdome , it should not be gaine sayd and shall we not perswad● our selues , that our B. Lady i● more gratefull in the sight of the King of heauen , more pleasing t● her only Sonne , and therefore more potent to demaund without deniall ? Could a wicked * * Herod . King for a wanton Daunce make th●● like promise of halfe his Kingdom and shall we not beleeue that Christ would be more bountifu● to his dearest and Blessed Mother who neuer displeased him ? L●● vs then conclude this point with this vndeny able truth , that the B Virgin is so potent in the Court of Heauen , that whatsoeuer she ●emandeth of her Sonne she shall obtaine , and therefore let vs say , Virgo potens , ora pro nobis : Powerfull Virgin , pray for vs .

2. The second point may be to contemplate her great power on earth , which is nothing els but ●he execution of her power in heauen . For as there her Mother●y care and tender loue towardes ●s , is to obtayne fauours for vs ; ●o heere it is to effect , that we be not frustrate of them , which is by ●efending vs from our proud ene●●ies , and strong aduersaryes the world , the flesh , and the Diuell ; for as the grace of God is the chie●est benefit we can enioy on earth ; so that is the marke at which our subtile enemy doth most ayme , thereby to bereaue vs of the right and title we haue to the kingdome of Heauen : where the B. Virgin is most watchfull with her potent prayers to defend vs , and to put him to flight , if we deuoutly , as we ought , call vpon her , when we find our selues in danger . For as a valiant & stout Champion would be ashamed euen to heare the Name of that Woman , who shold haue conquered and foyled him in playne field : so this monster of Pride , Sathan , hauing alwayes beene vanquished by her mighty power , dares not abide so much , Colloquium . as the naming of that sacred Name of Mary . Therefore as we haue often sayd before , let vs fly vnto her as to a Citty of Refuge , & Tower of defence , for she is able to defend vs ; and if we be true Children , she will neuer fayle vs . Hereupon we may conclude this meditation , Colloquium . desyring that in our temporall Crosses and spirituall tentations , we may be myndfull of so sure a refuge , so sweet a succour , so strong a Castle , and so powerfull a defence . Salue Regina .

THE XIX . MEDITATION Virgo Clemens , ora pro nobis . Clement Virgin , pray for vs .

CLEMENCY is as it were a branch of compassionat mercy , by which title we do call vpon the B Virgin , that she may take pitty and compassion of our miseries , and commiseration of our necessities , notwithstanding our vnworthynes , wherby she makes her selfe most like vnto her sweet Sonne , who came into the world to forgiue the fault , and pardon the offender : and by how much greater the fault is proued which is committed : by so much more the greatnes of the Clemency doth appeare in him that pardoneth . If therfore we consider the iniury done vnto the B. Virgin , when we offend her sonne ; we shall see her high Clemency both in pardoning , of her part , the so heynous offence ; and also her Mercy in intreating before the mercy seate for the life of him who hath so often deserued death .

1. First let vs consider , how much the obstinat and stony harted Iewes did against all iustice , law , and conscience ; they abused her only Sonne , reiected , scorned , and put him to an ignominious death : yet when she heard the pittifull voyce of Christ vpon the Crosse crying to his Eternall Father to pardon them , she also forgetfull of all wrong said ; and I thy mother , do also forgiue them . Salmeron . Behould the rare Clemency of the tender bowells of the B. Virgin , whome no wrong could moue , no rage stir vp , nor any fury driue from her wonted Clemency , & most mild behauiour . And if thus she prayed for the professed enemyes of Christ , why should not they who loue him , and desire only to serue him , confidently implore her gratious help , & say , Virgo Clemens ora pro nobis , Myld Virgin pray for vs .

2. Secondly , let vs ponder the Ingratitude of man , after 〈◊〉 much knowledge of Christ , that he doth not cease , ( as much a● in him lyeth ) to crucify him againe by euery mortall synne that he committeth as S. Paul writeth Neither doth he this abuse of ignorance , Heb. 6. as Christ pleaded for the Iewes ; but after the firme beliefe of his God head , his Incarnation , Death and Resurrection , yet after he knowes him to be ascended and seated in heauen , when● he shall come to be our terrible Iudge : yet forgetfull of al , he ce●●seth not to offend him , and st●● his blessed Mother doth interpo●● herselfe , as a wall for Ierusalem that is , for him who will truly repent , and call for mercy in tyme with a firme purpose and stro●● resolution neuer againe to offend him .

O incomparable Clemency of this B. Virgin , who desireth nothing , but to do good euen vnto those who are most worthy of exceeding great punishment ! Colloquium . who would be so carelesse of his owne good , who so negligent of his saluation , as not to fly vnto his Sanctuary , as not to runne ●nto this fountaine , as not to im●●ace this sweet remedy . The ●ore blind man cryed to Iesus or sight , and would not cease though some rebuked him for it ) ●●til he obteyned the effect of his ●●sire : so let vs call vpon this clement and meeke Mother , howsoeuer others repine therat ; let vs wnto this mild Virgin ; Let vs ●t cease to say , Virgo Clemens , ora pro nobis , Clement Virgin pray for vs .

THE XX. MEDITATION Virgo fidelis , ora pro nobis . Faithfull Virgin , pray for vs .

FAITHFVLLNES may ●● taken diuers wayes , and therfore diuers wayes doth yield 〈◊〉 copious matter of the B. Virgin prayse .

1. First therfore we m●● consider fidelity as it doth imp●● an excellent act of supernature beleefe , in which we shall fi●● the sacred Virgin to excell , as 〈◊〉 all other vertues , & by the tong●● of the holy Ghost , for the sa●● canonized a liuing Saint , and 〈◊〉 led Blessed : Beata quae credidisti quoniam perficientur in te quae dicta sunt tibi à Domino : Blessed art thou who hast beleeued , because in thee shal be perfected those mysteries which were declared vnto thee from our Lord . For doubtlesse she had most excellent actes of faith , concerning the high Mystery of the Incarnation especially , and therfore as one truly faithfull we may inuocate her holy and willing assistance , saying , Virgo fidelis ora pro nobis , faithfull Virgin , pray for vs .

2. Secondly we may consider Fidelity as it doth import a certaine kind of assurance of one friend towards another , wherby the one is fully perswaded of his friends loue & help in all things , so long as he keepeth himselfe within the bonds and limits of a true friend . And of the fidelity of our B. Lady , and louing mother , we need not doubt , who is most ready to help & comfort vs in all our miseries , tribulations , and affflictions , if our selues by our ingratitude , and little respect vnto her , deserue not the repulse . Therfore keeping our fidelity with her sweet Sonne , and herselfe , we may assure our selues of her fidelity towards vs , at all tymes , in all occasions , and in all our busines we shall alwayes find her Virgo fidelis , a faithful Virgin .

3. Thirdly we may conceau●● fidelity as it doth signify the faithfull accomplishing of all busine●● committed to our charge : i●● which sense our Sauiour speaket● in the Parable of the talents , congratulating the diligent labours of his faithfull seruant , Euge serue bone & fidelis , quia inpauca fuisti fidelis , super multa te constituam : Well , good and faithfull seruant because thou hast byn trusty ouer a little , I will make thee steward ouer much . And in this sense how worthily the B. Virgin is said to be faithfull , will easely appeare , if we consider aright how profitably she did imploy al her rare talents , wherwith her blessed Sonne had endued her . For what guifts either of Nature or Grace , what talents either naturall or supernaturall ( in all which she did abound ) did she not fully imploy in the seruice of God , and profit of her neighbour , whose only study was to please the one , and help the other , & therfore had the only priuiledge neuer to offend him , or be wanting to them ? So as we knowing her loue no lesse towards vs now , then it was whilst she liued , and her power far greater , do confidently say , Virgo fidelis , ora pro nobis , faithfull Virgin , pray for vs .

4. Lastly we may contemplate how Fidelity doth signify the strict band of true loyalty betwixt true and lawfull spouses : which if we consider in the B. Virgin towards S. Ioseph , it may serue for a mirrour to all vertuous and godly spouses : but if we weigh the matchelesse example of her constant fidelity towards the Holy Ghost , to whome by speciall grace , and holy vow , she was espoused ; it will so farre passe the short reach of our weake vnderstanding , that we shall be no more able to view the perfection therof , then the seely Bat , or harmelesse owle is able to gaze vpon the glittring beames of the sunne ; yet may we with all humility say , Virgo fidelis , ora pro nobis , faithfull Virgin , pray for vs ; since in all those senses of Fidelity , we find her to haue the chiefest place . Aue Maris stella .

THE XXI . MEDITATION . Speculum Iustitiae , ora pro nobis . Mirour of Iustice , pray for vs .

IVSTICE in this place doth not so much import the speciall vertue of Iustice , as a generall collection of all vertues togeather , wherby a man doth perfectly conforme himselfe to the will of God in all things , and is therfore said to be Iust. In which sense to call our blessed Lady Mirour of Iustice , is as much as to say , the perfect patterne of all vertue , Ambr. lib. 2. de Virgin . because in her ( as out of S. Ambrose we haue noted ) velut in speculo refulget species castitatis & forma virtutis : as in glasse the beauty of Chastity , and forme of all vertue shineth .

1. Wherfore in this tytle we are to consider the B. Virgin as the perfect modell of all our actions , because by this we shall most euidently see , what is to be followed , what to be eschewed , what to be imbraced , what reiected : finally how to order our liues and actions to the greater honour & glory of God . We must therfore look into this Glasse , not for curiosity to behold our beauty , but with earnest desire to amend our faults , we must consider her excellent vertues as the aboue named Saint did , when he wrote , Ambr. vbi supra . that she was humble in mind , graue in speach prudent in iudgment , sparing in words , studious in reading , reposing her hopefull trust not in the vncertainty of riches , but in the deuout prayers of the poore : she was willing to worke , bashfull in speach , accustomed to seeke not men , but God , for the arbiter of her mind ; she hurt no man , she wished well to all , respecting her elders , not enuying her equalls , flying boasting , following reason , and louing vertue . This and much more to this effect doth S. Ambrose write , wherby we may see , that most worthily the B. Virgin is said to be , Speculum Iustitiae , the Mirrour of Iustice .

2. How carefull would any gentle woman be , if she were to speake in the presence of a great Person , to view herselfe in a glasse once , and many tymes , least any spot or blemish in her face , any fault or disorder in her attyre , might make her lesse gratefull in his sight , then either he deserued , or she could wish : and shall not we , when we go to speake with the King of Kings , for the better and more decent attyring of our soules , looke in this glasse of all perfection , and learne to decke & adorne our selues in such sort , that we may not only with Queen Hester deserue to be inuited with the golden Rod of Gods Mercy , vnto his diuine presence , but also be made worthy to obtaine of him , what we most desire ? Yea , let vs not looke only into this mystical glasse , but also let vs vse it as a powerful help to obtain our wished suite and petition : let vs frame our actions according to the liuely portraict of her excellent vertues , that we may with greater confidence implore her powerfull ayde : let her be our Patterne and Patronesse in life and death : let vs deuotly say , Speculum Iustitiae , ora pro nobis . Myrrour of al perfection , pray for vs . Aue Maris stella .

THE XXII . MEDITATION Sedes Sapientiae , ora pro nobis . The seate of wisdome , pray for vs .

IT is written by the diuine instinct of the holy Ghost , and left for our instruction , that Wisdome built himselfe a howse , vnderpropped and borne vp with seauen stately Pillars , which not vnfitly we may apply vnto the Eternal Wisdome of the Sonne of God , i● beautifying and adorning the B. Virgin for his mother , and making her indeed Sedes sapientiae , th●● seate of Wisdome .

Let vs therfore consider the seauen stately Pillars which ou● Sauiour did erect in this his spirituall Soule , his mysticall seate , for doubtlesse they were the seauen guifts , & seauē-fould grace of the holy Ghost , to wit , Wisdom , Vnderstanding , Counsell , Fortitud Science , Piety & feare of our Lord , al which how eminent they were in our B. Lady , no true Christian wil cal in question ; wherby she became the worthy seate of Wisdome , the princely throne of the true Salomon , & the holy mother of God .

1. And for two reasons we may call the B. Virgin the Royall seate of Wisdome . First , in that she was the most blessed , and selected Creature chosen amongst , and aboue all women , to be his holy mother ; in whose sacred wombe he was to take his nyne moneths ●●est , and then to be most louingly ●fe●ded in her tender armes , and seated on her lappe , with all respect vnto him , as her God , and no lesse loue as to her Sonne ; and therfore was the seate of Wisdome .

2. The second reason why sh● may be so intytled , is because , i● wisdome be taken for the grace of the holy Ghost , or the spiritual dwelling of Christ in a soule , we shall find that neuer in any pure Creature the like aboundance o● wisdome was found , the like graces , fauours , & supernaturall gifts . And because she so carefully kept these gracious guifts , that she alwayes deserued to keep God in her blessed soule ; therfore she may more properly be said to be the seate of wisdome . For although Christ many tymes visiteth most mercifully the vnworthy howse of our soules ; yet by reason of ou● strange ingratitude , wee do not esteeme as we ought , the heauenvly company of so worthy a ghest , & the singular fauours of so speciall a friend , but by our offences we expell him from the howse of our soules , and yeild his rightfull seate vnto his vsurping enemy . But our blessed Lady was alwaies constant , euer true vnto him , and therfore his perpetuall seate , according as our Sauiour witnesseth of euery iust man , Ioan. 14. ad eum veniemus , & mansionem apud eum fa●iemus : we will come vnto him and make our mansion or place of abroad with him .

O Blessed and euer most happy Virgin Mother , Colloquium . the Regall seat of Eternall wisdome ; Let thy powerfull intercession so preuayle , with thy louing Sonne , that we may in such sort receiue him , into the howse of our soules , that we do not vngratefully cast him forth againe ; but withall honour and respect so serue him in this life , that we may deserue to dwell in those heauenly mansions of Eternity . Amen . Salue Regina .

THE XXIII . MEDITATION . Causa nostrae laetitiae , ora pro nobis Cause of our Ioy , pray for vs .

HEEREWE are to conside the great ioy which the B. Virgin brought into the world a her sacred birth , according to tha● which we read in the office of he● Natiuity , Natiuitas tua Dei Gentrix Virgo , gaudium annunciau● vniuerso mundo : Thy Natiuity , 〈◊〉 Virgin Mother of God , hath been the long desired messenger of ioy to all the world : for of thee is borne the some of Iustice , who destroying the former curse , brought a generall blessing vnto vs all . Yet for the better vnderstanding of the greatnes of the ioy we all re●eiued by her happy comming , it will be good to make vse of this contemplation .

1. Imagine after a long and ●edious winter , how gratefull ●he approach of a pleasant spring ●oth seeme , not only vnto man , ●ut euen vnto brute beasts & see● birds , yea in some sort to the ●ery plants , and the earth it self , who vesteth herselfe in new ap●arell to welcome the neere ap●roach of the gladsome Sunne , & ●●e pretty birds in their language , df the like , to shew the greatnes oo their ioy , with their best musicke .

2. Or els consider how gratefull is the beautifull breaking of a fayre morning after a darke tempestuous night , telling vs with a gladsome blush , that the ioy ful Planet , the Sunne , is neere a hand .

3. Ponder moreouer how comfortable was the commin● of Iudith to the sorrowfull gate of beseiged Bethulia , when sh● brought them certaine newes o● their present deliuery , and futu● safety . Then apply all this to th● B. Virgin , cause of our ioy , w●● after so long and tendious a wi●ter of sinne , and wickednes , 〈◊〉 her happy comming into th● world , did signify vnto , vs th● the Lambe of God who taketh away the sinnes of the world , was now neere at hand , & that the bright shyning lampe of heauen , would spread ere long his beautiful beams of light vpon the earth , & that the Sunne of Iustice would shortly appeare vnto vs ; that it might be fulfilled as the Prophet had foretold : The people that sate in darkenes , saw great light ; and to them that dwelt in the region & shaddow of death , light is risen . Her happy birth was the fore runner of greater light , and her appearing in this world , the ioyfull dawning of a blessed day : her prudent demeanour , and religious cariage of farre more profit and comfort vnto vs , then the wonder , and wonderfull acts of Iudith to the Bethulians . She to one people only was the cause of ioy ; out B. Lady vnto all Nations : she vnto one Citty , the B. Virgin vnto al the world brought ioy and gladnes .

Let vs therfore not only acknowledge this great benefit , but let vs encourage our selues , Colloquium . with greater confidence to inuocate her blessed Name , and say , Causa nostrae laetitiae , ora pro nobis : Cause of our ioy , pray for vs : that as by her person , the Sonne of God became man for our redemption ; so by her holy intercession we may profit our selues by so pricelesse a ransome . Salue Regina .

THE XXIIII . MEDITATION Vas Spirituale ora pro nobis . Spirituall vessell , pray for vs .

HEERE we call vpon the B. Virgin by the name of Spirituall vessell , to signify the great abundance of her spirituall Graces and blessings , wherwith she was replenished . We will therfore consider the sweet odours of this diuine vessell . It is said , Quo semel est imbutarecens , seruabit odorem , testa diu , — with what sent , or sauour a vessel is first seasoned , it will conserue the smell therof a long tyme . If then we consider the first sauour of diuine Grace wherwith this spirituall vessell was so aboundantly seasoned in her first Conception , which was neuer after lost , but increased almost without measure ; we shall not meruayle at this tytle of Spirituall vessell , or diuine Tabernacle of the Holy Ghost . For albeit she was full of grace when the Angell came to deliuer his heauenly Embassage ; yet the comming of the holy Ghost was promised vnto her , and the protection of the most high to defend her . Moreouer the day of Pentecost the same holy Spirit descended vpon her in more ample manner then any of the rest , being indeed a vessell more capable of such diuine influence , then any els , and therfore most worthily intytled Vas Spirituale , a Spirituall vessell .

They vsed in the Temple certeine consecrated vessells dedicated vnto the seruice of God , and could not be applyed to any prophane vse without the cryme of Sacriledge ; and the like is now of the consecrated Chalices and other holy vessells . Our B. Lady was a Spirituall vessell consecrated only to the seruice of God , and would haue deemed it a great prophaning of his diuine vessell , if she should haue admitted the least cogitation of any thought that might haue been vnseemely in his eyes .

How great was the cryme of Nabuchodonosor , that tooke such vessells from the holy Temple of Hierusalem ; and how seuerely his son Baltassar was punished for the prophane vse he put them vnto , Dan. 5. let the Scripture be witnes . But far greater punishment may we assuredly perswade our selues is layd vp for such as eyther shall abuse this sacred Vessell , or not giue that duely deserued respect vnto her which they ought . For if God so seuerely punished the prophaning of his vessells of gold and siluer ; what will he do when his holy mother shal be robbed of her right , and the most worthy vessell in the world be abused ? And on the contrary side , what benefits shall they receiue at his bountifull hands , who , with all religious reuerence and duty call vpon her , and esteem her as she is indeed a Spirituall vessell , a consecrated Temple , a diuine Comfort , a gratious Queene , a louing mother and a powerfull Intercessor for all sinners , who deuoutly come vnto her Sonne by her . Let vs by this spirituall tytle call for her ayde , Vas Spirituale , ora pro ●●obis , Spirituall vessell , pray for ●s ; that we may be alwaies of the number of those , who loue & defend thee , and who desire to aduance thy holy name , to the honour of thy blessed Sonne sweet lesus . Amen . O gloriosa Dominae .

THE XXV . MEDITATION . Vas Honorabile , ora pro nobis . Honorable Vessell , pray for vs .

THIS Honourable tytle doth many and diuers wayes demonstrate vnto vs the dignity of our B. Mother . For if we looke with S. Paul , to the powerfull act of Predestination , we shall find some vessells of Gold , some o● Clay , some of Honour , others o● Contumely , some Elect , some Reprobate : amongst the which elect we shal find the Blessed Virgin most highly seated , & therfore by a certaine kind of excellency she may be said Vas Honorabile , an● honourable vessell .

Furthermore some vessells there are which be dedicated only to the Emperours , or Kinges vse , and therfore honorable vessells : and such we shall find the B. Virgin to be , and so much the more honourable , by how much the Emperour and King of heauen ( whom she only serued ) is able to aduance her to more noble seruices . If they be called Ladies of Honour , who attend about the Queenes person ; how much more the B. Virgin , who attended on God himselfe , should be esteemed Honourable , and as so pretious a Iewell be accounted worthy of Reuerence & Honour .

Againe , if the word Honorable be taken in that sense which we spake of , when we treated of the honour due vnto her in Heauen , we haue already declared in the XVI . Meditation , what degree of honour belongeth vnto her aboue all other Creatures ; since therfore by so many tytles , Honour is due , vnto her , all equity and reason commands , that we hould not be slacke in rendring ●onour , cui honor debetur , vnto whome honour is due .

O diuine vessell of honour , ●redestinate from all Eternity , and chosen to be the elected mother of him who is most worthy of all honour ; be our faithfull aduocate before his diuine Maiesty that we may be alwayes ready to defend thine honour , and yield all honour due vnto thee as the Honourable vessell of th● holy Ghost , and the most blessed of all women . Amen . Salu● Regina .

THE XXVI . MEDITATION . Vas insigne deuotionis , ora pro nobis Noble vessell of deuotion , pray for vs .

BY this worthy Tytle we an taught , what deuotion w● ought to haue towards the blessed Queene of Heauen , and mother of God , who is indeed the source , fountaine , and vessell of deuotion . 4. Reg. 4. In the Booke of Kings mention is made of a Vessell of oyle belonging to a poore widdowe , which did not only remaine full it selfe , but also filled full many other vessells : which not vnfitly doth resemble the blessed Virgin , where barren and dry soules may fully refresh themselues , and we shall find her so liberall and bountifull a mother , that she will not cease to communicate spirituall blessings vnto vs , so long as we haue vessells capable to receiue them .

If a vessell should be placed in the midst of a market , full of gold with free licence for al poore and needy people to repaire thither to releeue their wants : if any should be found so negligen● and carelesse as not to seeke this only meanes , to make himself● truly rich ; he should not only b● iudged worthy to liue in his former misery , but rightly be condemned of sloth and folly . But i● we cast our eyes vpon this diuine and noble vessell , the B. Virgin we shall see that Almighty Go● hath placed her first in his militant , them in his triumphant Church as a miraculous vessell of deuotion , vnto whome all that wa● such heauenly liquor , may wit● confidence approach ; and n● only besprinckle , but euen powre full showers of deuotion vpon their dry & thirsting soules● which do , and euer will mo● sweetly flow from this wonderfull vessell of deuotion .

In this Celestiall vessell the ●cient Fathers dipped their leared , and deuout pennes , when they left vnto vs so many , & most ●orthy monuments of their du●full seruice to her bountifull li●erality towards them . With this ●euotion to this sacred Queene , ●he vndaunted spirit of S. Ignati● was confirmed ; the diuine con●eits of S. Denis graced ; the witty ●entences of S. Augustine ador●ed : the graue sayings of S. Ambrose beautified ; the learned writings of S. Hierome , honoured ; ●he illuminated mind of S. An●●lme enlightned ; the mellifluous ●ermons of S. Bernard sweetned ; ●he burning hart of the Seraphi●all doctor S. Bonauenture , in fla●ned ; finally the learned men of al ●ges , were besprinkled with this heauenly dew . Let vs not therfore b● our owne wilfull blindnes loo● so great a treasure , and depri● selues of so soueraigne a remedy but let vs deuoutly , or with desi● of deuotion , say , Vas insigne deutionis , ora pro nobis , Noble vesse of deuotion pray for vs . Aue Mris stella .

THE XXVII . MEDITATION . Rosa mystica , ora pro nobis . Mysticall Rose , pray for vs .

OMITTING many prope●ties of the Rose which mig● most aptly be applyed vnto th● B. Virgin , I will only insist ●pon three or foure , not to exce● my wonted breuity .

1. First the Rose is most beau●ifull to behould , and most plea●ing to the eye , especially being be●ewed with some sweet morning ●ower , which if we apply to our ●lessed Lady , we shall find that , 〈◊〉 naturall beauty none came ●eere vnto her , or could be com●ared with her , as we haue already proued . And for the aboun●ance of heauenly graces , and ●holsome showers of blessings ●owred vpon her , we haue also ●eclared how farre she did , and ●oth excell all other creatures .

1. The second property wher●our blessed Queene resembles ●e Rose , is in the sweet fragrant ●ell : for as the Rose is as it were ●●e Queene of flowers , by reason ●f it sweet perfuming smell ; so ●e B. Virgin , aboue all women was most gratefull vnto God , & the fragrant odours of her ran● vertues , as a most excellent sme●● haue filled the whole Church with sweetnes , according to that saying of S. Paul , Christi bonus 〈◊〉 dor sumus in omni loco : we are th● good odour of Christ in eue● place : which is verified chiefly 〈◊〉 the Queene of heauen .

3. The third resemblance 〈◊〉 this dainty flower is in colour : fo● as some are white , some red , others damaske ; so our holy Mother the Church doth present o●● Blessed Lady vnto vs , sometym●● white , as in her imaculate Co●ception ; sometymes red , as 〈◊〉 her vnspotted purification , whe● as old Simeon did prophesy vn● her , that the sword of Grie● should pierce and wound her 〈◊〉 to wit the bitter passion of ●her louing Sonne , for whome she grieued so much , that as many le●rned Wryters witnes ; plus quàm martyrfuit , she was more than mar●yred . Other whiles she appeares ●n damaske , as in the admirable Annunciation , where doubtles with a comely blush she pleaded with the Angel about the conseruation of her Chast Virginity , which when she vnderstood it should be kept vnspotted , she most willingly admitted of the Embassage .

4. Lastly a Rose hath it birth , or as we say , springeth from thornes , and amongst them it groweth vp to perfection : which may be applyed to our blessed Lady in two senses . First , that she sprong from the race of sinners , sicut lilium inter spinas , as a lilly , or rose amongst thornes . For albeit her parents were holy people ; yet not so holy , as they could altogeather auoyd the name o● sinners , the only priuiledge o● Christ and his Blessed Mother ● Secondly , as the rose groweth amongst sharpe thornes ; so the B● Virgin grew vp in vertue , amids● many harsh and sharpe mortifications and heauy Crosses : in so much that she is compared to the Rose-bed , quasi plantatio rosae i● Hierico : like the planting or planted bed of a rose in Hierico , for the rose tree the longer it groweth● the greater and sharper are the pricks it beareth ; and the Blesse● Virgin the longer she liued , the more her mortifications did increase , that she might well say● that all her life was Crux & martyrium , a Crosse and martyr dome . And by these properties it may easily be gathered : how fitly the patterne of all perfection , and the model of patience is compared to the dainty rose , and therfore mystically we say , Rosa Mystica , ora pro nobis , Mysticall Rose pray for vs . Amen . Salue Regina .

THE XXVIII . MEDITATION . Turis Dauidica , ora pro nobis . Tower of Dauid , pray for vs .

IN the fourth Chapter of the Canticles the vnspotted beauty of the Holy Church in diuers places is described ; and in the fourth verse her Necke is compared to the Tower of Dauid , built for defence : and moreouer it is said , Mille clypei pendent ex ea , omnis armatura fortium ; a thowsand sheilds hange theron , all the armour of strong and valiant men . Now let vs see , for what reason our Blessed Lady is called Turris Dauidica , the Tower of Dauid .

1. The first may be , because heere we read that the Necke of the Church is compared to a Tower ; and we haue said before that as Christ is the Head of the Church , so the B. Virgin is the Necke , through which all spirituall food descendeth to the whole body of the Church : therefore this Tower of Dauid is most fitly applyed vnto her , and she most worthily said to be the tower of Dauid .

2. Secondly this Tower of Dauid was a Tower built for defence , and therfore a thowsand shields did hang on it , & al kind of armor for strong men ; which if we accomodat vnto this holy Mother the B Virgin , we shall find that she was a stately Tower , by reason of her height in vertue , & strong by reason of her Constancy which neuer fayled ; and for this she is said to tread the moone vnder her feete , which is the symbole of Inconstancy . A thousand shields are alwaies ready and prepared ; because as the diuell hath a thowsand crafty sleights to deceiue ; so hath this Blessed Tower as many diuine plotts to preuent him , which by her rare example she hath left vnto vs , with al kind of Armor , both offensiue and defensiue to withstand the might & force of our stronge aduersary , who , as the holy Patriarch Iob witnesseth , is so potent , that no power on earth can be compared vnto him . Therfore with great reason we fly vnto this strong & inuincible Tower , to cal for ayde , to seeke weapons , to arme our selues , against the fierce assaults of so cruel an enemy , saying once and many tymes , Turris Dauidica , ora pro nobis , Tower of Dauid pray for vs .

3. Another reason why the blessed Virgin is named Turris Dauidica , the Tower of Dauid , is , because as it is said of the Church in generall ; so it may be applied to euery iust and vertuous person in particuler , and especially to the B. Virgin , who in all vertue and Religion was most excellent ; yea so , per excellentiam , as we say , that she may be called the Tower of Dauid , for the reasons afore named .

Wherfore O Blessed Virgin , Colloquium . O strong and mighty Tower , vnder the shadow of thy defence we fly ᵗ for succour . Holy Mary , help those that are in misery , strengthen those that faint , comfort those that grieue ; finally pray for vs all , that vnder so stronge a tower we may be able to defend our selues from our deadly enemies , the world , the flesh , and the Diuell . Amen . Salue Regina .

THE XXIX . MEDITATION . Turris Eburnea ora pro nobis . Tower of Iuory , pray for vs .

THIS tytle declareth the excellency of the Blessed Virgin . For as Iuory is rare and precious , and therfore a Tower built of it , must needs be of great esteeme and strength ; so the Blessed Queen of heauen is of very great esteeme and account ; not only in the sight of God , ( which is truly to be great ) but also in the sight of Angells and men , worthy to be admired . But because we haue already spoken of the Tower , we wil now consider why she is compared to Iuory .

1. Iuory amongst other properties hath this for one , that the older it is , the more it turnes to a beautifull red , or ruddy colour ; as we read in prayse and commendation of the old Nazarets , that thy were rubicundiores ebore antiquo , more ruddy then the ancient Iuory ; which property befitts best the Blessed Virgin , who the longer she liued in this mortall life , the more she suffered ; and as her Crosses did increase , so the more she drew to the ruddy colour of Martyrdome : and the nee●er she came vnto so high a degree of loue and fortitude , the more her golden Charity did shine throughout the world ; and therfore most fitly she is compared not only to Iuory , but euen vnto the ancient Iuory , when it is in greatest beauty and worth .

2. Another excellent vertu● of Iuory is , to expell poyson from the infected waters , which is the cause ( as some do write ) that th● other beasts where the water● often be poysoned by venemou● serpents , vse not to drinke vntil● the Vnicorne hath dipped in hi● horne which expelleth al poyson● and leaueth the waters as whol● some as before : which property if we apply to the Blessed Virgin we shall see that no waters of tribulation can be hurtfull to those who set her Heroicall example o● Patience before them . For as the wood that Moyses cast into the bitter water , made it sweet and sauoury ; so no Crosses so bitter o● distastfull , but by meditation o● her excellent life , will be made sweet and pleasant .

O Blessed Virgin , be our Iuory Tower of defence , be our Citty of Refuge , Colloquium . for sub tuum praesidium confugimus , vnto thy holy protection we fly ; let not the strong assaults of our enemies daunt vs , nor the fierce encounters of our aduersaryes discourage vs ; but with thy powerfull intercession help vs , that to the greater glory of thy sweet Sonne , and further profit of our own soules , we may stand immoueable in the seruice of God , & dayly increase in deuotion towards thee . Amen . O gloriosa Domina .

THE XXX . MEDITATION . Domus aurea ora pro nobis . Golden howse , pray for vs .

IN this pretious tytle , the golden Charity of the B. Virgin is insinuated . For , as we haue already proued , the famous Temple of Ierusalem built by Salomon , and all couered with gold , was a type or figure of the blessed Virgin . And as that Temple was a Golden Howse , built for God himselfe ; so was the Blessed Virgin a spirituall and mysticall howse , ordeyned and adorned for the diuine Temple of the holy Ghost , and Bride-chamber of Christ ; yea for an elected howse and hospitall for the Blessed Trinity . She is also said to be of gould , by reason of her burning Charity , and inflaming loue , signified by gould . And as Gould excelleth all other mettalls : so doth the Queene of Angells , surpasse all other pure Creatures .

By this we may gather , how different are the wayes of God from the wayes of men , and how far distant his thoughts from ours . Herod had his stately Pallace adorned richly in outward shew ; Christ his poore mother richly bedecked with inward vertues . The eies of men iudge by the outward face ; the eyes of God by the inward hart ; therfore the famous Pallace of Herod is left ; this celestial howse of God chosen ; for though the Sonne of the Blessed Virgin had howse to hide his head , ( as himselfe witnesseth ) speaking of an earthly habitation ; yet he neuer wanted this Golden Chappel , this worthy howse , his deuout mother , to intertaine him , with all loue and tender affection .

Since therfore we haue in this world , no permanent howse of aboad , no certaine Citty to inhabite , and dwell in , for any long tyme ( as S. Paul wryteth ; ) let vs endeauour all to follow the vertuous life of this spirituall and mysticall howse , that we may also deserue to be a howse , wherin Christ may rest : that intertayning him in our soules by grace in this life , we may be made heire of glory in the next . Amen . A●● Maris stella .

THE XXXI . MEDITATION . Foederis arca , ora pro nobis . Arke of the Couenant , pray for vs .

IN the old Law in diuers places is mentioned the Arke of the Couenant , made by Moyses , and by Gods expresse Commaund , the forme , scituation , and all the rest belonging vnto it : we will briefly consider , what wood it was made of , and how it was couered with gold , what was kept in it , and some properties therof , which we will apply to this our mysticall Arke , the Blessed Virgin .

1. First Moyses made this Arke of Settim wood , Deut. 10. which is called incorruptible , by reason of the longe tyme that it remayneth vncorrupted , and this Arke by Gods ordinance was to be couered all ouer , both within and without , with pure Gold . Heere we may consider how fittly this figured blessed Virgin , who thought made of the corruptible Masse wherof all men be composed ; yet by the Eternall wisdome of God preserued from all taint of Corruption , both in body and soule● couered ouer with pure Gold● within and without , because he● burning Charity within did giue so faire a lustre to all her outward actions , that she did seeme to exceed the fayrest Gold . And as ouer the Arke was a Crown of the same pure and massy gold ; so ouer the blessed Virgins heauenly head did hang that vnspekable Crown of Glory , from all Eternity prepared for her , which she now enioyes .

2. Secondly , we may consider , Deut. 10. that in the Arke of the Couenant were kept the Tables of the ten Commaundments , as a witnes against those that should afterward rebell ; and also there was kept a certain measure of the Manna , in remembrance of so great a benefit done vnto the Chosen people of Israell : Exod. 16. So in the Blessed Virgins sacred brest was layd vp the table of those ten Commaundements which she alwaies kept most inuiolable , against those who shall deny , that they are able to be kept by any .

And as for the Manna , we know she had the keeping of the Celestiall Manna , Christ Iesus , the true food of our hungry soules , and a memoriall of his truest loue , and one of his greatest benefitts done vnto vs .

3. Besides this , the Arke coming into the waters of Iordan , they gaue place for the Children of Israell to passe ouer without any danger : which signifies the B. Virgins powerfull help , staying the waters of tribulation from the hurtfull pursuite of the Children of God , making them to passe as secure as if they walked on dry land .

4. And lastly the Arke with it presence made the Idoll Dagon fall flat downe before it ; it was a terrour vnto the enemies of God ; and the curious beholders of it , were not a little punished for their fault : so the Blessed Virgin hath , and is the destroyer of Idolatry , the terrour vnto the enemies of the Church , and a seuere Chastizer of those who be more curious then wise , in matters belonging to her .

Behould then , how fittly she is compared to the Arke of the Couenant , who is also ready to help vs , to keep the Couenant we haue made with God , both in the spiritual generation of Baptisme , as also in our good purposes , vowes , and all other deuotions wherein we giue our selues to God Let vs therfore deuoutly cal vpon her holy Name by this worthy tytle , & say , Foederis Arca , ora pro nobis , Arke of the Couenant pray for vs . Salue Regina .

THE XXXII . MEDITATION . Ianua Caeli , ora pro nobis . Gate of heauen , pray for vs .

THIS Metaphoricall speach doth signify vnto vs , that as into stronge walled Citties there is no hope of entrance , but by the gate : so he that pretendeth to enter into the glorious Citty of the heauenly Hierusalem , must knock at this beautifull gate the Blessed Virgin , who therfore by the holy Church is so intytled , as in that diuine hymne Aue Marris stella , she is said to be Felix caeli porta , the happy gate of heauen : and in the Anthym Aue regina Coelorum , we say , Salue radix salue porta , ex qua mundo lux est orta : All hayle o B. roote , all hayle o heauenly gate . And conformable to this in these deuout Letanies composed in her honor , we salute her by the name of Ianua Cali , gate of heauen .

1. First therfore we may meditate how we are created for Cittizens of heauen , where all our chiefest treasure is layd vp ; by sinne the gate was shut against vs , as rebells against Gods sacred Lawes , vntill Christ by his Omnipotent power did open it again vnto vs , and left this beautyfull gate patent vnto all ; that who so would enter into this blisfull paradise , should first haue this Gate well knowne , by which he might freely enter into Eternall happines ; and therfore she is called Felix caeli porta , the happy gate of heauen .

2. Secondly we may consider , that if this gate be shut against vs , we can haue but little hope to be able to attain vnto our longing desire of entrance into the Citty ; that is , if our life , manners & conuersation be such as may hinder our accesse vnto this stately Gate , we can haue but small hope of her holy intercession ; especially if we cease not to offend her Blessed Sonne , which is the only cause that will bread a deniall to our approach vnto that shyning gate , who with her beautifull beames of light inuiteth al men from the works of darknes , to the fountaine of light ; from the snares of death to the fruits of life ; & from the valley of extreme misery , vnto the height of all goodnes .

O let vs not be so blind , Colloquium . as not to see this light ; let vs with holy Moyses put off the shooes of our earthly affection , and with deuout S. Bernard fall before her feete ; and as these deuout Letanies doe teach vs , let vs say Ianua Caeli , gate of Heauen pray for vs : and Felix caeli porta , o happy gate of heauen , be not shut against vs , who so much desire to enter by thee and to reigne with thee , for euer . Amen . Aue Maris stella .

THE XXXIII . MEDITATION . Stella matutina , ora pro nobis . Morning starre , pray for vs .

FOR the better vnderstanding this worthy tytle , we must consider first what the Starre of the morning doth denote vnto vs , and also the tyme of its appearance , by which we shall easily perceaue how fittly the Blessed Virgin is called stella matutina , the morning starre .

1. First as this bright shyning starre of the morning , appearing vnto vs , giueth vs to vnderstand that the darke night is ended , & the cheerfull day at hand ; & therfore the dismall clouds of the night were shortly to be dispersed by the comming of a glittering light , to wit the Sunne : Euen so the first appearing of the Blessed Virgin in this world , was a fore-running of that great light , her sweet Sonne Christ Iesus , whose ioyfull beames were to expell the mysty darkenes of former ignorance with his shyning light of doctrine .

2. Secondly this morning starre doth not only foretell the comming of a light , that should be the ending of a sad and melancholy night , but also the beginning of a most ioyfull day : so the happy birth of the Blessed Virgin , did foretell vnto the world , that happy day , that now was at hand , when the Angell should denounce vnto the whole world , and first vnto the poore watchfull sheepheards , gaudium magnum quod erit in omni populo , the great ●oy which should not be confined ●●ed to the land of Iury only , but should be common to al Nations , ●mni populo , to wit , the birth of Christ , Sauiour and redeemer of mankind .

3. Againe , the day-starre appeareth more bright and light some , then the rest of the starr● that shyned before in the night and the Blessed Virgin was i● brightnes of sanctity and cleerne of vertues , beyond all Stars , that is , all the Saints that went before or came after her ( her Sonne al● waies excepted , as in al such speaches is most fit : ) and thus by this glittering light , we may easily se● & truly say , nox praecessit , dies aut appropinquauit : that , the night i● past and the day drawes nigh ; & therefore vsing the holy Apostle Counsell , let vs cast away th● workes of darknes , and arme our selues with light ; and as at myd● day , let vs walke honestly in sigh● of all the world , for in such work● we shall be sure to haue this B● starre to guide and conduct vs ; which God graunt . Amen . Aue Maris stella .

THE XXXIIII . MEDITATION . Salus infirmorum , ora pro nobis . Health of the sicke , pray for vs .

ALL manner of sicknes may be reduced to two kindes of Infirmities ; the one corporall , that vexeth and sometyme taketh away the life of the body ; the other spirituall , which weakeneth and sometyme extinguisheth the life of the soule : of both which , we may easily perceaue the Blessed Virgin , to haue been , and dayly to be a soueraigne remedy , by which she is iustly said to be Salus infirmorum , the health of the infirme , or sicke .

1. First then to consider the Blessed Virgins bounty and liberality towards sicke persons , we need no further persuasion then the manifold examples written by graue Authors of the almost infinit miraculous cures wrought by the Blessed Queene of Angels , vpon diseased persons of all sorts , and of the deuotion of the places , yet extant , with the frequent concourse of sicke and weake people vnto them , with miraculous restoring of their health , when it is more conuenient for their good , or the honour of God . This I say may serue for sufficient proofe of this point , for all such as are deuoutly disposed towards the B. Virgin .

2. Concerning spirituall diseases , it is not vnknowne to any Catholike , how many miraculous Conuersions haue beene wrought by her holy intercession ; how many therby haue been brought from the very gates of hell , to the happy gate of heauen ; euen such as haue almost beene swallowed vp in the desperate gulfe of despaire ; which is an euident signe and token that she is Salus infirmorum , the health of the diseased ; by her holy intercession obteyning the perfect Cure both of body and soule ; giuing vs therby full assurance , that if we confidently haue recourse vnto her , we may obtayne the like benefit , if we haue the like deuotion . Salue Regina .

THE XXXV . MEDITATION . Refugium Peccatorum , ora pro nobis . Refuge of sinners , pray for vs .

IN the old Law there were many Citties ordeyned by Gods expresse commaundment , whither men guilty of certaine Crymes , might fly to saue their liues , as now in the new Law our Sanctuaries are , where offendours may be safe from the pursuing enemy . And because the Blessed Virgin is a common Refuge , to whome all sinners may fly , to hide themselues , vntill the wrath of God be past ; therfore she is called and rightly intytled the Refuge of sinners .

The summe of this Meditaton may be , to consider , That these forenamed Citties of Refuge were ordeyned for such as casually did murther their brethren ; for if wifully they did commit any such cryme it auayled them nothing at all to fly to the said Citties : So whilst our sinnes , be of infirmity and weakenes , we may with confidence fly vnto her ; but if they proceed of obstinacy and malice , and so contynue , we can expect no fauour at her hands , yet in this she so excelleth all the foresaid Citties of Refuge , that although the sin be of this latter sort of obstinate malice ; yet if they will informe their vnderstanding , and conforme their will , she is ready to take them vnder her protection , and with her powerfull prayers obtaine them pardon , & bring them againe into the fauour of God . Since therfore she doth not disdaine to be called Refuge of sinners , let vs not be so vngratefull and blind , as not to make vse of so friendly an offer , so stronge a Refuge , and so potent an intercessor , but let vs deuoutly fly vnto her saying , Refugium Peccatorum , ora pro nobis : Refuge of sinners pray for vs . Pater & Aue.

THE XXXVI . MEDITATION . Consolatrix afflictorum ora pro nobis . Comfortresse of the afflicted , pray for vs .

WE haue seene before that this heauenly Queene is a soueraigne remedy of the sicke , the disease being either corporal or spirituall : now we are to consider how she is a confort to the afflicted , which will appeare many waies .

1. First it is a comfort for one that is in affliction , to know that some others haue passed the same way ; and farre greater to vnderstand that they passed not only without hurt , but with great renowne : So in our greatest miseries and calamities if we looke vpon this comfortable obiect , & consider the rare example she hath left vs , we shall find that all we suffer or can suffer , is but a shaddow to that which she hath vndergone . This then may be the first cause of comfort to the afflicted .

2. Secondly it is a great comfort to those that are afflicted , to haue some deare and louing friend to take compassion of their misery , where they behould as i● were , the image of themselues , suffering in their friends hart ● And doubtles the Blessed Virgin hath such perfect loue vnto he● true Children , and such tende● compassion of their afflictions● that she cannot choose but in 〈◊〉 manner suffer with them ; which is exceeding comfort to haue a partaker of our sorrowes . For albeit these passions be not in heauen , yet she hath perfect notice o● our troubles , and as a most louing mother seeketh to remedy our afflictions when it is conuenient for vs .

3. Thirdly , it is a great refreshing to the afflicted , to know● they haue a friend who is able to deliuer them , if they giue him notice of it , and shew that they desire it . And such is the Blessed Virgin alwaies ready to giue vs all comfort , if confidently and deuoutly , as we ought , we fly vnto her . For so powerfull is her intercession , that what she asketh for vs she obteyneth ; and so great her wisdome is , that she will aske nothing but what is conuenient for our eternall good . If therfore in our afflictions , she doth not always succour vs , we may perswad our selues , that they be more auaylable for our spirituall good , then al the comforts in the world . And by these considerations we may see , how truly the B. Virgin is , Consolatrix afflictorum , the comfortresse of the afflicted . Salue Regina .

THE XXXVII . MEDITATION . Auxilium Christianorum , ora pro nobis . The help of Christians , pray for vs .

BY this title all true Christians do acknowledge the powerfull help of the Blessed Virgin in their necessities , especially when they vndertake any worthy exploit for her Blessed Sonne ; as the conuersion of Nations , the redeeming of Christian Captiues , or the iust defence of their owne Country , against the treacherous inuasions of barbarous people and Infidells ; for in such worthy imployments , as the Christians haue alwayes vsed , to shew their singular deuotion , in the inuocation of our Blessed Lady : so she hath neuer fayled in shewing particuler fauours towards them .

Besides , we haue other enimies both stronger and subtiler , against whose assaults we haue more need of her ayde and assistance ; I meane , the Capitall enemy of mankind , who neuer ceaseth to deface the very image of God in vs , & who by her powerfull intercession and holy prayers is put to confusion , yea by the only naming of our B. Lady , which he is not able to endure . And lastly , though we were free from all outward foes ; yet shall we neuer want a domesticall enemy , whose disordered appetites & dishonest desires do seldome , or neuer beare sway in those , who are truely deuoted to the B. Virgin .

To conclude as S. Bernard wryteth , Bern. super Missus est . Let vs in al tribulations , in all straites , in all dangers , call vpon her Blessed name , and we shall proue in our selus how rightly she may be , and is intytled Auxilium Christianorum , the ayder and helper of Christians : But that we may the better inioy this soueraigne help , we must examin our selues , that we be not , as Saint Augustine saith , nomine Christiani , re vani , in name Christians , but indeed vayne , and deuoyd of all true Christianity : for such haue put a clowde before the bright beames of her fauour , that they cannot shine vpon them . Therfore O Blessed Virgin help vs , that we may be truly seruants of Christ and true Christians ; for then we shall neuer be destitute of thy louing help , who art the sheild of all good Christians . O gloriosa Domina .

THE XXXVII . MEDITATION . Regina Angelorum , ora pro nobis . Queene of Angells , pray for vs .

IN these tytles following our B. Lady is called Queene of Angells , Queene of Patriarks , Queene of Prophets , and the like . Wherefore we will briefly assigne some one or two reasons , why she may be said to be their Queene , for some excellency that did shine in her , in that kind . As in this present Meditation she is intytled Queene of Angells , by reason of her vnspotted and chast behauiour , wherin she did excell and lead , as we vse to say , an Angelicall life on earth .

Secondly as she is now crowned Queene of Heauen , she may most fitly be called Queene of Angells , because they be the chiefest assistants in that heauenly Court , where she , as Queene and Empresse , sits exalted aboue them all , and they no doubt most prompt and obedient at her will ; and by this we salute her in this place , & call her , as indeed she is , Regina Angelorum , Queene of Angells . Aue regina Caelorum .

THE XXXIX . MEDITATION . Regina Patriarcharum , ora pro nobis . Queene of the Patriarkes , pray for vs .

OVR blessed Lady may be called Queene of Patriarks in this respect , that the high mystery of ●he Incarnation was fulfilled in ●er ; and the chiefest Promises made vnto them had their effect ●n this Blessed Queene . Besides , ●er excellent faith of all the mysteries of our faith , did far exceed that of the Patriarkes ; her ●eale was greater , her expectation more feruorous , her desires more ardent ; that whatsoeuer was ●n them prayse-worthy , was in the B. Virgin in a farre more high degree , and therfore most worthily we say , Regina Patriarcharum , ora pro nobis , Queene of the Patriarks , pray for vs .

THE XL. MEDITATION . Regina Prophetarum , ora pro nobis Queene of Prophets , pray for vs .

THE holy Prophets , as by their writings we may vnderstand , ( and their names import as much ) had great light from Almighty God , concerning the mysteries of our faith ; the conuersion of the world ; the order of the Church ; the Birth Death & Resurrection of Christ with the rest belonging to ou● faith : but the light that was communicated vnto our blessed Lady , did go farre beyond them , her guiftes and prophesy greater , her grace more aboundant , and was indeed the shyning star , at which they in their prophesies did but point , as the Prophet Isay witnesseth when he saith , Ecce Virgo concipiet , behold a Virgin shall conceaue : and by this she is said Queene of Prophets . Aue Maria.

THE XLI . MEDITATION . Regina Apostolorum , ora pro nobis . Queene of the Apostles , pray for vs .

BY greater reason , she is said to be the Queene of the Apostles , then either of Patriarkes or Prophets , being ( after the Ascension of Christ ) left amongst them as a Queene to gouerne and direct them , to their exceeding great comfort and consolation . For although the holy Ghost was indeed their chiefe Directour and Rectour ; yet it is like that they did many things by her meanes ; as it is thought , that S. Luke did write his Ghospell , especially concerning the infancy of our Sauiour by her direction , though gouerned otherwise by the holy spirit of God . And therfore when she passed out of this life , they all came togeather miraculously conioyned , to celebrate with due reuerence and deuotion , the Funerall rites of their soueraigne Queene . Behold therfore , how deseruedly she is called Queene of the Apostles . Salue Regina .

THE XLII . MEDITATION . Regina Martyrum , ora pro nobis . Queen of Martyrs , pray for vs .

MOST worthily she is entytled Queene of Martyrs , & that for many reasons .

1. First because in her life she suffered more then any , yea then all the Martyrs togeather , as I haue already proued .

2. Secondly she may be called Queen of Martyrs , by reason of the rare example that she left them .

3. And lastly , because in their agonyes and passions , no doubt they had particuler help & comfort from her , whome they called vpon , as we do , Regina Martyrum , ora pro nobis , Queene of Martyrs pray for vs .

THE XLIII . MEDITATION . Regina Confessorum , ora pro nobis . Queen of confessours , pray for vs .

CONFESSOVRS are they , who though they cannot attaine to the sublime dignity of Martyrdome , yet with their good life & vertuous actions they confesse Christ to be true God and Man , and are ready to dye , if so it should please him , in defence of the least article of his holy doctrine . And because the Blessed Virgin in this point hath gone so farre beyond them all , and left them so memorable examples of Constancy and Fortitude ; therfore she is not only sayd to be their comforter , as we haue already meditated ; but also their Queene , Regina Confessorum , Queene of Confessors .

THE XLIIII . MEDITATION . Regina Virginum , ora pro nobis . Queene of Virgins , pray for vs .

OVR Blessed Lady hauing remayned euer a perpetual Virgin , and being the first that dedicated herselfe vnto God by holy vow of Virginity ; became the in●entour & foundresse of this Angelicall life ; and therfore by great reason , she is said to be the Queene of Virgins , and by which title we daily call vpon her saying , Regina Virginum , ora pro nobis , Queene of Virgins pray for vs .

THE XLV . MEDITATION . Regina Sanctorum omnium ora pro nobis . Queen of all Saints , pray for vs .

BRTEFLY in this tytle we may consider , that what vertue or excellent guift soeuer hath beene eminent in any Saint , hath shyned farre more in our blessed Lady ; yea whatsoeuer naturall or supernaturall guift or grace , hath beene in them all togeather , hath byn all at once in this B. Queene ; & therfore most worthily we salute her by this renowned tytle of Queene of all Saints : and by this desiring her powerfull prayers , and holy intercession , we say , Regina Sanctorum omnium ora pro nobis , Queene of all Saints pray for vs . Amen . Aue Maris stella