The first foundation.

THE first foun­dation of a good life is, often and seriously to con­sider for what end and purpose I was crea­ted, and what Gods designe­ment was, when he made mee of nothing, and that not to haue a being only, as a stone, nor withall a bare [Page 16] kinde of life or growing, as a plant or tree, nor more­ouer a power of sence or feeling only as a bru [...]t beast, but a creature to his owne likenes, indued with reason vnderstanding and freewil. Also why he now preserueth me in this health, state and calling. Finally why he rede­med me with his owne bloud, bestowed so infinite benefites vppon me, and still continueth his mercy towards me.

The second foundation.

Seeing I was made to serue God in this life, and to enioye him in the next, the seruice of God, and the saluation of mine owne sou­le, is the most weighty and important busines, and the most necessary matter wher­in I must employ my bodie, minde, time, and labour: and all other affaires are so farre foorth to be esteemed of me [Page 19] waighty or light, as they more or lesse tend to the fur­therance of this principall & most earnest busines. For what auaileth it a man to gaine the whole world, and loose his owne soule?

the third foundation.

I Cannot serue God in this world, nor go about to enioye him in the next, but that Gods enemies and mine, will repine and seeke-to hinder me: which ene­mies are three: the Worlde, the Flesh, and the Deuill. Wherefore I must resolue my selfe, and sett it downe as a thing vndouted, that my whole life must be a conti­nuall combate with these [Page 21] aduersaries: whom I must assuredly perswade my selfe to lie hourely in waite for me, to seeke their aduantage. And that their malice is so vnplacable, and their hatred against me so rooted in thē, that I must neuer looke to haue one hower secure from their assaultes: but that they will [...]rom time to time, so long as there is breath in my body, still labour to make me forsake and offend God, alure me to their ser­uice, and drawe me to my damnation.

The fourth foundation.

The thing which these enemies endeuour for to drawe me vnto, is, sinne and offence of God: which is so odious, hatefull, and abho­minable, that God doth more detest and dislike it, then he did the cruell vsa­ge, the woundes, the tor­mentes, and the death it selfe, that for vs he suffe­red of the Iewes, and it maketh our soules more vgly, then the plague▪ lepro­sy, or any other moste fil­thy disease doth the body.

The fift foundation.

Being Gods creature made to serue him in this life: my body, soule, and goods, and all things any way appertaining vnto me, are but lent, or onely let me for this end, and I am only as bailiffe, tenaunt or officer, to demaine or goue [...]ne these thinges to his best seruice: and ther­fore when the time of my stewardship is expired, I shall be summoned by Death to appeare before my Land-lorde, who with most rigorous iustice will demaunde account of euery thing and creature of his, that hath beene to my vse, yea of all that I haue recei­ued, promised, omitted, [Page 26] committed, lost and robbed: and as I can then discharge this account, so shall I be either crowned in eternall ioy, or condemned to perpe­tuall damnation.

First of the consideration of Gods presence.

THese foundations bee­ing laide, it behoueth mee further to descende to [Page 29] the notice of my duety to God, my neighbour, and my selfe.

And first concerning my due [...]ie vnto God, a very fitte meane I can vse to please him is, to beare alwaie in minde his presence. For sure it is that as God, hee is euery where in substance, power and presence, and in him I liue, moue, and I am, as the scripture saith, because he worketh with me in all my deedes, thoughts and wor­des: In so much that as the beame of the sun, the heat of the fire, or wettnes of the water, so depend I of God: and should he withdrawe himselfe from mee but one moment, I should forthwith turne into nothing, and [Page 30] therfore it is a very forcible meanes for my good, to doe all things as if I did see God visibly woorking and coope­rating with me in euery ac­tion, as in truth he doth, and knowinge that what woor­des, thoughtes, or deedes soeuer passe me, and what part of my body or minde soeuer I vse, Gods concourse and helpe therunto, is more then mine owne, I must be a fraid to vse them in any such thing wherein I might offend him: but rather seeke to doe all things so that they be worthy of his presence, helpe, and assistance in them. And if I can get a custome or habitte to remember still the presence and assistance of God (as by vse easely I may) [Page 31] I shall with due regrd, reue­rence, and consideration, abstaine from such beha­uiour, as I thinke may any waie bee offensiue vnto him I shall also get a great facility in turning my minde and heart to him, and in talking often with him by short and sweet praiers, which are the fewell of deuotion.

Other affectō is that we ought to haue vnto God

Secondly I must endeuour to kindle in my selfe, these affections towardes God.

The First Affection.

FIrst, of a sincere and ten­der loue of him, as the fountaine of all beautie and fellicity, of which loue I may gesse by these signes.

[Page 32] By often thinking, and an earnest desire of God.

By sorrow of his absence, and contentment, in consi­deration of his presence.

By my diligence in perfor­ming without delay or te­diousnesse, that which plea­seth best my Sauiour, and by finding such cōfort in doing it, that it grieues me when for thinges of lesse goodnes, I am enforced to deferre it.

By withdrawing all disor­dred loue from all creatures, and especially my selfe, and by louing nothing but in God, and for God.

By seeking to encrease this loue by consideration of Gods goodnesse, & his dai­lie benefites.

By taking delight in Gods [Page 33] seruice, or thinges tending therunto, not because I finde contentment in it, but be­cause it is to Gods glory, to the which I would haue all thinges addressed.

By taking tribulations, or troubles of body or mind patiently, yea and with ioie, knowing that they come by Gods permission, and think­ing them as fauours which he affordeth to his dearest friends.

The Second Affection.

THe second affection is, a reuerent and dutifull feare of God, which I may gather by these signes.

If when I remember the presence and Maiestie of [Page 34] God, I frame both my body and minde to reuerence and honour him, with all humi­litie and decencie: fearing least by any vnseemely and light behauiour, I should seeme to be contemptuous, and carelesse of my duty to­wards him.

If I finde great feare to doe any thing that may offend God, not onely mortally, but euen venially, & be with­all verie watchfull to auoid the least offence, least my fra [...]lty which is great, should drawe me to it, and so to fur­ther inconuenience.

If I feare to bee banished from him, or forsakē for my sinnes, and endeuour what I may to preserue his loue and mercy towards me.

The Third Affection.

THe third affection is, Zeale of Gods honour, and desire that hee should be duely serued and obeyed of all his creatures, of which I may iudge by these signes.

First, if I finde a griefe in my selfe and am hartily sory, when I see or heare of other folkes faults, or thinke of mine owne, considering how by them, a base and wretched creature, disho­noured and dispised his crea­tor, in steed of him, seruing his professed enemies, the flesh, the world, & the diuel.

The second signe is an earnest desire to helpe my neighbour, or mine owne soule out of sinne, by pray­ing [Page 36] for this effect, and refu­sing no conuenient labour to accomplish the same, so that my Lord God bee no more, or at the least, lesse offended then before.

The Fourth Affection.

THe fourth affection is, to endeuour as neere as I can, to take occasion of euery thing that I heare, see, or think of, to praise God. As if the things were good, then to praise God that he gaue grace to doe them: And if the thinge [...] were euill, to thanke God that either he preserued me or other, from them, or at the least hath not suffered me to continue still in thē, or to bee in his wrath condem [...]ed for them.

[Page 37] Also I must consider, and with my inward eye see God in euerie creature, how he worketh in all things to my benefitte, and weigh how in all c [...]eatures, both within and without me, he sheweth his p [...]esence, by keeping them in their beeing and course of nature: for with­out him they would pre­sently turne to nothing: and I must assure my selfe, that in all this, hee hath as well a regard to my good, as to others. And therefore all creatures must be as it were bookes to me to reade ther­in, the lou [...] presence, proui­dence, and fatherly care that God hath ouer me.

The Fift Affection.

THe fift affection is, to consider, that I being a Christian, and onely my faith and all mine actions proper thereunto, ought not onely to be different from the er­roneous opinions, sects, and actions of infidels, but euen mine ordinarie actions, of eating, drinking, playing, working, and such like, ought to haue a marke and badge of christianitie, and some difference from the like thinges done by heath­ens. And this marke which maketh christian and good workes, is a right and sin­cere intention, which in euery principall action I ought to procure, so that it [Page 39] bee done to the honour, g [...]orie, and seruice of God, and agreeable to the rule of christian dutye, with that measure, temperance, and circumstance, which faith and reason requireth: per­swading my selfe, that as wel in these actions done in this sorte, as in others that carry more shew of piety, God may be serued & honoured. And therfore it should be a great negligence and care­lesnes in me, for want of directing mine intention (which by vse is easely got­ten) to lose so many great merites, as in these ordinary actions I might daily and howerly gaine.

The Sixt Affection.

THe sixt Affection is, a [Page 40] Perfect resignation of my selfe into Gods hands, with a full desire that he should vse me as it were most to his glorie, whether it were to my temporall comfort or no. And to bee as ready to serue him in mi­sery, need, and affliction, as in prosperity and pleasure: thinking it my cheifest de­lighte, to be vsed as God wil, and to haue his pleasure and prouidence fully ac­complished in me, which is the end for which I was created, and for the which I doe now liue.

To attaine this resigna­tion, it is a very fitte way to debate and discourse with my selfe, what thing there is could happen vnto me, [Page 41] though neuer so much a­gainst my liking, which if it should fall out, would trou­ble me, or make me loose that indifferency which I ought to haue, in most wil­lingly yeeldinge my selfe to whatsoeuer God shall laye vppon me: And if I finde any thinge which I thinke I should not well digest, nor accept with due patience, let me endeuour to ouercome my selfe in it, and by praie [...] and meditation▪ seeke to winne the difficulty therof, that there may be nothing which I would not willingly accept at Gods handes, how contrary soeuer it were to mine inclination. To which these considerations may helpe me.

[Page 42]First the ende I ayme at, is Gods glorie in this world, and his reward in the next, and therfore knowing that nothing, but my voluntarie sinne can barre me from this ende, what neede I much care by what meanes God will haue me to attaine it? for the meanes can last but a litle, and the end endureth for euer, and is so much the more comfortable, in that it hath beene atchiued with more discomfortable, toiles.

Secondly God loueth mee more then I loue my selfe, and is so wise, that he best seeth what is fittest for me, all present & future circum­stances considered: he is so mighty that what his wisdo­me and loue shall conclude [Page 43] for my good, his power can put in execution: and ther­fore let me rather yeeld my selfe wholy to his prouiden­ce, then mine owne desires.

Thirdly whatsoeuer mo­ueth me to feare or dislike any thing, which I could not frame my minde to beare, God seeth it as wel and farre better then I, yea and all other secret and vnkowen hazardes that are annexed to that thing: if therefore he knowing all these thinges, will neuerthelesse let it hap­pen to me, I must assure my selfe, that it proceedeth of loue, and is for my greater good, and that he hauing laid a heauy burden vpon weake forces, will by his grace supply all my feares, [Page 44] wants and frailties.

The Seuenth Affection.

THe seuenth affection is, gratitude and thank­fulnes, which I ought to fin­de in my selfe towards God, and feeling an earnest desire to doe any thing that might counteruaile, or in parte aunswere the excessiue loue that God, hath and howerly doth shew vnto me, and to let no litle good that I re­ceiue thoughe neuer so ordi­narie, passe without thankes to him, who euen in the least things is contented to serue me▪ and finally to make God my repose, and his remem­brance my comfort, and to loath al earthly things as base and vnpleasant, in compari­son [Page 45] of him.

On holy daies.

I Must rise one howre, or halfe an houre, sooner then on other daies: And if it be a day of receiuing, my first thought must bee to thinke what a happy bāquet I am to goe vnto, desiring [Page 83] God to giue me due prepara­tion. I must seeke to say my prayers that day both more, and with greater deuotion, and especially after the com­munion.

In steed of my work, I must bestowe those daies in rea­ding good bookes, hearing sermons, and such like godly exercises, not lightly running ouer thē, thinking it enough to haue read or heard good things, but pawsing vpō such thinges as moue my affectiō, and p [...]inting them wel in my mind and memory.

Because I am like to be troubled with cōpany more those daies thē others. I must endeuour to recompence in this sort. First by often lifting vp my hart to God in talke. [Page 84] Secondly, by striuing against occasions of euill speech, and by not yeldinge to speake of other folkes faultes. Third­ly, in seekinge when occasiō serueth to helpe those I talke with by mine example or wordes, And finally to make my talke agreeable to the ru­les of conuersation.

On principall Feastes, it is conuenient to prepare my selfe before hand for them, & to liue a day or two before, as it were in expectation of them, desiring the presence and solemnity of that day, wherein God doth most a­boundantly bestowe his gra­ces: that hauing heretofore bene slacke in his seruice, I may that day beginne of newe, to take hart and cou­rage, [Page 85] to amend my life by the helpe and prayers of that Saint, or by the meritte and benefitte of that action of Christ, the holy day shall, be.

For Confession and Recei­uinge.

EVery sonday; and high feast, and all the festiual daies of Christ, our Lady, the Apostles, and such other principall holy daies, I must prepare my selfe the day be­fore to receiue.

On Saterdaie at night, or on the eue if occasion serue, I must go to confession, and withall diligence, the neerer the time commeth of recea­uing, the more wary must I be of my behauiour▪ I must [Page 86] go to confession twice in a weeke, Wednesday and Sa­terday at night, when there commeth not a great holy day, or some other day:

When I want meanes to goe to confession, I must not­withstanding at my vsuall ti­mes prepare my selfe, and to almighty God make euen in wordes the same confession, that I would to my ghostly father: for though it bee not a Sactament without absolu­tion of a true Pre [...]st, yet is it a godly thing, & good to keep me in vre, and my conscience in awe▪

Euery yeare twice, once about Christmas, if I may, vpon Newyeers day, or Epi­phany, and another time about S. Mary Magdalens day. [Page 87] I must make a generall con­fession of the halfe yeare last past: & so from time to time, taking those two times es­peciallie to renewe my selfe, & to remember Gods good­nesse towardes me, and to beginne with newe feruor more earnestly to serue him, as my duety and his benefits require. I must also compare one time with an other, and see whether I goe forward or backwards in Gods seruice, and endeuour euery halfe yeare, to gaine some ground of my selfe, and to amend some one imperfection.

When I make my gene­rall confession, if I haue one certaine ghostly father, I must yeild vp an account of my conscience concerning th [...]se [Page 88] points following. First how I find my selfe affected in Gods ser [...]ce, and whether I finde a con [...]entment and de­light therein, or rather a te­diousnes and dulnes.

Secondlie, what praiers I vse to saie, and howe much time I spende therein, and what taste, or trouble I feele in the same.

Thirdly, what temptations and passions I am most trou­bled withal, & what meanes I doe vse to resist them.

Fourthlie, what imperfe­ctions I am most prone vnto, what vertu I cheifly labour to attaine, and which I haue most facility to practise.

Fiftly, what mortification I doe vse to break mine own will, and what other cha [...]i­sement [Page 89] to mortify my body.

Sixtly, what desire I finde in my self, to amend my for­mer faultes, and to begin a better course.

Seauenthly, how I find my selfe for my resignation of mind to Gods will, and for suffering and losse, punish­ment, sicknes, or disgrace that he should lay vpon me.

Lastly, how my health is aggreable to my exercises, and whether I find not my body or mind ouercharged with too much praier, pen­ance, or such other actions of deuotion. These thinges are conuenient to be vtte­red, that the pastour kno­wing the estate, disease, for­ce, or weakenes of his shee­pe, may be the abler dis­creetly [Page 90] to direct it.

Euery weeeke.

IN the beginning of the weeke, I must fore [...]see what holy daies there are in the same, that I may the bet­ter prepare my selfe for thē. Also in the beginning of the weeke, I must thinke whe­ther I haue any extraordinary business, temporall or spiri­tuall to doe, that hauing a foresight of it, I may remem­ber it and prouide the better for it. When I reade my ru­les, I may omitte the reading of other bookes, vnlesse lei­sure serue me to doe both.

I must twice a weeke at the least, go see into the offices of the house, and suruey the houshold booke: but if I haue [Page 91] the gouernemēt of it wholy in mine owne handes, I must doe it oftener, hauinge re­garde that was [...]e & lauishing be auoided, frugality vsed, and behauing my selfe in the demeaning of temporal thin­ges, rather as a stewarde or bailife of an others goods, then an owner of mine own, seing that in truth I must at my dy [...]g day be liable to God, how I haue spent euery farthing.

I must [...]uery weeke read some part of this rule of good life, so deuiding it, that at the moneths ende I may haue read al [...] seeking to print these spirituall directions in my mind, and endeuouring to put them in daily practise.

How to know temptations and good motions.

IT is alwaies a spirituall [Page 106] desolation originall and pro­ceeding from the diuell, whē it darkeneth and disqu [...]eteth the mind, awaketh and stir­reth vppe our passions, when it draweth to externall and earthlie solaces, leauing in the mind a tediousnes and vnwillingnes to praier and other workes of deuotion.

Also when it diminisheth our affiance and trust in God, and d [...]iueth to a kinde of dis­paire of Gods mercy, or per­seuering in his seruice, ma­king it seeme an irkesome & impossible thing, & mouing vs to forsake it: and when I finde my self troubled in this sort, I must assure my selfe without all doubt, that I am tempted by the d [...]uell, and therefore arme my selfe to [Page 107] resist him, by doing that which those temptati [...] dis­swade me from.

On the other side, com­forte that is caused by Gods spiritt, is knowen by these signes: it incenseth the mind by a quiet & calme motion, to the loue of God, without any inclination to any creatu­res loue, more then for Gods only glory, and it breedeth a kind of inward light and brightnes, wherby for the time the mind seeth after a most effectuall sort, the ne­cessity, profit, and true com­fort that is in Gods seruice, and conceiueth a contempt and dislike of worldly de­lightes, & tasteth that which is the greatest felicity in this life, that is so assured and per­fect [Page 108] contentmēt in beeing in God [...] grace, and seeking to please him, that it then iud­geth no contentement in the world like or cōparable vnto it, as in truth there is none.

Also true spirituall com­forte bringeth a deligh [...]e and desire to thinke of the bene­fittes of God, the io [...]es of Heauen, the comfort of me­ditation & talking with God. Finally it confirmeth our faith, quickneth our hope, and increaseth charity, and leaueth the mind with a sweet taste of ioy, quiet and free from all cumbers.

Somtimes the diuel trans­formeth him self into an An­gell of light, and at the first when he knoweth our good desires and purposes, he see­meth [Page 109] to sooth vs in them, & to set vs forward towardes the performance thereof, but in the end he draweth vs to his biasse, and by corrupting our intention, or by peruer­ting the maner, time, or other circumstance of the due exe­cutions, maketh the whole action worthles and faulty, though other wise vertuous in it selfe.

There must be great heed taken in the beginning, mid­dle, and ende of our though­tes: for when either at the last it tendeth to apparent sinne, or withdraweth from the greater good▪ or tendeth to courses of lesse merit, or more daunger then wee are in, or if it disquiet the min­de, or be [...]eaue it of the [Page 110] won [...]ed calme and loue of vertue, it is a signe that the diuel was the beginner of it, whose property is to hinder good & withdraw vs to euil.

When in any suggestion I find the serpent by his sting, that is the diuell, by the wic­ked ende he mooueth me vnto, it is good to vntwist & reuerse his motion, and to looke backwarde euen vnto the beginning, and to marke what plausible coulour he first pretented, that the next time I may the better espie his cunning, subtill dealing, and driftes.

Howe to behaue our [...] selues in time of Temptations.

IN the time of my desola­tion and disquiet of mind, I must not enter into any de­liberation, [Page 111] or goe about to alter any thing concerninge the state of my soule, or pur­posed course of life, but per­seuete in my former resolu­tions, made in time of my good & quiet estate, wherin I was free from passion, and better able to iudge of thin­ges conuenient to my good: yet may I and ought I resolue vpon such helpes, as are fi [...]t to resist and repell my d [...]scon­tented thoughtes (so they be not preiudicial to my former purposes) as praier, penan­ce, confession and such like remedies.

In temptations and trou­bles of mind, I must remem­bre that afore time I haue had the like, and they haue in fine passed, leauinge me [Page 112] very glad and ioyfull when I resisted them, and sorrowfull when I yeeld too much vnto them, and therfore I muste thinke that these also will passe after a while, & I shall feele the like ioy in hauing resisted and ouercome them And in the meane time I must with patience endure the cumber and trouble of them, assuring my selfe, that God therwith is highly plea­sed▪ and the ennemy most ef­fectuallie subdued.

Neither the multitude, con [...]inuance, nor badnesse of any thought must breed any scruple or disquiet in me. For not to haue them, is not in my power, but onely not to consent vnto them: and so long as with deliberation [Page 113] I haue not consented, nor willingly, or with delight staied in them, I haue not, sin­ned any more then if I had onely had them in a dreame.

If before I had euill thoughtes, I had a resolu [...]e mind neuer to yeeld to any mortall sinne: and afterward when I remember my selfe, and marke that I was in a bad thought, I still finde the same resolution, it is a signe that in the time of my di­straction and bad imagina­tion, I did not willingly con­sent or offend in them: nei­ther is it like but my mind being so well affected, I should haue easilie remem­bred directlie and without doubt, if I had yeelded far­ther then I ought.

[Page 114]Desolations are permitted of God for three causes.

First, for a punishement of our sinnes, remisnes, & cold­nes in Gods seruice.

Secondly, to trie whether we be true seruants of God, or onely hierlinges, that are willing to labour no longer then they receiue the hire & stipend of present comfort and delight.

Thirdly to assure vs that it passeth the reach and com­passe of our ability, either to attaine or to maintaine in vs the feruour of deuotion, the intensiue loue of God, the a­boundance of godlie teares, and other spirituall graces & comfortes, which wee must acknowledge to proceede of Gods gratuity & meere libe­rality, [Page 115] not of our owne force or desert.

It is good while I feele the sweetnes of Gods visitation and presence, to fortifie my selfe against the desolations that will ensue, and remem­bring those that are past, to thinke that all troubles, will as well passe, as comfortes, and that our whole life, is but a continuall succession and mixture of sorrow and ioy, the one alwaies ouertaking the other, & neither of them continuing long toge [...]her: And therfore I must settle my mind in a kinde of indif­ferency vnto them both, as it shal please God to send them.

First, to know it a thing that cōmeth from my mor­tall enemy, and tendeth to [Page 116] my eternall destruction.

To looke for temptations before hād, and not to think them nouelties, but necessary sequels of our enimity and hostility with the diuell, with whom we must neuer be friends.

To resist them stoutly at the first, and to crush the ser­pent in the head, for nothing maketh the Diuel to become so furious and violent, or to redouble his suggestions, as to perceaue the soule dis­maide with his temptations, or not expecting by the con­fidence in Gods helpe and mercy, an assured victory.

To beare patiētly the mul­titude & continuance of thē, assuring my self that they wil haue an end ere long.

[Page 117] To think on the ioy I shall haue for [...]ot consenting vnto them, and the crowne of glory I shall enioy.

To remember how often I haue been as grieuously an­noied with the like, and yet by Gods helpe haue giuē the diuell the foile.

Not to striue with vnclea­ne temptations, but to turne my minde to thinke of other matters, and to change the place, or worke, to find some waie to put me out of those phantasies.

To resist vices, by practising and doing acts of the cōtrary vertues.

To arme my selfe, before hande, by getting those ver­tues which are opposite to such vices as I am most incli­ned [Page 118] vnto. For in those doth the Diuell alway seeke his aduantage to ouerthrow: me.

In grieuous affaults to o­pen them to my ghostlie fa­ther, & going to confession, therby to obtaine by meanes of the Sacrament, more abi­lity to resist.

In extreame troubles to vse some bodily chastisment▪ to call for helpe of our Bles­sed Lady, my good Angell & the assistance and praiers of other Saintes: especially to humble my selfe in the sight of God acknowledging mine owne weaknesse and wholy relying vpon his helpe, and earnestly in woord and hart calling for his assistaunce, and firmly trusting in his mercy, yea and offering my selfe (so [Page 119] as he forsake me not) to suf­fer these and all other temp­tations whatsoeuer it shall please God to permitte, euen so long a [...] he shal think good: for of all other thinges this most ouercōmeth the Diuel, when hee seeth we turne his euill motions and troubles, to so great meritte & victory of ourselues.

A Praier in Temptation.

O Mercifull Iesu, the o­nely refuge of desol [...]te and afflicted soules: O Iesu that hast made me and redee­med me, in whom all things are possible vnto me, and without whom I am able to doe nothing, thou seest who I am, that her [...] prostrate my praiers, & poure out my hart vnto thee: what I would [Page 120] haue, and what is fit for me, thou knowest: my soule is buried in flesh and bloud, and would be faine dissol­ued, and come vnto thee. I am vrged against my wil, and violentlie drawen to thinke that which from my heart I deteste, and to haue in mind the poison and bane of my soule. O Lord thou knowest my mould and making, for thy hands haue framed me, and with fleash and skinne thou hast cloathed me: and loe this flesh which thou hast giuen me, draweth me to my ruine, and fighteth a­gainst the spirit: if thou hel­pest not, I am ouercome: if thou forsakest me, I must nee­des faint, why doest thou sette me contrarie vnto thee, [Page 121] and makest mee grieuous and a burden vnto my selfe? D [...]ddest thou create me to cast me away? Didst thou redeeme me to damne me for euer? It had beene good for me neuer to haue beene borne, if I were borne to perish▪ O most mercifull fa­ther, where are thy olde and wonted mercies? Where is thy gra [...]ions sweetnes and loue? How long shall mine enemy reioice ouer me, and humble my life vppon earth, & place me in darcknes like the deade of the world? What am I O Lorde, that thou settest me to fight all alone against so mighty, subtile, and cruell enemies, that neuer cease to bid me a perpetuall battaile? O Lorde [Page 122] why doest thou shewe thy might against a leafe, that is tossed wi [...]h euery winde, and persecutest a dry stuble? wilt thou therfore damne the wo [...]ke of thy handes? wilt thou throw me [...]rō thy face, and [...]ake [...]hy holy spirit from me▪ A [...]asle O Lord whither shal I goe from thy face? or whi [...]her shall I flie from thy spi [...]it? whither shall I fly from thee incensed, but to thee appeased? whi [...]her from thee as iust, but vnto thee as mer­cifull? doe with me Lord that which is good in thine eies, for thou wilt doe all thinges in righteous iudgemēt. Onely remember that I am flesh & bloud, fraile of my selfe and impotent to resist, shew thy selfe a Sauiour vnto me, and [Page 123] either take away mine ene­mies, or grant me grace that without wound or fault, by thee & with thee, I may ouer­come thē sweet Iesus, Amen.

The first consideration, how weighty a thing the busines of mans soule is.

WHosoeuer being desirous to take dew care of his soule, cōmencing a spirituall course, first must cōsider, that he hath takē such a busines in hand that for the importāce, necessity, and profit therof it surmounteth all other traffic­kes, trades and affaires of the worlde, yea and to which [Page 122] [...] [Page 123] [...] [Page 124] only all other busines ough [...] to be addressed: for therein our manage is about the sal­uation of our soule, our chief iewell and treasure: of which if in the short passage of our brittle and vncertaine life, we take not that due care that we ought, for a whole eternity after, we shall euermore repent and be sory for it, and yet neuer haue the like opportunity againe to help it.

Secondly, the better to conceiue the moment and weight of this busines, let vs consider what men vse to doe for their bodily health. For we see they make so principall a reckning of it, that they spare no cost nor toile, nor leaue any thing [Page 125] vnattempted that may auaile them to attaine it. They suf­fer them selues to be laun­ced, wounded, pined, burnt with red hoat irons, besides diuers other extreame to [...] ­ments, onely for this end. How much greater miseries ought we to endure? How much greater paine and di­ligence ought we to imploy for this health of our soule? which is to suruiue when the body is dead, rotten, and de­uoured with wormes: and to suruiue in such sort, that it must be perpetually tormen­ted in hell with intollerable torments, or enioy endles felicity in heauen. And ther­fore of howe much greater worth and weight wee thin­ke the soule, and the eter­nall [Page 126] saluation or damnation therof, then the momentary health or sickenes of our body, so much greater accoūt and esteeme ought we to make of the busines of our soule, then of any other worldly or bodily affaire whatsoeuer.

For what auaileth it a man (saith Christ) to gaine the whole worlde and make wracke of his owne soule? If therefore we keepe diue [...]se men for diuers offices about our body, and many thou­sands to liue by seruing and prouiding things for euery part therof: If we spend so much time in feeding, refres­hing, and reposing of the same If the greatest portion of our reuenewes, (be they [Page 127] neuer so large) be consu­med, in the meates, pompe, sportes and pleasures thereof: How much more ought we to seeke as many helpes, ser­uices, and purueiers for our soule, for who [...]e only sake our body was giuen, and of whose good the welfare of the body only proceedeth?

Thirdly, the necessity and poise of this care of our soule, may be gathered of this, that all other matters are in [...]rea [...]ed with men, or some other creatures: but this busines of our soule is with God him selfe, who by how much he [...]s nobler and wor­thier than any of his creatu­res, so much more is the weight of this matter, that can not be dealt with any [Page 128] without him, and so much more diligence ought there to be imployed therein, espe­cially in this time, wherein God is still ready to farther our endeuours in this behalfe, where as when time is ex­pired, condemne he may for our negligence, or reward vs for our carefulnes, but not helpe vs any more to alter the estate of our soule, be it neuer so badde, or mi­serable.

Fourthly, we may gather how material and important this matter is, by the life of Christ and his Saintes, who withdrawing thē selues from all other worldly affaires, thought it worke enough to attend to this businesse of their soule; and whosoeuer [Page 129] are now solemnized and ho­noured in Gods Church, they are honored only in this that they haue with a glorious Conclusion, happily and con­stantly accomplished this bu­sines to Gods glory, and their owne saluation. And who so considers the intolle­rable torments of Martyres, the extreame austerity, shar­pe life, and penance of Con­fessours, the painefull ago­nies, and conflicts of Virgins, the rough stormes and trou­bles of all Gods Saintes, and doth remember withall that they vndertook them for no other respect, but onely for the better bringing this bu­sinesse of their soule to an end, it wil soone apeare how weighty a thinge, and how [Page 130] pretious the saluation of the soule is, which they did think not too deere bought with all the miseries, sorrowes, and paines, that this worlde coulde afford. Let vs also con­sider that what soeuer mo­ued thē to such care and ear­nestnes in this behalfe, hath no lesse place doubtlesse in vs than in thē, seeing that our soule is as deere bought, as much worth, created to as great glory as theirs: the dan­ger of our saluation rather more than any way lesse than theirs. God hath as much right in vs as in them, and we as many titles of bond and duetie to serue him as they. Finally we are assaulted by the same ennemies, enuiron­ned with the like hazzardes, [Page 131] and subiect to as many, yea more occasions of sinne, and allurements to damnation than they. Who therefore see [...]h not that we ar in euery respect to account the care of our soules as important and necessary to vs, as euer it hath beene to any: Wherefore, let not the wise man glorie in his wisedome, nor the strong man in his might, nor the rich man in his riches, saith God by his Prophet Hiere 9. But let him that glorieth, glorie in this, that he knoweth me, for I am the only Lord that worketh mercy, iudgement, and iustice vpon the earth, & these thin­ges please me, saith our Lord: as who woulde say, it is folie and vanitie to glory and re­ioyce in any other thinge, [Page 132] then in the knowledge and seruice of God, and procu­ring mercie and milde iudge­ment for our soule.

How wee ought to arme our mindes against temptations that happen when we seek? earnestly to serue God.
The second consideration.

FIrst, seing this businesse of our soule is of so great moment, hee that earnestly goeth about the same, must offer him selfe vp vnto God, and bee most ready to en­dure constantly all the daun­gers, cumbers, and difficul­ties that shall happen, and resolue neuer (by Gods gra­ce) to be dismayed and bea­ten [Page 133] backe from his purpose, by any trouble or encoun­ter what soeuer, knowing that glorious and honoura­ble enterprises, can neuer be atchiued without many con­tradictions. Wherefore let him perswade him selfe, that when he hath setled his min­de seriously to follow this businesse, hell it selfe, and all the ennemies of God and mans soule will conspire a­gainst him: the flesh to al­lure him to the dilightes of the senses, & to recall him to the vomite of his abando­ned pleasures: the world to intise him with pomps and vanities, with ministring oc­casions of sinne, and pro­uoking by euill examples: yea, if that will not serue, by [Page 134] terrifying him with persecu­tions, extortions, obloquies, slaunders, and torments, and with all kind of disgrace. Fi­nally, the deuill (a professed enemy of all those that take care of their soules) will seek to entrappe him with a thou­sande traines, passions, and subtile temptations, leauing nothing that hee thinketh may remooue a man from these endeuours tending to his saluation.

Secondly, the case standing thus, let that saying of Scrip­ture come to our mind, My sonne, comming to the [...]ruice of God, stand in iustice and feare, and prepare thy sou [...]e, vnto temptation. Wherefore he that entereth into the way of life, must remember that [Page 135] he is not come to a play, pa­stime, or pleasure, but to a continuall rough battell and fight, against most vnplaca­ble and spightfull enemies; and let him resolue him self, neuer in this worlde to look for quiet and peace, no not so much as for any truce for a time, but arme him self for a perpetual combate, and ra­ther think of a multitude of happie victories (which by Gods grace he may obtaine) then of any repose or quiet­nesse from the rage & assaul­tes of his ennemies. Let him see and peruse the paterne of his capitains course, who frō his birth to his death, was in a restlesse battell, persecuted in his swadling clowtes by Herod, annoied the rest of his [Page 136] infancy by banishment, wā ­dring and neede In the flow­er of his age slaundered, ha­ted, pursued, whipped cru­cified, and most barbarously misused: In the same sort were all his Apostles, and all his principall souldiers hand­led: for whom he loueth he chastiseth, and prooueth like golde in the fornace. And therefore no man must think it a new thing to be tempted and troubled, when hee once runneth a vertuous course, contrarie to the liking of his enemies. For the disciple is not aboue his master, nor the seruant aboue his Lorde, who as we see had the same intreaty.

Thirdly, lest we should be agast and discouraged at [Page 137] the expectation and feare of so many discomfortes; and the incessant malice of so spitefull ennemies, let vs re­member the wordes of Eli­zeus: that more stand with vs, then against vs. Against the corruption of nature we haue grace. Against the diuel wee haue God, who will ne­uer suffer vs to be tempted aboue our force: Against the power of hell we haue the prayers of Saintes: Against the miseries of the body, the spiritual comfort of the min­de, which God allotteth in such measure as our neces­sitie requireth: and if there were nothing else, this were enough to make troubles welcome in this case, for that therby we purchase an ine­stimable [Page 138] glory for a short and passing combate, the comfort wherof nether eie hath seen, nor eare heard, nor heart con­ceiued. And on the other side by the same, wee auoid other intolerable and externall tor­ments of Hel, the least wher­of, passeth all those that can be suffered in this worlde. And therfore is our chaunge most happy, that by the paine of a short life, auoide the mi­sery of an eternall death, and deserue the vnspeakable hap­pines of the life euerlasting. For this cause saith Saint Ia­mes; Thinke you it all ioy (my brethren,) when you shall fal into diuers tēptatiōs, knowing that the triall of your faith worketh patience, and patien­ce hath a perfect worke, that [Page 139] you may bee perfect & intire, failing in nothing.

Of the watchfulnesse and at­tention required in the care of our soule.
The third Consideration.

SEing this weighty affai­re of our soules health is hemmed in, and besette with so many and manifest perilles and troubles, it standeth vs vpō most watch [...]ully to take he [...]d to euery thought, word, and d [...]ede tha [...] passeth, lest through the number, & sub­tility of our enemies traines, we be often intrapped: for it is hard to touch pitch, & not to be defiled, to liue in flesh a spirituall life▪ to conuerse in the worlde, without world­l [...]e aff [...]ctions. Wherefore as [Page 140] a Legate that is to deliuer his embassage befor a great pre­sence of Peers and Nobles, hath not only regarde to his matter, but also to his words, voyce & actions, that all be sutable to the weight of his message: So we hauing to worke this exploite of our soule befor the eyes of those that lay waite to take vs in any trippe, ought to bee very warye, euen in our least thoughts & deedes, for feare that we offend the presence of God, and giue occasion of triumphe and vic [...]ory to our deadly foes. And for this saieth the scripture, keepe thy selfe very watchfully.

Secondly, to attaine this diligent and attentiue care to all our actions, let vs con­sider [Page 141] what men vse to doe, that carry great treasure by places haunted by theeues, how warily they see to their way, how often they looke about them, how many ti­mes they prepare thēselues, some times to fight, and o­therwhiles to runne away: Likwise how warily he wal­keth, and how carefull he is neuer to stumble nor fall, that carieth in each hande a thinne glasse of liquor verie pretious, through stony and rough places: And when wee haue marked these mēs carefulnes in these inferiour matters, let vs remēber, that much more respect is ne­cessary in vs, whose treasure is more pretious then any worldlie iewelles, & yet doe [Page 142] we carry it in earthen and fraile vessels, in the middest of so many theeues, as there are passions, and disordered appetites in vs, as there are Diuels in waire for vs, and as there are stumbling stones, & occasions of sinne sette round about vs. To procure this at­tention, the most effectuall helpes are these.

First, to thinke how care­full we should be to doe all thinges wel, if this presēt day were the last that euer we should liue in this worlde (as peraduenture it may be) and that at the end thereof, we were to bee conuented be­fore a most seuere and [...]igou­rous iudge, who according to the deserts of that daies actions, should passe the sen­tence [Page 143] of life or death vpō vs.

Secondly, to remēber that God is in his owne substance, power, and true presence, in euery place, and seeth both our outward and inward ac­tions, more then we our sel­ues, and therfore let vs seeke in euery thing so to behaue our selues, that we feare not to haue God a witnesse and behoulder of all that wee doe, thinke, or say, and let vs aske him grace to doe nothing vnworthy his sight.

Thirdly, we must consider the carlesnes of our life past, remembring how often we haue fought against God, with his owne weapons, and abused the force that he hath afforded, in euery part of our body and mind, & therefore [Page 144] as S. Paul Warneth, as we haue exhibited our mēbers to serue vncleanes and iniquity, to ini­quitie: So now let vs exhi­bite our members to serue iu­stice vnto sanctification.

Fourthly, to procure this attention, it is good oftenti­mes in the day when we are about our ordinarie actions, to vse some shorte praiers or some one verse of a Psalme, or any other shorte petition of Gods grace, aide, and as­sistance: for these short pray­ers, are fewell of deuotion, causes of attention, foode of the soule, preparations a­gainst temptations, and assu­red helpes to attaine anie vertues: therefore it is good to vse them in lieu of sighes, & in the beginning of euerie [Page 145] chiefe action, directing therin our intention and action, to Gods glory and seruice, and our good.

Of the necessity of perseuerāce in continuing watchfull ouer our selues.
The last consideration.

FIrst seeing the sūme and complemēt of al ver [...]ue consisteth in the cōtinuance and progresse in it: perseue­rance of all other things, is most necessary in this busi­nes: to the better a [...]taining wherof, these considerations may preuaile.

First, to consider by who­se instinct and motion I be­ganne to take speciall care of my soule, and I shall find that being a thing contrary [Page 146] to the inclination of flesh & bloud, and aboue the reach of nature, to resolue vpon so painfull and wary a course, in hope of a reward and ioy that faith doth promise, that I say God onely, and no o­ther was the author and mo­uer of my heart vnto it, and therfore vnlesse I meane di­rectly to resist God, and run a contrary course to that which he prescribeth, I must resolue my selfe to perseuer to the end in that which I haue happely begunne.

Secondly, the ende of this enterprise was to serue God, to bewaile my former sinns, and to worke by Gods helpe the sal [...]a [...]ion of mine owne soule: and when I resolued vpon these meanes, I was in [Page 147] a state free from passion, and as w [...]ll able to choose thin­ge [...] conuenient, a [...] I could be any other time, & wholy bent to do that thing which was for my greatest good. Wherfore seing I can neuer ayme at a better end, nor be in better plighte to make a sounder ch [...]e, my surest way is to perseuer stil [...] in my resolution to the end, neuer altering my designemēt, vn­lesse it be [...]o a better, and fur­ther my course.

Thirdly, I must cōside [...] who he is, that that would make me forsake it: For if God mo­ued me vn [...]o it, doubtles it is the D [...]u [...]ll would remoue me from it: for God cannot be c [...]ntrary to him selfe, nei­ther vseth he to alter our [Page 148] mindes but only from euil to good, or frō good to better: therefore vnles I meane to yeeld wittingly vnto the Di­uel, and to follow mine ene­mies counsaile vnto mine owne perdition, I must per­seuer vnto the end: For with what pretext soeuer the Di­uel seeketh to couer his mo­tion, sure it is, that his drifte is, to drawe me from God and goodnesse, and to damne my soule for how can he in­tend any thing to my good, that beareth me such a can­cred malice, that hee careth not to encrease his owne paine, so that he may worke me any spiritual, yea or cor­poral harme?

Fourthly▪ I must print that saying of Christ in my mind, He that perseuereth vnto the [Page 149] end shalbe saued. For not he that beginneth, nor he that continueth for a moneth, or a yeare, or a shorte time, but onely he that perseuereth to the very end of his life, shall be saued W [...]erfore the same cause that mooued me to be­ginne, ought also to mooue me to continue, that the me­rit and crowne of my good resolution be not cut off by any want of perseuerance. Let not the cries of mine e­nemies moue me: let me with S. Paul say, the world is crucified to me, and I to the world: and with Dauid, it is good for me to cleaue vnto God. Finally let me imitat the exāple of Christ that perse­uered ō the cross vnto death for my sake, though oftē cal­led [Page 150] vpon to come downe.

Fiftly, I must consider that in what state soeuer of gra­ce or merit of damnation, I begin the next life, I must & shall vndoubtedly perseuere in it, according to the word of Salomon; whersoeuer the tree faleth, there shall it be to­wards south or north, that is, towards heauen or hell: for both the paine of this conti­nueth for euer, and the ioy of the other after it is once begunne (for it may bee de­ferred for a time by the pai­nes of purgatory,) is also euerlasting.

If therefore I will perseuer in heauen, let me perseuer in the way that leadeth vnto it, and neuer forsake the paine­fulnes of it till, the iourneis [Page 151] end. The passions of this life are not condigne or compa­table to the fu [...]u [...]e glory: and it is extreame folly for auoi­ding a short and transitory paine, to hazard the losse of euerlasting ioy, and put my selfe in perill of pe [...]petuall bondage, in farre more ex­treame and endl [...]s torment.

The sinners perseuer still in wickednes, and seruice of the Diu [...]ll. The wordlinges perseuer in pursuing vanities & following the world, yea and that with most seruile toile and base drudgery, and not without many bodily, and ghostly harmes, how much more ought a true ser­uant of God perseuer in his seruice, and not seeme by forsaking him in the way, to [Page 152] condemne him for a worse master then the world or the Diuel, whom many thousan­des serue to the end, to their owne damnation.

Let me remember that the first Angell, for want of per­seuerance became a Diuell. Adam for want of the same, was thrust out of paradise, and Iudas of an Apostle, be­came a prey of hell Finally, there be many thousands in hell fire burning▪ that began very good courses, and for a time went forward in the same, and yet in the end for want of perseuerance were damned for euer.

What good a soule looseth by mortall sinne.

1. The grace of the holy Ghost.

2. The friendship and fa­miliaritie [Page 153] with God.

3. Al moral vertues infused, and of Gods spirit.

4. The inheritance of the kingdome of heauen.

5. The portion of Gods children, and patronage of his fatherly prouidēce which he hath ouer the iust.

6. The peace & quietnes of a good, and cleare conscience.

7. Many comfortes and vi­sitations of the holy Ghost.

8. The fruite and merit of our former life, during the state of sinne.

9. The merit and satisfa­ction of our present actions, albeit in the mean time they dispose to Gods grace, and sa­tisfie the precepts of God, and the Church.

10. A great portion of the [Page 154] communion of Saintes, and of the participation of the good workes and praiers of the whole Church. And fi­nally of the fruit, and part of the merite of Christs passion.

What misery the soul gaineth by mortall sinne.

1. Condemnation to eter­nall paine.

2. To be quite cancelled out of the booke of life.

3. To become of the child of God, the thrall of the Di­uell.

4. To be chaunged from the Temple of the holie ghost, into a denne of thee­ue [...] a nest of vipers, a sincke of corruption.

How a soule is prepared to iu­stification by degrees.

• Faith setteth before our eyes God as a iuste Iudge.
  • Angry with the bad▪ Merc [...]full to the repētāt.
• Of this faith by the gift of Gods spirit a [...]i­seth a feare by cōsideration of
  • Gods iu­stice & of our owne sinnes.
• This feare is comforted by hope groun­ded in
  • Gods mer­cy and the merites of Christ.
• Of this hope a [...]iseth loue and charitie vnto Christ.
  • For louing vs without desert
  • Red [...]ming vs with so many tor­ments.
• [Page 156] Of this loue followes sor­rowe for of­fending Christ of whom we haue bin so mercifully.
  • Created, Redeemed, Sanctified, Called to his faith.
• Of this sorrow a­riseth a firme pur­pose to a­uoyde all sin, which
  • God aboue all thinges dete­steth.
  • The diuil aboue al thinges de­sireth.
  • Aboue all thin­ges hurteth the soule

Of deuotion to Saints, and how our conuersation may be in heauen, as Saint Paul saith it should.

FIrst (after a special de­uotion towardes our B. [Page 157] Lady, whom aboue all pure creatures we ought conti­nually to affect and reue­rence) we must procure to haue a kind of reuerent fa­miliarity with our good An­gel, whō we ought to make reckning of, as a most vndi­uided and peculiar friend, who is vnto vs, as a nurse vnto a childe, a shepheard vnto a wandering lambe, a guide of our waie [...], a gardian of our persons, a counsellor in doubts, a comforter in troubles, a patron in our nee­des, and an assured friend in all our afflictions.

We must therefore loue him as our friend, honour him as our superiour, thanke him for his censure [...] finally, vse him as one to whom we [Page 158] may boldly both impart our comfortes, and vtter our de­solations When wee sleepe he wa [...] che [...]h ouer vs, when we wake he attend [...]th on vs, wheresoeuer we be he gar­deth vs, whithersoeuer we goe he ass [...]teth vs, and what­soeuer we doe▪ he hath still an eye to succour vs. We must therfore often cōmend our selues and our busines vnto him, often aske his ad­uise, & with our inward eare often harken what he saieth within vs. We must account him as an ordinary and assu­red friend, eu [...]rmore readie at our call to affoord his pre­sent helpe, and to beare vs company in all necessities.

Because our nature is de­lighted▪ and holpe with va­rity, [Page 159] we may euery day in the weeke vse the patronage of diuers Saints, according to the order of our Letanies.

On Sunday the blessed Trinitie, our Lady, and the nine quires of Angells, espe­cially the three Archangells there named, Michael, Ga­briel, and Raphael.

On monday, S. Iohn Bap­tist, with all the Patriarches and Prophets.

On Tuesday S. Peter with the rest of the Apostles, E­uangelistes, and Disciples of Christ, and all the holy In­nocents.

On Wednesday S. Steuen with all the holy Martirs.

On Thursday S. Siluester, with a [...]l the holy Bishops, Confessors, and Doctors.

[Page 160]On Friday S. Benedict with all the holie Priestes, Leui­tes, Monks, Eremites, & Re­ligious men.

On Saturday S. Mary Mag­dalen, with all the holy Vir­gins and Widowes.

Wee must euery day in the morning, so soone as we a­wake, commend our body, soule, & affaires to God, and our patr [...]nes of that day.

In euery principal action, wee must commend our sel­ues to some one of them, de­siring their helpes and asistā ­ce. Wee must of [...]en in the day thinke what guestes wee haue bidden that day into our soule, and seeke to make it a sitte receipt for so hono­rable a company.

We must seeke to imitate [Page 161] that vertue, which in these Saints most shined, who are pat [...]ones of that day; As in our blessed Lady & the An­gels, obedience and cha [...]itie: In the Pa [...]riarchs and Pro­phets, tempe [...]ance▪ hope and holinesse. In the Apostles & Euangelists, zeale of soules, and of the honour of God In the Martyres patience and constancie. In the Bishops & Doctours, watchfulnesse o­uer our charge, and zeale of Gods truth, and sobrietie In the religious Fathers, pe­nance, contempt of the world, discretion and auste­ritie. In the Virg [...]ns, and wi­dowes, the subduing of our appetites, purity of heart and chastitie.

An other exercise of deuotion to Saints.

IF I will keepe my minde continually attentiue in goodnes, and goe in conti­nual awe of offending▪ I may take this course. I must in euery roome of the house where I dwell, imagin in so­me decent place therof, a throne or chaire of estate, & ded [...]cate the same and the whole [...]oome to some Saint, that whensoeuer I enter into it, I enter as it were into a chappell or church that is de­uoted [...]o such a Saint, and there [...]o [...]e in minde doe that reuerēce that is due to them.

And thus hauing in euery roome setled seuerall Sain­ [...]es, and in minde consecra­ [...]ed the same vnto them, and [Page 163] decked it with such furnitu­re as is fitte for such an inha­bitant, the same house will bee to me in a maner a Para­dise, and the consideration of the Saincts presence, will be a continuall bridle to re­straine me from [...]rreue [...]ent demeanor, vnfitte for such a behoulder as there I [...]aue placed, to be a witness [...] and aider of mine actions: But to helpe my memory, and to a­u [...]id confusion.

First, it is good to appoint in euery roome, some cer­taine and de [...]erminac place, where I meane to conceyue the Saintes presence.

Secondly, to choose some ce [...]taine & determinat [...]aint, and when I haue once de [...]o­ted the place to one Saint, [Page 164] not to chaunge, but still to keepe the same, for easier habituating my memorie.

Thirdly, in those roomes wherein I am most conuer­sant, I may place two, three, or mo [...]e, as the roome will minister cōnueniency to fra­me their places for the better conceiuing and remembring of them.

Fourthly, I must place such Saints in the roome as are fittest to be patterns & exā ­ples vnto me in that action, for which that roome princi­pally se [...]ueth; As in the di­ning chāber or pa [...]lour, saints of spare and regular diet, of sober and vertuous conuersa­ [...]ion. In the b [...]d chamber, Saints giuen to short sleepe and watchfulnesse. In the [Page 165] Chappell, Sainte [...] giuen to much prayer and deuotion, and so in other roomes.

Fiftly, I may in steede of Saintes, place some misterie of Christs life or passion: as the last supper in the dining chamber: and such like.

Sixtly, not only in the house, but also in the wall­kes, gardens, and orchards about the house may I doe the same: and so make my walkes as it were short pil­grimages, to visit such Saints as are patrones of the place I goe vnto.

Seuēthly, it is not good to place Saints in al the roomes in one day, but first to con­sider well in euery roome the fittest place for that pur­pose, and then to begin one [Page 166] day with one or two, & the the next day with two more, that they may bee the easher im [...]rinted in my memory.

Eightly, it is good in some roomes to place austere, mournefull and rigorous Saints, conceiuing them in attire sutable to their auste­ [...]itie and dolefull profession while they were aliue, that when I find my selfe too la­uish in mirth, or too much inclined to pleasure, the cō ­pany & presence of that au­stere example, may temper my disposition

And likewise in steede of these Saintes I may place so­me lamentable history of the olde or new Testament, or some representatiō of death, hell, or iudgement. Likewise [Page 167] in other roomes, to place some glorious faire, & com­fortable Saintes, histories, or figures, with all sutable to ioy, that may serue me in time of my heauines to alay my sorrowes: and the like in feare, hope, presumption, despaire, and such other pas­sions, but especially in those which I finde my selfe most inclined vnto.

Ninthly, I must take hee­de that I make not this ex­ercise a toile, but rather a spi­rituall recreation, and ther­fore I must not be too eager to doe all things on a sud­daine, but get the habit and custome of it by litle & litle, for so wil it proue an exercise of wonderful profit, easines, and contentment.

An other exercise to take occa­sion of Gods creatures, to serue and remember God, and to attaine vertue.

FIrst, concerning persons I may allote to euery man & woman of the house where I liue a Saint, so that euery one of the company shall with his presence bring me in memory of his Saint, and whatsoeuer I doe with any of them, I shall alwaies carry a respect to his Saint, and be affraid to offend.

Secondly, euery one shall represent vnto me some ver­tue or some vice: so that whē I see them, I may in one re­member and practise humi­lity; in an other patience, modesty, obedience and such like: or on the other side, re­member [Page 169] and take heed of swearing, anger and such like faultes, and be sory that euer I offended in them.

Thirdly, I may take occa­sion of other creatures to re­member Gods mercies, as by mon [...], the selling of Christ: by meate, his last supper: by wa [...]er, the water of his eies and side, and washing of his Disciples feete: by drinking, his e [...]sell and gall: by wood, his Crosse and thornes: by stone, his graue: and so in all other pointes of Christs life and passion, and in all o­ther thinges, the considera­tion wherof may mooue me to goodnesse: as by fire to re­mēber hel, by ashes death, by light that discouereth things that darcknes did hide, the [Page 170] finall iudgement and day of generall descouery, and by the beauty of the elements, & by the pleasure & comfort of other creature, heauen.

This exercise must not be ordinary vnles it be the first point, but now & then vsed to recollect the mind after long distraction.

Certaine Iaculatory praiers▪

GRatious Lord, & sweet Sauiour, giue me a pure intē [...]ion, a cleane hart, and a regard to thy glory in all mine actions.

Iesu possesse my mind with thy presence, and rauish it with thy loue, that my de­light may be to be imbraced in the armes of thy protectiō.

Iesu be thou [...]ig [...]t vnto mine eies, musicke to mine [Page 171] eares, sweetnesse to my tast, & contentment to my heart.

Iesu I giue thee my bodie, my soule, my substance, my same, my friends, my liberty and life, dispose of me and all that is mine, as shalbe most to thy glory.

Iesu I am not mine but thi­ne, claime me as thy right, keepe me as thy charge, loue me as thy childe.

Iesu fight for me when I am assaulted, heale me when I am wounded, reuiue me when I am spiritually killed, receiue me when I fly, & let me neuer be quite cōfoūded.

Iesu giue me patience in trouble, humility in comfort, constancy in temptations, & victory against my ghostli [...] enemies.

[Page 172]Iesu giue me modesty in countenance, grauity in my behauiour, deliberation in my speeches, purity in my thoughts, rigtheousnes in my actions.

Iesu be my sunne in the day, my food at the table, my repose in the night, my cloa­thing in nakednes, & my suc­cour in all my needs.

Iesu let thy bloud runne in my mind as a water of life, to clense the filth of my sin­nes, and to bring forth the fruit of life euerla [...]ing.

Iesu stay min [...] inclinations from bearing down my sou­le: bridle mine appetites with thy grace: and quenche in me the fire of all vnlaw­full desires.

Iesu keepe mine eies from [Page 173] vaine sights, mine eares from hearing euill speeches, my tongue from talking vnlaw­full things, my sences from euery kind of disorder.

Iesu make my wil pliable to thy pleasure, and resigned wholy to thy prouidence. & grant me perfect contētmēt in that which thou allottest.

O Lord make me strong a­gainst all occasions of sinne, and steedfast in not yeelding to euil▪ yea rather to die then to offend thee.

Iesu make me ready to pleasure al, loth to offēd any, gentle in speaking, courteous in cō [...]ersation, louing to my friends, and charitable to mine enemies.

Iesu forsake me not lest I perish, leaue me not to mine [Page 174] owne weakenes, lest I fall without recouery.

Iesu graunt me an earnest desire to amend my faultes, to renew my good purposes, to pe [...] forme my good inten­tions, and to begin a fresh in thy seruice.

Iesu direct mine intētions, correct my errours, erect my infirmities, protect my good endeuours.

Iesu alay my passions and make me able to master thē, that they neuer drawe me beyond the rule of reason and piety.

Iesu make me humble to my Superiours, frēdly to my equals, chari [...]able to my infe­riours, and carefull to yeeld due respect to all sorts.

Iesu grant me sorrow for [Page 175] my sinnes, thank [...]ulnes for thy benefits, feare of thy iudgements, loue of thy mercies, and mindfulnes of thy presence. Amen.

A praier before we settle our selues to our deuotions.

O Moste gratious Iesu, giue mee leaue to pre­sente my selfe before thy di­uine maiesty, and to poure out my vnworthy praiers vnto thee in sight of all the glorious court of heauē Be­hould O Lord, not in my me­rites, but in the multitude of thy mercies I nowe come to make manifest my neces­sities, and to vtter my grie [...]es vnto thee. I come as a poore and needy wretch, vnto a God of infinite glory. I come as a worme of the earth, [Page 176] vnto my soueraigne maker, and creator. I come as a guil­ty and heinous offendour, vnto a most iust and seuere iudg I am not worthy to lift vp mine e [...]es to heauē, much lesse to open my mouth in thy glorious presence, or pre­sume to ta [...]ke with a Lorde and King of such maiesty, being my selfe but slime and ashes. But O father of mer­cies, and God of all comfort, thou promisest that who as­keth shal receiue, who knoc­keth shalbe let in, who see­keth shal find. Thou inuitest the greatest sinners, and re­fusest not to yeeld thy assi­stance to any that will vse it. Gran [...] me therfor grace now to pray vnto thee, as my duety and thy desert requi­reth, [Page 177] Graunt me a pure in­tention, a feruēt deuotion, an attētiue mind, that I bee not carried away with imperti­nēt thoughtes, nor any other distraction, but with humble heart, firme hope and perfect charity I may effectually pray vnto thee, and aske of thee that which thou seest most for thy glory & my good to graunt, sweet Iesus, Amen,

An other.

O Gratious Iesu, helpe mee to pray worthely, that thou mai [...]st mercifully graunt my petitions, keepe my thoughtes from wande­ring, restraine my imagina­tions, & preserue my [...]ences from being distracted. De­fend O Lord my weak hart from all ghostlie assaultes, [Page 178] and so fixe my mind vpon thee, that I be not carried a­way from consideration of thy presence: graunt me di­stinctly to pronoūce my wor­des, attentiuely to apply my thoughtes, and to be wholy rauished and posessed with zeale and true deuotion. O Lord graunt me to aske for­giuenes with deep cōtrition and full purpose of ame [...]de­ment: graunt me to craue thy benefits with harty thanke­fulnesse, and gratitude for those which I haue receiued. Grant me to pray for my self, with perfect resignatiō vnto thy will, and for others with true charity [...] sincere af­fection. Afford O Lord, such comfort to my soule, as thou seest fitte for me, and by the [Page 179] assistaūce of thy spirit inspi [...]e thy good motions into me, that I may feele them forci­bly, accept them thankfully, and fulfill them effectually. Finally I hūbly beseech thee of thy mercy and goodnes, that I may deuoutly spend this time of praier, endeuou­ring with thy Angels and Saints to praise thee; with true repentant sinners to ap­pease thee, and with all thy creatures dutifully to serue thee, sweet Iesus, Amen.

A short meditation of mans miserie.

WHat was I O Lord? What am I? What shall I be? I was nothing, I am now nothing worth▪ & am in haz­zard to be wo [...]se than no­thing I was conceiued in ori­ginall [Page 180] sinne, I may hereafter feele the eternall smart of sinne. I was in my mother, a loathsome substance. I am in the world, a sacke of corrup­tion, I shal bee in my graue, a prey of vermine. When I was nothing, I was without hope to be saued, or feare to be damned: I am now in a doubtfull hope of the one, and in manifest daunger of the other I shal be ether hap­py by the successe of my ho­pe, or most miserable by the effect of my daunger. I was so that I coulde not then bee damned; I am now so, that I can scarce be saued. What I haue beene I know, to wit, a wretched sinner: what I am, I cānot say, being vncertaine of Gods grace. What I shall [Page 181] be I am ignorāt, being dout­full of my perseuerance O Lorde erect my former weaknesse, correct my pre­sent sinfulnesse, direct my fu­ture frailtie: Direct it (O Lorde) from passed euill in present good, to [...]u [...]ure re­ward, sweete Iesus, Amen.