THE FIRST EXERCISE to be vsed in the Morninge when we awake.

GOd commaūded in the old law, that the first fru­tes of all things should be dedicated vnto him: which he did to the end, that all men should acknowledge & con­fesse him to be, the Lord, & Ma­ster, of all thinges, from whose most liberall handes, all thinges doe aboundantly proceede and are ministred vnto vs: And ther­fore it is most fitt and iust, wee should offer to him the first frui­tes of euery daye: which day to­gether [Page 14] with the light thereof he geueth vs, that we may the better enioye the comfort of his creatu­res. This duetie of offeringe to God the first fruites of the day wee shall discharge, if wee ende­uour, that he first of all in the morning occurre to our minde, that first of all wee thinke of him, desire him, loue him, & embrace him in our heartes: Which may be very aptlie done, by the Exer­cise ensuinge.

I haue slept and taken my rest, & haue risen againe, because our Lord hath receued me. Psal. 3. v. 5.

I will arise & seeke him, whom my soule loueth. Cantic. 3. v. 2.

In the morninge betimes, my prayer shall preuent thee. Psal. 87. v. 14.

O Lord haue mercy vpon vs, for we haue expected thee; be vnto vs an arme of defence early [Page 15] in the morninge, and our salua­tion in the time of tribulation. Isa. 33. v. 2.

Arise ô Lord, helpe vs, and re­deeme vs for thy names sake. Psal. 43. v. 26.

Adoration.

We will adore God most cor­diallie, and with all our hearts, acknowledginge him to be our true God, Lord, and Creatour, whose the life is wherewith wee liue, and the beinge which we en­ioye, of whom we altogether de­pende, and without whom we are not able to subsist one moment of time.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to him for all his benefits aswell generall as particuler, which wee haue re­ceued from his most holy handes from the beginninge of our Con­ception vnto this houre, and es­pecially [Page 16] that he hath conserued our life safe and sound this night past, and brought vs vnto the morninge.

The Petition.

Wee will beseeche our Lord, to keepe vs safe and sound this day, that we may be able to doe him gratefull seruice, and that he mi­nister vnto vs, sufficientlie all thinges necessary to the sustenta­tion of our life, and preserue and defend vs, from the snares and deceites of all our enemies, that we be not impelled by their frau­de into any sinne, and incurre his iust indignation.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selfes wholly to our Lord, all our senses, and all the powers or faculties of our soule, together withall the forces of ur bodie, to be imployed as much as lyeth in vs, this day, [Page 17] vnto his seruice, & al our though­ [...]es, wordes, and workes; that he maye so gouerne and moderate [...]hem, that they may be directed vnto the supreame glorie of his most high Maiestie.

When we are puttinge on our clothes. THE 2. EXERCISE.

PVtt yee on our Lord Iesus Christ. Let vs cast of the works of darknes, and put on the Wea­pons of light. Rom. 13. v. 14. ibid.

Our Lord hath clothed me with a garment of saluation, and com­passed me about with a garment of iustice. Isa. 61. v. 10

He that shall ouercome, shalbe clothed with white garments. A­poc. 3. v. 5.

Consideration.

Wee may consider that we are [Page 18] made subiect to colde, and other necessities of the body, and that the necessity of clothes is brought in through sinne. Moreouer that Christ our Redeemer (to the ende he might purge our crimes with condigne satisfaction) yelded vp his spirit naked vpon the wood of the Crosse.

The Thankesgiuing

We shall geue thankes to our Lord, who hath geuen vs where­with to couer our bodies, and de­fend vs from the sharpenes of the colde. And couered our spirituall nakednes, with the precious gar­ment of his grace.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ringe the nakednes of our soules, the first vestiment of innocencie, which beinge receiued in holy Baptisme, we haue broken and which by the benefit of God being [Page 19] oftentimes renewed, we haue cutt and torne againe into peices.

The Petition.

We shal beseech our Lord, that he be pleased to restore this gar­ment againe, and to couer our na­kednes with the garment of ver­tues, that our reproache may be taken away, & our soule appeare, [...]n the sight of his diuine Maiestie decentlie adorned.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer ourselues to our Lord, to suffer for his loue all po­uertie, nakednes, and the verie death of the Crosse.

When we wash our handes. THE 3. EXERCISE.

BE yee washed, be yee cleane. Take away the euill of your cogitations from my sight. Isa. 1. [Page 20] v. 16.

Washe me more from my ini­quitie, and cleanse me from my sinne. Psal. 50. v. 3.

I will wash my handes amongst innocents. Psal. 25. v. 6.

Christ hath loued vs and was­hed vs frō our sinnes in his bloud. Apoc. 1. v. 5.

Consideration.

We will consider that our Lord is a louer of puritie and cleane­nes, who for the loue he bore vnto vs, to the ende, he might wash vs from the vncleanenes of our sinnes, hath prepared for vs a bath of his owne bloud, and hath applied vnto vs the virtues thereof. He hath washed vs also with the water of Baptisme, and hath also cleansed vs continually from the filthines of our sinnes, by the vertue and efficacie of o­ther Sacraments, and especially [Page 21] of the Sacrament of Penance.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to our Lord for that vnexhausted foun­taine, prepared for all them that are within the boundes of the Church, that is to say, the virtue of the bloud of Christ, aboundāt­lie communicated vnto vs, by those sluces or Conduites of the seauen Sacraments, by the vertue and efficacie whereof, the spotts of our sinnes, how horrible and inueterate soeuer, are made clea­ne, in so much that our soule re­maineth cleaner thē Wooll most diligently washed, & whiter then Snowe.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, lookinge into the vilenes and miserie of our bodie, from whence procee­deth so great filthines, that we neede dailie frequent washinges, [Page 22] which if we omit, we become so stinkinge and vnsauorie, that we can scarcely endure one another, and sometimes not at all; besides that wretchednes of our harte, farr greater, from which so ma­nie impurities of hainous sinnes and offences, doe flow and dailie proceede.

The Petition.

We will humblie craue of our Lord, puritie and cleanenes of harte, that he thoroughly purify not only our feete, as he did his disciples: but also our handes and head, and whatsoeuer else is fowle within vs, that our though­tes, wordes, and workes may be pure.

The Oblation.

We will offer to our Lord, that most pure soule of our Redeemer Iesus Christ, brighter then those Angelicall spirits, wherin no spott [Page 23] of sinne, euer had or coulde possi­bly haue any place. And also that puritie of his most holie Mother, who was more pure & cleane then any creature.

When we goe forth of our house THE 4. EXERCISE.

SHew me ô Lord thy wayes & teach mee thy paths. Psal. 24. v. 5.

O that my wayes, may be di­rected to keepe thy iustifications Psal. 118. v. 5.

Remoue from me euery way of iniquitie, auert my eies that they beholde not vanitie. Ibidem.

Consideration.

Wee wil consider how the Son­ne of God, going forth from his euerlasting habitation, that is to say, from the bosome of his eter­nall [Page 24] Father, and that without any separation from him, for our sakes, came into the worlde, and conuersed familiarlie with men. We will consider also how imma­culate and holie his conuersation was, who neuer at any time defi­led himselfe with any sinne.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for that whereas there are many lame, many sicke of the palsey and other diseases, many in pri­son, and in fetters, that they can­not go abroade, or stirr a foote, he hath geuen vs health and li­bertie, whereby we may follow our busines and affaires.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, that we haue oftentimes gone forth, not onely for no good to our selues, but also to the great detriment and hurte of our foule, goinge [Page 25] forth to that ende, that we might defile our soules in the dirtie pathes of sinne.

The Petition.

We will beseeche our Lord, to preserue vs that wee offend not in the wayes of this life, full of in­numerable perils: and that we be not seduced or carryed away, by the occasion of any thinge wee shall see or heare, from the pathes of his precepts.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to our Lord all our paces, by directing them on­lie vnto his glorie, and especial­lie that busines which we goe to dispatch, that he referre it to his supreame honour and glorie.

When we goe in the Streetes. THE 5. EXERCISE.

BY the wayes and streetes, I wil seeke him whom my soule [Page 26] loueth. Cantic. 3. v. 2.

Walke in my presence and be perfect. Genes. 17. v. 2.

Blessed be they that are imacu­late in the way, they which walk in the way of our Lord. Psal. 118. v. 18.

His wayes are faire wayes, and all his paths are peaceable. Prou. 3. v. 17.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, how Christ the worker of our saluation, wal­ked in the streetes of Ierusalem, when the Iewes carryed him boūd from one iudge to another. And how afterwards he went out of the Cittie, carryinge his heauie and ponderous Crosse vpon his back, going to the Mount of Caluarie there to be crucified.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will geue thankes to God, who hath vouchsafed to descend [Page 27] from heauen vnto the earth, to shew vs the way to arriue to those happy mansions of the Saincts, & that with his ayde and assistance, we may clime to those Heauen­lie kingdomes with lesse labour.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, seeinge with what alacritie wee walke the waie of perdition, the ende wher­of leadeth vnto hell, of whose ia­wes we had bene iustlie swallowed vpp ere this, had not God, whose goodnes is infinite, deliuered and rescued vs from thence.

The Petition.

Wee will humblie desire God, to make vs Cittisens of that hea­uenlie Ierusalem, that peaceable and most noble Cittie, in whose streetes and wayes, doe continual­lie resound with one vnanimous consent, the voices of them that praise God, and singe Alleluia, Al­leluia.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer ourselues to sus­taine and endure with indifferent minde, all contempt which men shall impose here vpon vs, for the loue of our Lord, and Redeemer Iesus Christ, who for vs was made the reproch of men, & abiection of the people.

When wee see any thing that is fayre. THE 6. EXERCISE.

BEhold thou art fayre my be­loued. Cantic. 1. v. 15

The beautie of the fielde, is with me. Psal. 49 v. 11.

Comelines is deceitful, & beau­tie is vaine: he that feareth God shalbe praised. Prou. 31. v. 30.

O Lord I haue loued the come­lines of thy house. Psal. 25. v. 8.

Consideration.

We will consider that God is the fountaine of all fairenes and beautie, from whom floweth eue­rie thinge that is good, and the vast sea of all goodnes, fairenes, and perfection.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to him, who although he standeth in need of nothinge, hath notwithstan­ding geuen to his creatures beau­uetie, whom out of his infinite goodnes and power, he hath made and produced of nothinge.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, that in loosinge grace, wee haue lost the beautie and lustre of our soules: for grace doth so adorne & beau­tifie the soule which it possesseth, that it maketh it, not inferiour in beautie vnto the Angelicall Spirits.

The Petition.

We will humblie desire God, to restore that inward beautie and comelines of soule of which sinne hath despoyled vs, and to con­serue it in our soule vndefiled and neuer to permit vs, by the allure­ments of these transitorie creatu­res, to be carryed away from his diuine Maiestie, but rather estee­ming whatsoeuer is not God, to be meere nothing, & that he alone and those thinges which are ten­ding and conducing to him, may possesse and haue the dominion of our hartes.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer vnto our Lord, our selues to suffer for his loue, with a patient and willing minde, all substraction of those thinges, which vnto our sight may mini­ster any delight, that we may be fitt to reioyce in his diuine Ma­iestie [Page 31] alone, and to haue the frui­tion thereof.

When we see any thinge that is fowle or deformed. THE 7. EXERCISE.

A Naughtie heart is abhomi­nable to God. Prou. 11. v. 20.

The way of a wicked man, is an abhomination to our Lord. Prouer. 15. v. 9.

I hated iniquitie and abhorred it. Psal. 118. v. 163.

They are become abhomina­ble, like those thinges which they loue. Ose 9. v. 11.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, that it is the will of God that in the world, de­formed thinges should be min­gled with fayre, that by compa­ringe them together one with an­other, [Page 32] the difference betwene vice and vertue may appeare, that we might chose vertue, and detest vice with all our heartes.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will yelde thankes to our Lord, who that he might take a­way the turpitude and fowlenes of our sinnes, would be made so fowle & deformed in his passion, that there was no beautie nor comelines left in him, whereas of himselfe, he was the most beauti­full amongst the children of men.

The Confusion.

Wee will blush for shame, con­sideringe that deformitie where­with sinne hath so defiled our sou­le, that it is made as vglie as the diuell.

The Petition.

Wee will humblie desire our Lord, that he will free our soule from all turpitude and fowlenes [Page 33] of sinne, and that euen as we ab­horre exteriour deformitie and fowlenes, so he will infuse and powre into vs, a true horrour & detestation of that interiour or inward deformity and vglines, which sinne causeth in our soules.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer vnto our Lord, that incomparaple beautie of the most holie soule of Christ our Re­deemer, that the beautie of his soule, may couer the deformitie of ours.

When any prosperity hapeneth vnto vs. THE 8. EXERCISE.

ALl thinges whatsoeuer a iust man shall doe, they shall prosper. Psal. 1. v. 3.

Doe not enuie or maligne him that prospereth in his waie, if he [Page 34] be a naughtie man. Psal. 36. v. 7.

The prosperitie of fooles, shal be their ouerthrowe. Prou. 16. v. 32.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, how verie small confidence we are to put in the prosperity of this life: wherin according to the saying of Salo­mon, our way is turned into sor­rowe.

The Thankesgiuing

We will yelde thankes to our Lord for the benefit he vouchsa­feth vs, in geuinge vs this present prosperitie or good successe.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, that in re­gard we haue so often offended our Lord, we haue deserued not onely to haue any prosperous thing of this world happen vnto vs, but rather that the very stones of the street, should rise against vs.

The Petition.

We will humblie beseeche our Lord to sustaine vs with his hand, & so to gouerne vs, that no pros­peritie of this world may so draw vs vnto the delight thereof, as to separate vs from his diuine Ma­iestie.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to our Lord, to suffer for his loue, the depriuation both of this present prosperitie, and of all other ter­rene and temporall prosperitie whatsoeuer.

When we are pinched with aduersities. THE 9. EXERCISE.

WHatsoeuer happeneth to a iust man it shall not make him sadd. Prouer. 12. v. 21.

Euē as it hath pleased our Lord [Page 36] so it is done. Blessed be the name of our Lord. Iob. 1. v. 22.

Thou ô Lord art iust, and all thy iudgements true, and all thy wayes mercy and veritie & iudg­ment. Tob. 3. v. 2.

Consideration.

We will consider that our Lord by the aduersities of this present life, doth instruct vs, to remoue our affection from the thinges of this world, and that we make not this place of banishment, our Countrie of abode.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will geue thankes to God, that by aduersities he doth as it were awaken vs, and admonish vs, and compelleth vs to returne to him, in whom all our saluation and happines doth consist.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, conside­ring how iustlie for our sinnes, we [Page 37] deserue any aduersity whatsoeuer: in so much that no tribulation, can happen vnto vs, which wee haue not most iustlie deserued.

The Petition.

We will desire of God his gra­ce and assistance, to endure this present aduersitie, with a coura­gious and constant minde; In so much that we may not only take no hurte or detriment thereby, but also that it may proue to our gaine and the encrease of our me­rits.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to our Lord, to suffer the molestation or trouble of this aduersitie, as long as it shall please his diuine Ma­iestie, vnitinge and ioyninge it, to those which Christ our Redee­mer suffered for our sake.

When we take any pleasure or delight in Creatures. THE 10. EXERCISE.

DElight in our Lord, and he will geue thee thy harts de­sire. Psal. 16. v. 4.

But I will delight in our Lord. Psal. 103. v. 34.

I remembred God, and deligh­ted. Psal. 76. v. 4.

I delighted in the waie of thy testimonies, as in all the riches of the world. Psal. 118. v. 14.

Delights are in thy right hand, euen vnto the end. Psal. 15. v. 10.

Consideration.

We will consider that God by those thinges with which he de­lighteth vs, insinuateth his ten­der loue and kindnes towards vs. For he conserueth that natural [...] [Page 39] vertue which he hath geuen to his creatures, and worketh their ef­fects together with them. We will consider moreouer, how farr in­feriour these are vnto those de­lightes and pleasures, which the soules of the blessed enioy in hea­uē, who are drowned in the Sea of all delights, that is to say, in God.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will yelde thankes to our Lord, for the innumerable de­lightes, which he ministreth vnto vs, by his creatures: and for those eternall delights, and pleasures, he hath prepared for vs in the kingdome of heauen.

The Confusion.

We will blush for shame, pon­dering and reuoluing in our mind how vnworthy we are to take the least solace that may be, by any creature, for asmuch as we haue deserued by the due and demerit [Page 40] of our sinnes, that euen the stones should rise against vs, and be tur­ned to be our tormentors.

The Petition.

We will beseech our Lord, that he will make vs partakers of that true delight, which is in him a­lone, and in the perfect accom­plishment of his will; And that he suffer not our heart to feed vppon any terrene delight, nor be with­drawen so much as any one mo­ment, from his diuine Maiestie.

The Oblation.

We will offer ourselues to our Lord, to be bereaued for his loue not onely of this present delight, which we now take of a creature, but also of any other, which we may take hereafter, of any other creature whatsoeuer.

When we are afflicted with any griefe or sorrow. THE 11. EXERCISE.

LEt this be my cōsolation, that afflicting me with sorrow, he spare me not, and that I contra­dict not the speeches of the holie one. Iob. 6. v. 10.

According to the multitude of my sorrowes in my heart, haue thy consolations exhilarated my soule. Psal. 93. v. 19.

He hath truely borne our infir­mities, and he hath carryed our sorrowes. Esa. 33. v. 4.

God shall wipe away all teares from their eyes, and death shall be no more, nor lamentation, nor [...]rying, nor sorrow, shall be any more. Apoc. 21. v. 4.

Consideration.

We wil cōsider how much shar­per those sorrowes were, which our Sauiour Christ suffered in his Passion, and also those which the damned suffer in hell, without any hope of deliuerie.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to our Lord, for that he offereth vs som­what to suffer for the loue of him, that by this meanes, we may be conformable to his Passion, and doe penance for our sinnes com­mitted.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, acknow­ledginge that we haue deserued to suffer, euen those torments with which the wicked are punishe [...] and tormented in hell, and tha [...] our sinnes is that vnto which th [...] only cause of all the paines Chri [...] our Redeemer suffered in his Pa [...] ­sion, [Page 43] is to be imputed.

The Petition.

We will desire of our Lord, that he be pleased to instill into our mindes, the loue of his Crosse, which may make vs willinglie to embrace whatsoeuer affliction & trouble, out of a desire, that we may be conformable vnto Christ crucified.

The Oblation.

We will offerr our selues vnto the suffering of this our present griefe, and affliction, as longe as [...]t pleaseth him, vnitinge it to [...]hose most vehement dolors, and [...]aines, which Christ suffered vp­ [...]on the Crosse.

When any honour is giuen vnto vs. THE 12. EXERCISE.

NOt to vs ô Lord, not to vs, but to thy name geue the [Page 44] glorie. Psal. 113. v. 9.

To God alone be honour and glorie, for euer and euer. 1. Tim. 1. v. 17.

Thy frends ô God, are excee­dingly honored. Psal. 138. v. 17.

Consideration.

We will consider the vaine and fickle honors of this world, which oftentimes are bestowed on them which deserue thē not, but rather are vnworthie thereof; and that the true honour indeede is that wherewith the frendes of God ar [...] adorned.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to ou [...] Lord, for those euerlastinge ho­nours, which he hath promise vnto vs, saying: If any man sha [...] minister or doe any seruice to m [...] my Father wil honour him for i [...]

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed consid [...] ­ringe [Page 45] how beyond all equitie and reasō it is, that any honor should be giuen vnto vs by creatures, be­cause we haue robbed our Lord, as much as lay in vs, of his ho­nour, by sinning against him, for the which we are rather worthy of all contempts and despisinges.

The Petition.

We will humblie beseech our Lord, that he permit vs not, to set our hearts vppon the honours of [...]his worlde, least they be possessed [...]herewith: but that we despisinge [...]hem and setting nought therby, [...]ay embrace true and sollid ho­ [...]our, which consisteth in this a­ [...]one, that we please and serue his [...]iuine Maiestie.

The Oblation.

We will offer vnto our Lord, the [...]onour which is done vnto vs, [...]cknowledginge that vnto him [...]one al honour and glorie is due, [Page 46] who is the Author of euery good thing.

When we are derided or mocked. THE 13. EXERCISE.

BEcause for thee I sustayned reproach, and confusion co­uered my face. Psal. 68. v. 8.

Feare not the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their contume­lies. Esa. 51. v. 7.

Take from me reproache and contempt, because I haue sought after thy testimonies. Psal. 118. v. 22.

For I am a worme, and not a man, the reproach of men, and abiection of the people, all they that saw me, derided me. Psal. 21 [...] v. 7.

Consideration.

We will consider that Chris [...] our Lord, although he was th [...] [Page 47] glorie of Angels, and vnto whom infinite honour was due yet in the time of his Passiō would be made a mockinge stocke, and a scorne to the people.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to him, for the occasion he geueth vs to suffer somewhat for his sake. And also because he vouchsafeth vs to weare his badge, and to geue vs of his owne cupp to drinke.

The Confusion.

We will be confounded with shame, considering how iustly we haue deserued this derision, and [...]ny other whatsoeuer, which men [...]an do vnto vs, in regard we haue [...]ften offended God with many [...]ainous offences.

The Petition.

We will desire God that he will [...]eue vs the grace to suffer with a [...]eaceable and patient minde this [Page 48] derision: and withall we wil hum­blie beseeche him for the partie that so derideth and mocketh vs; that if thereby he incurre the in­dignation & displeasure of God, he will mercifullie geue him ack­nowledgement and pardon of his offence.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to our Lord, cheerefully to suffer & put vp this or any other derision and contumelious vsage, whereby we may doe him gratefull seruice: & we will ioyne it with those in­numerable derisions and scornes, which Christ did meekelie suffer for our sake, when he conuersed in [...] this worlde.

When we are praysed. THE 14. EXERCISE.

MY soule doth magnifie ou [...] Lord, and my spirit hath re­ioyced [Page 49] in God my Sauiour. Luc. 1. v. 47.

I will blesse our Lord at all ti­mes, his praise shall alwayes be in my mouth. Psal. 33. v. 1.

Praise our Lord all ye nations, praise him all ye people. Psal. 116.

My strength and my praise, is our Lord. Psal. 117. v. 14.

Consideration.

We will consider, that whatso­euer is in vs, for which we may seeme to deserue praise, is proper to God, from whom we haue our beinge wherewith wee subsiste, [...]he life wherewith we liue, and [...]he breath which we draw, with­out whom we are not able to con­ [...]eue so much as on good thought.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to him [...]hat doth enrich, adorne, and fur­ [...]ish his creatures, with such gif­ [...]es and graces.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed setting be­fore our eyes, the misery of our condition, and the sinnes wherby we haue wickedlie offended God, for which we haue deserued not onely no praise and glorie, but much dispraise and confusion.

The Petition.

We will beseech our Lord that he so gouerne, moderate and sus­taine vs, that we be not puffed vp with the praises of men, and that we be not drawen or inueigled by any meanes, from the true know­ledge of our vilenes, and little worth.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer vnto our Lord [...] those praises which the Angelica [...] spirits, in that celestiall habita­tion of the blessed Saincts, do [...] singe vnto him.

When we are blamed or reprehended. THE 15. EXERCISE.

IVstice to be our Lord God, but Confusion to our face. Baruch. 1. v. 15.

It is good for me because thou hast humiliated me, that I maie learne thy iustifications. Psal. 118. v. 71.

The iust man shall correct me in his mercie, and rebuke me. But the oyle of a sinne, shall not fat­ten my head. Psal. 140. v. 5.

Consideration.

We will consider that Christ, although he hath no equall for integritie and innocencie, and much lesse superiour, and that no­thing can be found in him which [...]s not worthie of immortall prai­ [...]e, yet notwithstandinge he was [Page 52] reprehended and reuiled; he was called into iudgment, as one guil­tie of haynous crimes; he heard bitter raylinges of his accusers, and finally receaued the sentence of death, as a malefactour.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to our Lord, for that singuler benefit with which he adorneth vs in suf­fring vs to be molested by others, to be vexed with their euill spee­ches, and to be holesomely hum­bled and despised by them, becau­se we haue forborne and thought much to humble our selues.

The Confusion.

Wee will be confounded with shame, considering that we haue deserued nought else, but infamie and dispraise: and that through our grieuous offences to God, we haue deserued to be much more iniuriously dealt withall, at the [Page 53] handes of men.

The Petition.

We will desire of our Lord, that he will illuminate vs, with the knowledge of our defects, wher­with beinge illuminated, wee may quietlie sustaine without any excuse or tergiuersation, the con­tumelious and opprobrious vsage of men: and moreouer we wil pray for such as seeme to wronge vs, with contumelious vsage.

The Oblation.

We will offerr our selues vnto our Lord, to suffer with a readie and cheerefull minde, any igno­minie or reproach, for his loue: ioyninge and vnitinge these our ignominies and reproaches, with those which Christ our Redee­mer, sustayned in the worlde for our sake.

When we see any good Example. THE 16. EXERCISE.

HOnour and peace to euerie one, that doth a good deed. Rom 2 v. 10.

Hatinge euill, adheringe to good. Rom. 12. v. 9.

I am partaker of all them that feare thee, and keep thy comman­dements. Psal. 118. v. 63.

Let vs not be wearie of well-doing for the time will come whē we shall reape without being wea­rie. Galat. 6. v. 9.

Consideration.

We will consider that our Lord doth worke in vs both the will & power to doe good, and yet dea­leth so bountifully and munifi­cently with vs, being his Crea­tures, that we hauinge no merits [Page 55] of our owne, he maketh his giftes our merits.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will yelde thankes to our Lord, for the grace he hath ge­uen to our brother, to doe that good worke, and for the good ex­ample he hath geuen vs thereby, which may spurr and pricke vs forward, to doe the like.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed of the euill and pernicious examples where­with we haue geuen scandall to others, and acknowledge that we haue bene vnprofitable, and idle seruāts in the house of our Lord.

The Petition.

We wil desire of our Lord, that he will conserue and augment, the giftes of his grace, in our brother, & geue him perseuerance in good workes, with dailie progresse: and that he will geue vs the same gra­ce [Page 56] whereby we beinge strengthe­ned and corroborated, may insist in the studie of vertue, and dailie increase our merits thereby.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to our Lord all the good workes, that are done by iust and godlie men, praising and glorifying him in the same.

When we see any euill Example. THE 17 EXERCISE.

DEcline from euill, and doe good. Psal. 36. v. 27.

Yee that loue our Lord, hate euill. Psal. 96. v. 10.

Doe not imitate euill, but that which is good. 3. Ioh. 11.

They erre, that worke euil. Prou. 14. v. 22.

Consideration.

We will endeuour as much as [Page 57] may be to excuse our neighbour, either by excusing his intention, (if his worke cannot be excused from blame) or that he commit­ted it frailty, or was ouercome with some extraordinary tenta­tion, and that peraduenture he is come to the knowledge of his offence, and with great submis­sion of minde, hath humbled him selfe for it.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to our Lord, that he hath preserued vs from falling into the like, and al those sinnes which we might, but haue not committed, and will at­tribute it to his goodnes & mer­cie.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, beholding our weaknes, acknowledging that we haue committed farr worse, & shall doe hereafter, if God should [Page 58] permit vs to liue accordinge to our owne sensuall appetites, and desires.

The Petition.

We will desire our Lord to for­geue our neighbour the offence he hath committed: and to geue him grace to acknowledge his faulte, if he hath not already done it, and to amend and that he will preserue vs from falling into the like, or into greater.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to God the me­rits of all his Sainctes, and espe­cially the merits of Christ our Redeemer, that for them, he will grant vs remissiō of al our sinnes.

When we see any welthy or potent man. THE 18. EXERCISE.

IF riches abound, set not your harte thereupon. Psal. 61. v. 11.

The riche haue come to want and haue bene hongry: but they that seeke after our Lord shal not be diminished of any good thing. Psal. 33 v. 11.

Glorie and riches, are in his house. Psal. 111. v. 3.

Riches of health, wisedome & knowledge the feare of our Lord, that is his riches. Esa. 33. v. 6.

Riches shall not profit at all, in the day of vengeāce. Prou. 11. v, 4.

Consideration.

We will consider how little we are to esteeme of the riches, ho­nours, and dignities of this pre­sent life, how great so euer they be, seinge that death shall end all these thinges, and make one man equall with another. We will con­sider also, that true riches are ver­tues, and to please God, whom to serue is to raigne.

The Thankesgiuing

We will geue thankes to God, for the euerlasting riches he hath prepared, for his Electe in hea­uen, and for those he geueth to his creatures in this present life, that thereby, if we imploye them in the seruice of God, we maye purchase the kingedome of hea­uen.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring our pouertie, for asmuch as we come naked out of our Mo­thers wombe, and shall returne naked into our Mother the earth. And those thinges which we stand in neede of, wee are inforced to begge of other creatures: we will consider also our interiour pouer­tie, which is farr greater then the other, sithence of our selues, wee can not conceiue so much as one good thought pleasing to God.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, that he please to bestow vpon our riche neighbour, whom we see, true ri­ches which are those onely of the soule, and to geue him grace so to vse his temporal goods, that he lose not the eternall: and we will desire the same also for our selues.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God all the ri­ches, glorie and potencie of this present life, as being all his, and al of them being much more per­fectly in him, then in themselues.

When we see a poore man. THE 19. EXERCISE.

BLessed are the poore in spirit, for theirs is the kingdome of heauen. Matt. 5. v. 2.

Christ made himself poore for [Page 62] vs, whereas he was riche, that by his pouertie, we might be made riche. 2. Cor. 8. v. 9.

Our Lord is made a refuge to a poore man. Psal. 9. v. 10.

But I am a begger, and a poore man. Our Lord is carefull of me. Psal. 39. v. 18.

He that pittyeth the poore, is happie. Prou. 14. v. 21.

He that despiseth the poore, vp­braideth his maker. Prou. 17. v. 5.

Consideration.

We will consider, that men of lowe degree, and poore fortune, which are despised and of no es­teeme in the worlde, are oftenti­mes highlie esteemed with God, and preferred before the other. We will consider also, that Christ being the wisedome of God, loued pouertie in this life more then ri­ches, and made especiall choice thereof for himselfe.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that he hath put into our handes and power, spirituall riches & ce­lestiall treasure: and hath geuen vs the keye thereof, that is to say his grace, that day by day we may euery moment encrease and am­plifie our merits.

The Confusion.

We will blush for shame, con­sideringe how much men doe suf­fer, and doe, that they may de­fend themselues from pouerty, & want of temporal goods: and care not to become poorer and poorer [...]uery day, by theire negligence in [...]he spirituall goods, of grace and good workes.

The Petition.

We wil desire God to geue gra­ [...]e to our neighbour, whom we see [...]o suffer with a patient minde his [...]ouertie and contempte, and to [Page 64] enriche him, and our selues, with his gifts.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to our Lord, to suffer for his loue al po­uertie & want of temporal goods, & contēpt of our persons. More­ouer we will offer our selues to our Lord, to succour the wants and necessities of our neighbours, & of all the world, if not in work, yet in will, if we had wherwith all.

When we see any sicke person. THE 20. EXERCISE.

HAue pittie vpon me ô Lord, for I am infirme. Psal. 6. v. 3. Let it not yrcke thee to visit the sicke, for by those thinges thou [...] shalt be confirmed in loue. Ecclisi­astic. 7. v. 39.

We behelde him, a man of sor­rowes, [Page 65] and in suffringe infirmities skillfull. Esa. 53. v. 3.

Consideration.

We will consider that infirmi­ties, are effects & fruites of sinne, for if man had not sinned, he had bene subiecte to no infirmities. Moreouer wee will consider that by infirmities, our Lord doth in­struct vs, how much he hateth & abhorreth sinne, and how much more seuerely he wil punish it af­ter death, if he punish it so seue­ [...]ely in this life, which is a time of mercie and indulgence.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will geue thankes to God, [...]or the health which he geueth vs, [...]nd for his clemencie which he [...]seth towardes men: and that he [...]oth chastice vs in this life, with [...]any sickenesses and infirmities, [...]o the ende, that if we suffer them [...]atientlie, he may thereby free [Page 66] and acquit vs from eternall pu­nishments, which our sinnes doe deserue.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed that we haue vsed the health which God hath geuen vs so il [...], and therfore wee will esteeme our selues alto­gether vnworthie thereof.

The Petition.

Wee will pray vnto our Lord, for the infirmitie of our neigh­bour, that he wil geue him health of bodie and soule: and as longe as he is holden with this infirmi­tie, that he will geue him true pa­tience in his griefes.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, to suffer whatsoeuer sickenesses h [...] shall inflict vpon vs, both for hi [...] loue and also for the expiatio [...] and purgation of our sinnes.

When we attend on, or assist our Superiors. THE 21. EXERCISE.

HE that heareth you, heareth me, & he that despiseth you despiseth me. Luc. 10. v. 16.

There is no authoritie, or iu­ [...]isdiction but from God: he that [...]esisteth authoritie, resisteth the ordinance of God. Rom. 13. v. 2.

Obey your Prelates and be sub­ [...]ect to them, for they are vigilant [...]uer you, as being to render ac­ [...]ount for your soules. Hebr. 13. v. 17.

Consideration.

Wee will consider God in our [...]uperiors, in whose place or steed [...]hey are: and therfore we wil stand [...]efore them, no otherwise then if [...]e stoode before God, and we wil [...]sten to their speaches, as vnto [Page 68] the speaches of God.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, That he hath appointed vs Supe­riors, to be in his place: and by them doth rule, gouerne, prouide for, and declare his will vnto vs.

The Confusion.

We wil be ashamed of the smal obedience, and reuerence we haue yelded to God, our King & Lord, and to our Superiors, supplyinge his place, whose precepts & will, wee haue oftentimes, so lightlie esteemed, and transgressed.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God to assist our Superiors, & geue them gra­ce to gouerne their subiectes ac­cordinge to his diuine will: and to subiectes, grace to obey their Su­periors, and in all things to yelde true and perfecte obedience vnto them.

The Confusion.

We wil offer our selues to God, to execute and performe for his loue, all thinges which our Supe­riors (being the Vicars and depu­ties of God) shall commande vs. Wee will also offer to God, that perfecte obedience, which Christ our Sauiour yelded and exhiibited to his Father, obeying him euen vnto death, & that the most con­ [...]umelious death of the Crosse.

When we are with our Equalls. THE 22. EXERCISE.

HOw good & pleasant a thing is it for brethren, to dwel to­gether in vnitie? Psal. 132.

Louing fraternall charitie one [...]o another, preuentinge one an­ [...]ther with honour. Rom. 12. v. 10.

Honour all men, loue fraterni­tie. [Page 70] 1. Pet. 2. v. 16.

We being many are one bodie in Christ, & euery one of vs mem­bers of one another. Rom. 12 v. 4.

In this all men shall know you to be my disciples, if you bear [...] loue one to another. Ioh. 13. v. 35

Consideration.

We will consider that we all ar [...] members of one bodie, and ther [...] ­fore ought to loue and helpe on [...] another, as wee see there is a mo [...] perfecte concorde, betweene th [...] members of the same bodie.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God that he hath distributed his bene fits and gifts, amongst the members of his misticall bodie, in suc [...] diuerse and different manner an [...] measure, to the end we should b [...] helpers of one another, one b [...] teaching such as be ignorant, a [...] other by rectifying such as are i [...] [Page 71] errour, another by comfortinge them that be afflicted, another by doing some other worke of mer­cie to his neighbour &c.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, conside­ring we are men of no profit, and fruite amongst our brethren, and as it were withered and rotten me­ [...]bers, which haue deserued to be cutt off, and separated from the bodie.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God to geue [...]s true charitie, whereby we may [...]lwayes remaine conioyned and [...]nited together by true loue a­mongst our selues, and with our [...]ead Iesus Christ.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to doe [...]hatsoeuer we are able, for our [...]rethren, and to succour them in [...]l their necessities, both of body [Page 70] and soule.

When we are with our Subiects. THE 23. EXERCISE.

HE that is the greater amongst you, let him be as the lesser, and he that is the Superior, as if he were the Seruant. Luc 22. v. 26.

But I am in the middest of you, as a wayter on you. Ibidem.

By how much the greater thou art, by so much in all thinges, humble thy selfe. Eccle. 3. v. 20.

A most hard iudgement shalbe for them, that beare rule ouer o­thers. Sap. 6. v. 6.

Consideration.

Wee will consider that (we ou [...] selues) although we are Superior [...] vnto others, yet we haue also God for our Superior, who will one day exact of vs a seuere account, [Page 71] how we haue vexed or annoyed our subiects, & what care we haue taken of them, and whatsoeuer they haue wanted thorough our default, God will require at our hands.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, from whom is all rightfull power and iurisdiction, and all paterni­tie or Father-head in heauen and in earth.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed that we are not sufficiēt for the gouernement of our soules, and therefore vn­worthy to gouerne & rule others, and therefore we will thinke our selues inferiour in perfection & [...]esert vnto our subiects.

The Petition.

We will humblie beseech God [...] geue vs of his wisedome, that [...]e may be sufficient to gouerne [Page 72] those that are vnder vs, accor­ding to his will, and also to geue vs humilitie that we be not puffed vpp with pride, for the authori­tie and preeminence, we haue o­uer others.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues, toge­ther with all them that are com­mitted to our charge vnto God, that he gouerne and rule both v [...] and them, as our Kinge, Lord [...] and Father.

When we are wearie. THE 24. EXERCISE.

IEsus beinge wearied with h [...] iourney satt so, vpon the fountaine. Ioh. 4. v. 6.

Come vnto me all yee that l [...] bour, and are loaden, and I w [...] refresh you. Matt. 11. v. 28.

Thou hast made me serue in thy sinnes. Thou hast made me la­bour in thine iniquities. Esa. 43. v. 24.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, that Christ our Redeemer was oftētimes wea­ried for our sake, while he liued here on earth, & especiallie in his Passiō, wherin thorough his great labour & excessiue agonie of his soule he sweat bloud, and sat do­wne very weary and thirsty at the well of Sychar. Ioh. [...]. v. 6.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to him, [...]hat he oftētimes suffered for our [...]ke so great paines, and fatiga­ [...]ons, and that thereby he hath [...]ade himselfe, the refresher of [...]em that labour, and finally hath [...]epared eternall rest for them in [...]auen.

The Confusion.

We will blush for shame, consi­dering with how great labour and toile, we haue oftentimes wearied and tired our selues, in the way of iniquitie and p [...]rdition: nay that we haue like madd men, and such as are out of their witts, ac­counted labour, in that behalfe, as it were rest and repose, & weari­nes, pleasure. And on the other side, that neuer so little labour in the seruice of God, hath seemed vnto vs intollerable.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to accept of our wearines, for satisfaction and expiation of our sinnes; and to geue vs strength and abilitie to suffer all labours, and fatiga­tions acceptable to his Maiestie and at length after these labou [...] to translate vs vnto eternall rest in the habitation of his deitie.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our wea­rines, together with al the labours and wearines, which Christ suffe­red here on earth: and to endure for the loue of God, all labour & wearines which shal happen vnto vs, in his diuine seruice.

When we walke or goe any Iournie. THE 25. EXERCISE.

WHile we are in this bodie, we are pilgrims from our Lord. 2. Cor. 5. v. 6.

The God of our safetie graunt vs a prosperous iournie. Psal. 67. v. 20.

Iesus went about all the citties, and villages teaching in their Si­ [...]agogues and preaching the gos­pell of the kingdome, and curing all infirmities and diseases. Matt. [Page 76] 9. v. 34.

I beseech you to abstaine as pil­grims and straungers from carnal desires, which warre against the soule. 1. Pet 2. v. 11.

I am a stranger on the earth, hide not thy precepts from me. Psal. 118. v. 19.

Consideration.

We will consider the iournies which Christ made when he con­uersed as a pilgrime here on the earth, going from cittie to cittie, from place to place, sometimes by sea, sometimes by land to seek his lost sheepe euery where, and to leaue behinde him, the foote­steps of his goodnes.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will geue thankes to our Lord, for all the iournies and tra­uailes he hath taken for our sake, and for that he hath made him­selfe our guide, and the way by [Page 77] which we may goe to his Father.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, remem­bringe the time when we walked in the path of perdition, & ranne headlong blindfold towardes hel, where we had now bene, had not the mercie of God preserued vs.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to be our guide in the way which we walke, and to deliuer vs from al perils of body and soule, which shall hap­pen vnto vs in the iournie of this present life.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our iour­nie, and direct it to the supreame honour and glorie of him. Wee will also offer vnto him our will, to follow him in the carryinge of his Crosse, according as he requi­reth of vs.

When we returne home. THE 26. EXERCISE.

I Am glad of these things, which are said vnto me, we shall goe into the house of our Lord. Psal. 121. v. 1.

Be vnto me a protecting God, and a house of refuge, that thou mayest saue me. Psal. 30. v. 3.

I haue asked one thing of our Lord, this will I require, that I may dwell in the house of our Lord, all the dayes of my life. Psal. 26. v. 4.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, that Christ after he had fulfilled the obedien­ce enioyned him by his Father, returned vnto him with a great bootie, and was receued of his Fa­ther, with great honour and glo­rie, [Page 79] and placed at his right hand.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, who hath suffered vs to returne safe and sound, and that, whereas he himselfe liued like a pilgrime on earth for our sakes, not hauing where to rest his head: he hath notwithstāding geuen vs a house, wherin to rest and dwell.

The Confusion.

We wil be ashamed, considering we haue so many yeares forsaken the house of our heauenly Father like the prodigall child, and haue fedd the swine of our sensuall, and bruitish appetites: and haue bene almost starued with hōger, wher­as notwithstanding the house of our Father, is so wel prouided for, and aboundeth with all thinges.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to con­duct vs to that eternall habita­tion, [Page 80] which he hath prepared for his electe in heauen: and as long as we liue in this present worlde, to conserue vs in the house of his church, and to geue vs his grace, to remaine and abide therin with such integrity and holines of life, as becometh the house of such a Lord.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God and to his praise & seruice, all things we are to doe in our house, and wil hum­blie craue pardon of him, if per­aduenture we haue offended him, when we are abroade.

THE 27. EXERCISE. When we sit downe.

I Satt vnder the shade of him whom my soule desired, and his fruite was sweete to my throate. [Page 81] Cantic. 2. v. 3.

He that shall ouercome shall sitt with me in my Throne, as I also haue ouercome, and sitt with my Father in his Throne. Apoc. 3. v. 21.

And my people shall sitt in the beautie of peace, and in the ta­bernacles of confidence & in rich rest. Esa. 32. v. 18.

Consideration.

We will behold Christ our Re­deemer sitting at the right hand of his Father, and appointed to be iudge of the liuinge and dead. Moreouer we will consider how many labours & trauailes Christ sustained, that he might attaine vnto that glory and rest which he now enioyeth.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he hath geuen vs a place and oppurtunitie to rest, and that he [Page 82] maketh much of vs like a good Father: we will also geue thankes vnto him, for those seates which he hath ordained and reserued for his seruants aboue in heauen.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring the time when we satt in the chaire of pestilence, when we re­mained obstinate in our sinnes, with the great enmitie of God, as if there were no God, or as if we could hide our selues from his all-seing eyes.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to geue vs stedfastnes and perseuerance in his diuine seruice, and make our soule a fitt habitation for his Ma­iestie, wherein he may vouchsafe to rest.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our harte, that he may sitt therein, as in a [Page 83] seate, and from thence, may com­maund all the powers and facul­ties of our soules, and haue them obedient vnto him.

When we stande. THE 28. EXERCISE.

I will stande vppon my guarde, and fasten my steppes vpon de­fence. Abac. 2. v. 1.

The iust shal stand in great con­stancie against them that haue af­flicted them. Sap. 5. v. 1.

Stand in the truth, with your loynes girt about. Ephes. 6. v. 14.

He that thinketh to stand, lett him looke he fal not. 1. Cor. 10. v. 12.

Consideration.

We will cōsider Christ standing at the right hand of his Father, and fighting for his electe, as Ste­phen saw him when he was stoned [Page 84] of the Iewes, by whose ayde he fought it out manfully, and in his fight dying for Christ, became a conquerour.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he hath lifted vs vpp, being fallen to the ground through sin­ne, that he hath geuen vs a firme and strong hope of saluation, and hath lifted vp our minde, when we haue bene discouraged & rea­die to despaire.

The Confusion.

We will blush for shame, remē­bring the time when we stood out obstinate against God, & fought against him by resistinge his will: and contrariewise haue, cast our selues prostrate at the feete of our enemies, fulfilling their will in all thinges.

The Petition.

We will craue of God strength [Page 85] to stand on our feete, and to fight valiantlie against our enemies, that we may subdue them, & cast them downe vnder our feete.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to God to be his seruants, and we will at­tend ready for all thinges he shall please to commaund vs, together with that innumerable multitude of celestiall spirits, attending all­wayes in his presence, and most readie to fulfill his pleasure.

When the Clocke striketh. THE 29. EXERCISE.

I Said I haue but now begunne. Psal. 76. v. 11.

The howre is now for vs to arise out of our sleepe. Rom. 13. v. 11.

Let vs doe good while we haue time. Galat. 6. v. 10.

Be watchful, because you know not at what hower your Lord will come. Matt. 24. v. 42.

Consideration.

We will consider, that our life passeth away swifter then a Poste or an Arrow out of a bow: and we will consider also, that our life is now shorter by one howre then it was, and wee neerer by one hower to our death then we were.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that he hath conserued vs aliue till this howre, and hath merci­fully expected vs to penance, true conuersion, and amendement of our life.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, conside­ringe how cold and negligent we are at this howre in the seruice of God, and examining briefly our defects, committed in this howre [Page 87] past, wee will be sorie for them, & humble our selues before God.

The Petition.

We will desire of God, grace to spend this present hower, better and more feruentlie in the seruice of his diuine Maiestie, then the howre past. And whereas all the howers & minutes of our life are nombred with him, wee will be­seech him, that he will not permit vs to be found vnreadie, and vn­mindefull of our saluation in the howre of our death.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, to serue him all the time of our life which yet remayneth, and we will beginne this present howre with new spirit and feruour.

When we are hongrie. THE 30. EXERCISE.

HE that commeth to me, shal not hunger. Ioh. 6. v. 35.

Blessed be they that honger, & thirst for iustice, for they shall be satiated. Matt. 5. v. 6.

He hath filled the hongrie with good thinges. Luc. 1. v. 53.

The eyes of al things doe trust in thee, ô Lord, and thou geuest them foode in due season. Psal. 144. v. 15.

They shal not hōger nor thirst any more. Apoc. 7. v. 16.

Consideration.

Wee will consider how Christ our Redeemer suffred honger for vs, when notwithstanding it is he that satiateth the Angels in hea­uen, and geueth foode to all the [Page 89] creatures on earth.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he made himselfe our foode, to satisfie the honger of our sou­les, and that by the honger which be hath endured for our sake, he hath deserued for vs eternall sa­ [...]etie.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, conside­ring how often we haue permit­ted our soules to suffer famine & honger, from whence it is, that our heart hath beene oftentimes dried vpp and withered, because we haue neglected to geue it spi­rituall nourishment; whereas one the contrarie part, we can not en­dure that our body should be pin­ched with any little honger, but by and by wee vse all the industrie we can, to geue it foode.

The Petition.

We will desire God, to prouide vs continually of spiritual foode, and to geue vs an appetite and honger of iustice, that we may daily desire to serue him more fer­uently then before we haue done.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, to sustaine for the loue of him, all honger that shal happen vnto vs: and ioyninge our honger with that which Christ suffered for vs, we will offer it vnto God the Fa­ther, for the expiatiō of our glut­tonie, and intemperate feeding.

When we thirst. THE 31. EXERCISE.

ALl yee that thirst, come t [...] the watters. Esa. 55. v. 1.

If any man thirst, let him com [...] [Page 91] to me, and drinke. Ioh. 7. v. 37.

My soule hath thirsted after God, the liuing fountaine. Psal. 41. v. 3.

Because with thee, there is a fountaine of water. Psal. 35. v. 10.

Consideration.

We will consider that grieuous thirst, which Christ suffered vpon the Crosse. For when his body was voide of bloud, and he had suf­fered innumerable stripes & tor­ments, all the night before, there was no body would geue him, one draught of water.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that he made himselfe a fountai­ne of liuing water to quenche our [...]hirst withall, and that he inui­ [...]eth all men to this water. Nei­ [...]her doth he repel or debarre any [...]ō it, that seeke it, as they ought.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, conside­ring our cruelty and ingratitude, that wheras Christ doth most ex­treamly thirst after our saluation, wee haue geuen him to drinke of the most bitter gawle of our sin­nes, perseueringe in the same, and oftentimes returninge to them a­gaine, after penance and remis­sion thereof.

The Petition.

We will beseech our Lord with the woman of Samaria, that he al­waies geue vs of that water, which he promiseth to them that be his, that is to say, his diuine grace, o [...] which whosoeuer drinketh sound­lie, shall neuer thirst more afte [...] the vaine pleasures and delighte [...] of this life.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God [...] to suffer for his loue any thir [...] [Page 93] whatsoeuer, & ioyning our thirst, with that which Christ suffered vpon the Crosse, we will beseech him, to receaue it for the expia­tion of that gall and vineger of our sinnes, which we haue geuen him to drinke.

When we labour. THE 32. EXERCISE.

GEue me ô Lord the wisedom assistinge at thy seate, and send it downe from thy holy hea­uens, that it may be with me, and labour with me. Sap 9. v. 10.

Labour like a good souldier, of Christ Iesus. 2. Tim 2. v. 3.

Mā is borne to labour. Iob. 5. v. 7.

Of good labours, the fruite is [...]lorious. Sap. 3. v. 15.

Consideration.

We will consider the sentence [Page 94] which God pronounced vpon our first parents, after the transgres­sion of his commandement, nam­lie, that they shoulde eate their bread in the sweat of their face; Moreouer wee will consider, that Christ our Redeemer, laboured euen vnto a bloudie sweat, that he might purchase for vs the bread of his grace.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he hath geuen vs health and strength to labour, and that he geueth vnto his seruants spiritual strength, and courage to labour in his vineyarde, and heape vpp plentifull fruites of meritorious workes.

The Confusion.

We wil be ashamed, how slouth­full and negligent we haue bene standinge all the day idle, and vnmindfull of our saluation: but [Page 95] labouringe and toylinge all the night, in the seruice of the Diuel, and other enemies of mankinde, without any profit, naye often­times with great detriment, and imminent daunger of our soules.

The Petition.

We will beseeche God, to make vs worthie labourers in his vine­yarde: that by labouringe faith­fully therin we may be worthie to receaue the daye-penny or wages of euerlastinge felicitie.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, to labour in his seruice all the dayes of our life, as it were hired seruants or bondslaues, because he hath made vs of nothing, and [...]edeemed vs with his most pre­ [...]ious bloud: for it is fitt and iust, [...]hat the creature should serue the Creatour, the sonne his Father, he seruant his Master, the bond­slaue [Page 96] him that bought him.

When wee take our foode.

For asmuch as our minde is to be imployed in holie, and godlie considerations at all times, yet especially when we are to take our bodily foode, aswell to arme our selues that the wicked spirit or our owne sensualitie circūuent vs not, & impell vs to passe the bon­des of necessitie in feeding, cau­singe vs to take more foode then the necessity of our bodies requi­re; as also that we take not imo­derate delight in feeding, which doth exceedinglie dull our soule, and make it altogether sensuall, and not only then, but common­lie a great while after vnable and vnfit for spirituall thinges. And for this cause the first founders & instituters of the most holy Reli­gious Orders, ordayned that in the time of feeding, there should [Page 97] be certaine good bookes read, that the minde being occupied in the thinges which are heard, may be somewhat withdrawen frō the pleasure of eating. The same thin­ge certaine holie Synods or Co­uncels, haue decreed, should be done of Bishops and other Prela­tes, who are more obliged then o­thers, to the studie of vertues, and contempt of the delightes and pleasures of the flesh. Wherefore they that, desire to profit in spi­rit, and to conserue the interiour vigour of the soule, seeinge they are bound to yeelde their bodies foode and refection, and cannot lawfully withdraw it from them, besides the diligent care they are to take, that this be done with due [...]emperance, both in the qualitie [...]nd quantitie of meates, they [...]ught also to arme them selues [...]ost diligentlie with certaine cō­siderations [Page 98] in the time of eating, that the sensuall delight of ea­ting, weaken not the spirit, and withdraw it from that feruour, and constancy it would otherwise retaine. For asmuch therefore as this is so necessary a matter, I will be somewhat longer herein, set­tinge downe seuerall exercises for euery day of the weeke, before meales.

Mondaye. THE 33. EXERCISE.

THe eyes of all thinges doe trust in thee, ô Lord, and thou geuest them their foode i [...] due season, thou openest thy hād and fillest euery liuinge creatur [...] with thy blessing. Psal. 144.

Who geueth beasts their foode and younge Rauens calling vpo [...] him. Psal. 146. v. 9.

All thinges expecte from thee, that thou geue them foode in due time. Thou geuinge it they will gather it, thou opening thy hand, all thinges shalbe filled with thy goodnes. Psal. 103. v. 28.

Beholde the fowles of the ayre, which doe not sowe nor reape, nor gather into barnes, and yet your heauenly Father feedeth them. Matt. 6. v. 20.

Consideration.

We wil consider, with how much goodnes and liberality, God doth nourish all his creatures, in so-much that the very emmots, nor the least wormes that are, no nor his enemies, that is to say, those that liue in mortall sinne, are for­gotten with him, but he geueth euery thing his share.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he geueth vs sustenance, and [Page 100] hath hitherto sustained vs, and all his creatures.

The Confusion.

We wil be ashamed, considering we are vnworthie of the bread we eate, and the drinke we drinke, beinge such ill and vnprofitable seruāts, in the house of our Lord.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to geue vs true sobrietie, in eating & drink­inge, that we exceed not therein; and that we may so take our cor­porall sustenance, that our bodie be onely maintained for the ser­uice of God, and not strengthe­ned to rebell against the spirit.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, to be depriued, for the loue of him, of all corporall delightes whatsoeuer: contentinge our sel­ues with those things only, which are meerly necessary, yea and pa­tiently [Page 101] to endure the wāt of those also, if they be taken from vs.

Tuesday. THE 34. EXERCISE.

BLessed be yee that honger now, for yee shalbe satiated. Luc. 6. v. 21.

I will satiate her poore, with bread. Psal. 131. v. 15.

The poore shal eate and shalbe filled, and they shall praise our Lord that seeke after him. Psal. 21. v. 27.

Eate and drinke yee my frends, and be yee inebriated my dearest. Cantic. 5. v. 1.

Consideration.

We wil consider, that God doth in this present life, sustaine his e­lect with grace and spiritual con­siderations, wherewith he doth so [Page 102] refresh and satiate them, that all the riches of the Kinges and Prin­ces of this world, cannot be com­pared with the riches and treasu­res of them.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will yelde thankes vnto God, that he hath communica­ted him selfe so liberallye to his creatures, whom he inuiteth thus to his Table. Come eate & drinke my frendes, and be yee inebria­ted my dearest. Nay he goeth frō dore to dore to call them to this banket, and therefore in another place he sayeth. Apoc. 3. v. 20. Be­hold I stand at the dore, & knock, if any man open vnto me, I will supp with him, and he with mee.

The Confusion

We will be ashamed, that we haue despised and made so light of this heauenly Manna, and haue preferred before it, the Onions & [Page 103] Garlicke of Egipt, that is to say, our sensuall delightes.

The Petition.

We wil desire God to commu­nicate vnto vs this heauēly bread, and suffer it neuer to be wantinge vnto vs.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to suf­fer any famine of corporal foode whatsoeuer, rather then to want that heauenly foode, without the which, our soule famisheth, and dyeth for honger.

Wensday. THE 35 EXERCISE.

HOw sweete are thy speeches to my iawes? sweeter thē ho­nie to my mouth. Psal. 118. v. 103.

Thou hast prepared in my sight, a Table against them that trouble [Page 102] [...] [Page 103] [...] [Page 104] me. Psal. 22. v. 5.

Wisedome hath builte her a howse, she hath mingled her wine, and set a Table. Prou. 9. v. 1.

Come yee, eate my bread and drink my wine which I haue min­gled for you. Ibid. v. 4.

Consideration.

We will consider how rich and plentifull of all things the Table of the holie Scriptures is, which God hath prepared within his house, to wit, his Church, wher­in all both great and little may finde conuenient foode. For there the weake are fedd with tender meates, the stronger, with stron­ger meates, that is to say, with the doctrine of perfection.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for the singuler benefit that he hath heretofore fed and still doth feede our soules, with his heauen­lie [Page 105] doctrine, which is not groun­ded vpon naturall reason, which oftentimes is deceaued, nor vpon the opinions of philosophers and wisemen of the worlde, who in many thinges do erre, but vpon the authoritie of the moste high God, who cannot be deceaued, & is the principal & original truth, for he it is, that reuealed it vn­to vs.

The Confusion.

We wil be ashamed that we haue so highlie esteemed of this bene­fit, and haue bene so slacke and negligent in making profit ther­of. For if the Pagans had so great esteeme and regard of the Ora­cles of Apollo, how much ought we to esteeme (not of the Oracles of Apollo, a false and counterfait God) but of the true and eternal God, who cannot deceaue, nor be deceaued?

The Petition.

We will beseech God with the Prophet Dauid, to vncouer our eyes, that is to say, to remoue the veile of ignorance from them, & restore our sight, that we may cō­sider the meruailes of his law, and eate of that heauēly bread, which on the Table of the diuine Scrip­tures, is proposed vnto vs to be eaten, that it be not vnto vs, like vnto bread kept vp in a Pantrie.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to God, our vn­derstanding, perswasible, and rea­die to beleeue all thinges reuea­led vnto vs in the diuine Scriptu­res, and our will prompt and flex­ible in all things, to obey what­soeuer is commaunded, or coun­sailed vs therein.

Thursday. THE 36. EXERCISE.

MAn hath eaten of the bread of Angels. Psal. 77. v. 25.

Vnles yee eate the flesh of the Sonne of man, and drinke his bloud, yee shall not haue life in you. Ioh. 6. v. 54.

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my bloud, hath life e­uerlasting. Ibidem.

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my bloud, remayneth in mee, and I in him. Ibid.

This is the bread which descen­ded from heauen, he that eateth of this bread, shall liue for euer. Ibid.

Consideration.

We will consider how admira­ble & diuine that Table is, which [Page 108] God hath placed in his Church. That is to say, of the most holie Sacramēt of the Eucharist, wher­in the bodie of Christ is geuen vs to be eaten, and his bloud to be drunke.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will geue thanks to God for such an infinit benefit, which driueth euē the Angelical spirits, into admiration and amazement.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, that we haue forgotten and neglected to eate this bread, which strength­neth the harte of man, and that we haue presumed to come to this heauēly Manna, without due pre­paration.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to geue vs continual honger of this celestial bread, and to grant vs interior de­uotion as often as we come to this [Page 109] Table of our Lord.

The Oblation.

We will offer to our Lord our harte, to transforme it by that most noble Sacrament, into him­selfe, that it beinge deade to the world, may liue to him alone.

Friday. THE 37. EXERCISE.

THey gaue me gawle to eate, and vineger to drinke. Psal. 68. v. 22.

He hath filled me with bitter thinges, and geuen me worme­woode to drinke. Thren. 3. v. 13.

Consideration.

We will consider that Table ful of torments (gawle and vineger) which the vngratefull Iewes pre­pared for Christ our Sauiour, and of which Christ for our loue did [Page 110] voluntarilie and willinglie taste.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to him, that he would taste of those most bitter meates for our sake, to the ende he might deserue heauenlie sweetnes for vs, and that he hath deliuered vs from that eternall bitternes and a maritude, which is prepared for the damned in hell.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed that Christ hauing drunke gawle for vs vpon the Crosse, we haue so often offe­red him the gawle of our sinnes to drinke.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God to geue vs teares of compassion, wherwith to bewaile those thinges he suf­fered for our redemption, and that those may be our bread day and night, with which in the re­membrance of his punishments, [Page 111] we may mingle our meates.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to God, to suffer all bitternes and all pai­nes howe sharpe soeuer, for the loue of him, who suffered so great thinges for the loue of vs: and we will humbly beseech him, that he alwayes geue vs of his cupp to drinke, because it is not fitt, that vnder a thorny head, there should be delicate members.

Satturday. THE 38. EXERCISE.

FIre, brimstone, and the spi­rit of stormes, the portion of their Cupp. Psal. 10. v. 7.

If any man shal adore the beast and his Image, and shall receaue his character in his forhead, or in his hand, this man shall drinke [Page 112] of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mingled with sweet wine, and he shall be tormented with fire, and brimstone, in the sight o [...] the holy Angels. Apoc. 14. v. 9.

Their worme dyeth not, & the fire is not quēcheable. Mat. 9. v. 43.

Consideration.

We will consider how dreadful, and horrible that Table is, which God hath prepared for sinners in hell, where they shalbe fedd with all manner of bitternes that can be imagined, where the couetou [...] riche glutton craueth one dropp [...] of water to coole the heate of his tongue, & yet cannot obtaine it.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that we are not yet in hell, wher­as we haue deserued it, as often as we haue committed any mor­tall sinne.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ [...]ing how little fruite the feare of [...]hese terrible tormentes, haue [...]rought in vs, daringe to offend God with our sinnes, notwithstā­ [...]inge we beleeue most certainely [...]hat these torments are prepared [...]or sinners.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to wound [...]ur flesh with the feare of these [...]aines, and feed vs with the same, [...]hat if the consideration of his [...]oodnes, and of the benefits he so [...]berally bestoweth vpon vs, be [...]ot sufficient, to soften and mol­ [...]fie the hardnes of our heart, the [...]eare of these paines may hinder [...]nd restraine vs.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to God the Fa­ [...]er, the sorrowes and bitternes [...]hich Christ tasted in his Passion, [Page 114] and likewise the sorrowes of the most blessed Virgin Marie, and al the holy Martyrs, that by them he will deliuer vs from those e­uerlastinge torments, which the damned doe suffer in hell.

Sonday. THE 39. EXERCISE.

ANd the Lord God of hostes will make vpon this moun­taine for all his people, a banket of fat thinges, a vintage banket, of thinges as fat as marrow, of a vintage purged from the dregs. Esa. 25. v. 6.

I dispose for you, as my Father hath disposed for mee, a kingdom that you may eate at my Table in my kingdome. Luc. 22. v. 29.

Blessed are they that are inui­ted to the marriage supper of the [Page 115] lambe. Apoc. 19. v. 9.

They shall drinke their fill of [...]he plenty of thy house, and thou [...]halt geue thē drinke of the Tor­ [...]ent of thy delightes. Psal. 35 v. 9.

When thy glory appeareth, I shalbe filled, and saciated at the full. Psal. 16. v. 15.

Consideration.

We will consider that heauen­ [...]ie table, which God hath prepa­ [...]ed in heauen for the iust, where [...]he bread which is set before them [...]o eate, is God himselfe, by the vision or sight of whom they are made happy; by the eatinge of which bread, they are so satiated & contented, that they can desire no more.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that he hath prepared for vs, such wonderfull good thinges in hea­uen, and hath also promised them [Page 116] vnto vs, and stirreth vs vpp t [...] hope and desire them, and geuet [...] vs sufficient ayde for the obtayning thereof.

The Confusion.

We wilbe ashamed, that wher­as God hath created vs to eate the bread of Angels, that is to say to haue the fruition of God, we haue delighted rather in the foode of beastes (voyde of reason) and haue so fedd thereof, that we haue oftētimes for it exposed our selues to the daunger of loosinge the foode of eternall felicitie.

The Petition.

We wil beseech God that by no meanes he permit vs, to be cast out of that heauenly banket, but nomber vs amongst them which are to sit downe thereat, although we be the least & lowest of thē all.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to God the Fa­ther, [Page 117] the merits of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, together with the merits of all the Saincts, that by their intercession he geue vs a place in heauen. We will also of­fer our selues to suffer all honger, and other calamities of this pre­sent life, rather then to loose the satietie, and sweet repose of the house of God.

When we passe by a Church. THE 40. EXERCISE.

VErely our Lord is in this pla­ce; this place is no other thē the house of God, and the gate of heauen. Genes 28. v. 16.

Is it therefore to be thought, that God doth truely dwell vpon the earth. 3. Reg. 8. v. 27.

If the heauens, and the heauens of heauens cannot containe thee, [Page 118] how much lesse this house? Ibid.

My house shalbe called, th [...] house of prayer. Matt. 21. v. 13.

An Instruction.

As oftē as we passe by a Church vnlesse we are in great haste, w [...] should goe into it, and there wo [...] ship and adore almightie God truely and really present in th [...] moste holy Sacrament of the A [...] tar, and humbly commende ou [...] selues vnto that Saincte, vnto wh [...] the Church is dedicated: & whe [...] ther we go into the Church or no [...] we may exercise ourselues in thes [...] pointes following.

Consideration.

Wee will consider the goodne [...] of God, who departinge from vs leaueth himselfe present with vs in the most holy Sacrament of th [...] Eucharist, and ordained Temple to be built, wherein the same Sacrament might be continualli [...] [Page 119] kept, which should be vnto vs as places of refuge, whereunto wee might haue recourse in al our ne­cessities, and implore the assistan­ce of God; wherin also God would haue his Sainctes to be honored, for it is a thinge pleasinge vnto him, to haue the Churches called by their names, & therin by their merits and intercession, he geueth many and singuler gifts and bles­singes to men.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for those great benefits contained [...]n the precedent consideration.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, that we [...]aue bene so slacke, and negligent [...] visiting of Churches, and that [...]e haue carried our selues so vn­ [...]uerentlie, and vndeuoutlie in [...]em, when we were therin.

The Petition.

We will craue of God, some es­peciall grace, which we doe then most of all want, and that by the intercession of that Saincte, vnto whom the Church is dedicated.

The Oblation.

We wil offer to God, all the merits of that Saincte, of whom th [...] Church is named: and wee wil [...] praise and glorifie God, for th [...] gifts and graces, graunted to th [...] same Saincte.

When we accompanie the blessed S [...] crament carryed in the Streete. THE 41. EXERCISE.

HE was seene vpon the eart [...] and he conuersed with me [...] Bar. 3. v. 38.

Behold I my selfe will seeke o [...] my sheepe, & visit them as a Sh [...] ­pheard [Page 121] visiteth his flocke. Ezech. 34. v. 11.

I will feede my sheepe, and I will make them to lie downe to rest, saith our Lord God. That which was lost, I will seeke out, & that which is broken, I will binde together, and that which is feeble I will strengthen, and that which [...]s fat and stronge, I will so keepe. [...]bid. v. 15.

And behold I am with you all dayes euen vnto the consumma­ [...]ion of the world. Mat. 28. v. 20.

Consideration.

Wee will consider the goodnes of God, who was not contented [...]o come into the worlde and liue [...]mongst men, and by his doctrine [...]d example to instruct them, but [...]so sittinge in his glorie, at the [...]ght hand of his Father in hea­ [...]n, vouchsafeth to remaine a­ [...]ongst men in the most holie Sa­crament [Page 122] of the Eucharist, & doth visit them and enter into theire houses, that he may bestow his benefits vpon them.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God for that singuler benefit, contay­ned in the precedēt consideration.

The Confusion.

We will be confounded that we are so vngratefull to God, for so great and maine a benefit, & haue so little memory therof. Also that we are so weake and colde in the loue and seruice of this, our most good, and liberall Lord.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to visit our heartes with his grace, and thereby to expell out of them all inordinate affection, with all thinges which to his diuine Ma­iestie shalbe displeasinge. We will also pray vnto God, for the sicke [Page 123] person, vnto whom the most ho­lie Sacrament of the Eucharist is carried.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to God the Fa­ther, the benignity, clemency and liberality of his most beloued son­ne, which he vsed towards men, and we wil glorifie the Father, the Sonne and the holy Ghost, for the same.

When we passe by some godlie Image. THE 42. EXERCISE.

GOd created man after his owne Image and likenes Ge­nes. 1. v. 27.

For he is the brightnes of eter­nall light, and the vnspotted glas­se of the Maiestie of God, and the Image of his goodnes. Sap. 7. v. 27.

Thou shalt make also two gol­den [Page 124] Cherubins cast in a molde, & shalt be set on eache side of the Tabernacle, one. Exod. 23. v. 18.

Make a brasen Serpent, and set it vp for a Signe, he that is woun­ded and beholdeth it, shall liue. Numb. 21. v. 8.

Salomon made in the Taber­nacle, two Cherubins, of Oliue-tymber, and set them in the mid­dle of the inner part of the Tem­ple. 3. Reg. 6. v. 23.

As we haue borne the Image of the terrene, let vs also carrie the Image of the celestiall. 1. Cor. 15. v. 49.

Consideration.

We will geue vnto the Image due reuerence, and adore in it him whom it representeth, whether it be of the most sacred Trinitie, or of God the Father, or Iesus Christ true God and man, and acknow­ledge him to be our Kinge, our [Page 125] Lord, & our Creatour, by whom we are gouerned and sustayned. If it be the Image of the blessed Vir­gin Marie, we will acknowledge her to be the most holie of al crea­tures. If of any other Saincte, we will acknowledge him to be the frende of God, and a cittizen of our heauenly country, whom God hath exalted vnto great honour in heauen, and would haue him to be worshipped and honoured here on earth.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will thanke God, that he would haue Images to be in Ora­tories and Churches, partlie for a remedie against obliuion, partlie for our instruction, and comfort, partlie to be as a booke layde o­pen, wherein the illiterate & such as could not read in other books, might reade in these. Moreouer we will geue thankes vnto God, [Page 124] [...] [Page 125] [...] [Page 126] that he hath imprinted the Ima­ge of his Maiestie, in our soules.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, that we haue defi [...]ed and defaced with our sinnes and offences, the Image of God imprinted in our soules.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to restore within vs his Image againe, and polishe it a new, that his Image being pure and amiable in vs, we may please him alone. And we wil desire also of God, by the merits and intercession of that Saincte, whose Image it is, some especiall grace which we want.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, the ado­ration and reuerence which al the Angels, and electe in heauen doe exhibit and yelde vnto him, and we will praise and glorifie God with them all.

When thinges happen contrary to our will. THE 43. EXERCISE.

NOt my wil but thine be done. Luc. 22. v 42.

O Lord, ô Lord omnipotent Kinge, all thinges are vnder thy commaund, and there is nothing can resist thy power. Hesth. 13. v. 9.

Can we resist the will God? Genes. 50. v. 19.

Consideration.

We wil consider, that God doth gouerne all thinges with an vn­speakeable prouidence, and that his wayes & iudgments are most holie, although for the most part, they are hidden from vs, and ther­fore we will endeuour to confor­me our selues, to his diuine will, in all euents.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, for all those thinges which he or­daineth and disposeth about vs, and acknowledge him to be our Father, who loueth vs most ten­derlie, and in all things intendeth our good.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, conside­ring our ignorance, out of which oftentimes we deeme that thinge to be moste profitable vnto vs, which his hurtful and pernicious; We will consider also, that for our sinnes, wherwith we haue offended God, wee haue deserued, that all thinges should fall out contrary and aduerse vnto vs, and that in nothinge we should haue prospe­rous successe.

The Petition.

We wil beseech God to geue vs true conformitie to his will, and [Page 129] graunt, that although all things should fall out contrary to our will in our temporall affaires, yet that in spirituall matters we may daiely profit and encrease.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues whol­lie and entirelie to the ordinance of God, and beseech him so to dis­pose of vs, and all that is ours, as he knoweth will redound most to the honour, glorie, and seruice of himselfe.

When we see any dead bodie. THE 44. EXERCISE.

BVt you shal die like men. Psal. 81. v. 7.

It is decreed that all men shall one day die, and after that iudg­ment. Hebr. 9. v. 27.

Blessed are the dead which die [Page 130] in our Lord. Apoc. 14. v. 13.

O death how bitter is the remē­brance of thee, to a man that ta­keth delight in his welth? Eccles. 41. v. 1.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, that we also one day shall die, knowing nether the day nor hower of our death.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he hath prolonged our life, and time of penance, and hath mercifully expected our conuer­sion vnto penance, and amende­ment of life.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, conside­ring how negligent and slacke we are, in performing that for which our life was geuen, and allotted vnto vs, notwithstanding it is so shorte and vncertaine.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, to geue vs the continuall memory of our death, and grace to imploye the time of our life well. We wil pray also for the partie deceased, that God woulde make him partaker of his heauenly kingdome.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to God the Fa­ther, the death of his only begot­ten Sonne our Redeemer, that by the merits of him, he haue mercy on the soule of the deceased per­son, and reforme our life, and dis­pose it vnto a good and happie death.

When it raineth. THE 45. EXERCISE.

HE that couereth the heauens with clouds, and prepareth [Page 132] raine for the earth. Psal. 146. v. 8.

Watering the moūtaines from his superiour Regions, the earth shall be filled with the fruite of his workes. Psal. 146. v. 13.

He maketh his Sunne to arise vpon the good and badd, and rai­neth vpon the iust & vniust. Matt. 5. v. 45.

Thou ô God wilt segregate a voluntarie raine, for thy inheri­tance. Psal. 67. v. 10.

He descended like raine into a fliece of wooll, and like dropps, distillinge vpon the earth. Psal. 71. v. 6.

Consideration.

We will consider what a proui­dent care God hath, in visiting & watring the earth with raine, that it may bringe forth fruite for vs, in her due season.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, [Page 133] for the benefit of this materiall raine, and for the spirituall raine of his grace, doctrine, and holy inspirations, wherewithall he wa­teringe our soules, maketh them bring forth the fruites of vertues and good workes.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ringe our drienes, and barrennes in good workes, not because God withdraweth from vs his spiritual raine aforesaide, but because, we like naughty & accursed ground, do bring forth thistles & thornes.

The Petition.

We will craue of God his hea­uenly raine, and that he vouch­safe, like a good husbande-man, to purge and purifie the ground & soyle of our soules from thor­nes, and thistles of sinne, and take away from them all the naughti­nes of temporall desires, and sen­suall [Page 134] appetites, and make them fertill in bringing forth the fruite of vertue.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our sou­les, which are before him like earth without moisture, and ack­nowledge that all the goodnes thereof, proceedeth from him, from whom, as it were from a spi­ritual heauē, the raine which cau­seth fertilitie in our soule, doth descende.

When there is a tempest. THE 46. EXERCISE.

THe spirit of stormes fulfil the will of our Lord. Psal. 148. v. 8.

Behold a whirle-wind the fury of our Lord going forth. Ierē 30. v. 23.

Let not the tempest of water drowne mee. Psal. 68. v. 16.

Iesus rebuked the winde & the [Page 135] tempest of water, and it ceased, & there was made a great calme. Luc. 8. v. 24.

Consideration.

We will consider, that horrible tempest and alteration of all the Elements, which is to goe before the day of iudgement, whereby God will signifie, how seuere and terrible that iudgement shall be, which he is to execute sone after.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he forewarneth vs of this tempest, and reneweth in vs, the memory of that dreadfull day, that it finde vs not vnprepared. We will also geue thankes to him for his clemencie, in that he hath oftentimes preserued vs from the tempest of temptations, either by preuentinge vs from hauinge them, or if we haue them, by so temperinge them, that we may [Page 136] sustaine them, geuing vs strength not to yelde vnto them.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ringe the tempests of our hearte, which thorough our inordinate Passions, are made turbulent like the Sea, which cannot be calmed.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to com­maund by his word, the tempests of our heart to be quiet, and res­tore vnto vs our desired tranquil­lity, for asmuch as his diuine Ma­iestie dwelleth not, but in a quiet and peaceable heart. We will be­seech him also to preserue vs hen­ceforth, frō stormes & tempests, that we may serue him in peace, and tranquillitie of minde, and make vse of his benefits.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God that per­fecte tranquillitie, and serenitie, [Page 137] which the soules of the Sainctes enioye in heauen whither no tem­pest can approach, and wee will praise and glorifie him for the same.

When we beholde the Sunne. THE 47. EXERCISE.

OVr Lord hath made the Sun­ne to rule the day, and the Moone to rule the night. Psal. 135. v. 8.

There shall rise to you, that feare my name, the Sunne of Iu­stice. Malach. 4. v. 2.

The eyes of our Lord are much more shining then the Sunne, be­holding euery where al the wayes of men, and the profunditie of the deepest places, and the hartes of men. Eccli 23. v. 28.

The iust shall shine like the [Page 138] Sunne. Matt. 13. v. 43.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, what a glo­rious lampe God hath prouided vs to enlighten the world. We will cōsider moreouer, that God is the Sunne of iustice, and a light vn­accessable, which cannot be seene of any creature, vnles it be strēg­thened and enabled by his diuine light.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for that singuler benefit wherwith he adorneth vs, geuing vs the ma­teriall Sunne to illuminate vs, & for the interiour light of faith, whereby he geueth vs both the true knowledge of his diuine Ma­iestie, and of his heauenly miste­ries, and dispelleth from our sou­les the darkenes of errour, & ge­ueth vs grace to driue away from them, the darkenes of sinne, ma­king [Page 139] them brighter then the Sun.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, that when light came into the world, we lo­ued darknes better thē light, being of the nomber of thē who would not vnderstand and learne to doe well.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to bestow on vs his [...]ight and veritie, that wee being free from all fainednes and deceite, like children of light, may goe before him in veritie, as the day strarre before the Sunne.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, that per­petual light which the blessed do enioy in the heauenly Ierusalem, where the lampe that doth illu­minate it, is the lambe of God, which is farr more bright and res­plendent, then this our Sunne, for which we will praise and glo­rifie [Page 140] him.

When we beholde the Heauens. THE 48. EXERCISE.

OVr Lord hath prepared his seate in heauen, and his king­dome shall raigne ouer all. Psal. 102. v. 19.

Who is like our Lord God who dwelleth in the highest, and be­holdeth the lowest in heauen and earth. Psal. 112. v. 5.

Reioyce and be gladd, because your reward is copious in heauen. Matt. 5. v. 12.

But our conuersation is in hea­uen. Philipp. 3. v. 20.

Consideration.

We will consider, that the hea­uens are a ladder or staires to as­cend vnto our Father, and our country for which we were crea­ted. [Page 141] We will consider also, that we are banished men, and trauailers in this world.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will giue thankes to God, that he hath prepared for vs, such a magnificent beawtifull and spa­cious pallace. For if it seeme so wonderfull beawtifull exteriour­lie and farre off, how great is it within? the beawtie whereof none but the eyes of the blessed can be­holde.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed to see, how our heart is drowned in terrene & earthlie thinges, and that our cō­uersation, our cogitations, & de­sires, are conuersant, not in hea­uen, but in earth.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, that he doe not allot vs a terrene inheri­tance amongst the childrē of this [Page 142] worlde: but that he so gouerne & direct our life, that by vsing tem­porall goods aright, to his glo­rie, we may be worthy to obtaine eternall.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our sou­les, that of them he make him [...] spirituall heauen, where he ma [...] desire continually to dwell.

When we beholde Fire. THE 49. EXERCISE.

OVr God is a consuming fir [...] Hebr. 12. v. 29.

Who makest spirits thy Angels, and thy Ministers a flamin [...] fire. Psal. 103. v. 4.

I came to put fire into the worl [...] and what will I, but that it burn [...] Luc. 12. v. 49.

Which of you can dwell wi [...] [Page 143] consuminge fire? or which of you can dwell with euerlastinge com­bustions. Esa. 33. v. 14.

Are not my wordes as it were, a fire? saith our Lord. Ierem. 23. v. 29.

Consideration.

We will consider, how terrible the fire of hell is, in comparison wherof this of ours is but a pain­ted fire. Wee will consider more­ouer that God is a cōsuming fire, and that Christ came to put fire vpon the earth, and desireth no­ [...]hing else but that it should burne [...]n our hearts, expellinge from [...]hence all coldnes.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, [...]at he hath geuen vs materiall [...]e so very necessary for our vses, [...]d that he kindleth and enfla­ [...]eth the heartes of his Seruants [...] the loue of his Maiesty, by the [...]e of the holy Ghost.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring the tepiditie and coldnes of our heartes, in the middest of so great a fire, as that which Christ put vpon the earth, that is to say, when he wrought such wonderful and stupendious miracles therin; All which notwithstanding, we re­maine voide of all warmth, and colder then ice.

The Petition.

We will desire God to kindle in our hearts, the same fire, and in­cessantly to conserue it, that it be neuer extinguished, but encrease daily more and more.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, that mos [...] ardent loue of the Seraphins, wh [...] burne with the loue of his diuin [...] Maiestie, that their feruour ma [...] supplie our tepiditie and coldnes [...]

When we behold water. THE 50. EXERCISE.

I Will geue freely a fountaine of liuinge water, to him that thir­steth. Apoc. 21. v. 6.

Two euill things hath my peo­ple done, they haue forsaken me the fountaine of liuing water, and digged to themselues broken Ci­sternes which cānot holde water. Ierem. 2. v. 13.

Vpon the water of refection, he hath bredd me vpp. Psal. 22. v. 2.

Had not our Lord bene with­in vs, perhaps the waters had swal­lowed vs vpp. Our soule passed thorough a Torrent, or floud, perhaps our soule had passed tho­ [...]ough an intollerable water. Psal. 23. v. 3.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, that God is the fountaine of liuinge water, from whence all thinges, which haue any being or any manner of perfection, doe flowe: and that he is a Maine Sea, or boūdles Ocean of all perfection, wisedome, mer­cie and goodnes.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that he geueth vs water for our daily vses, and that by the touch of his most holie and pure flesh, when he pleased to be baptized in Iordane by S. Iohn the Baptist, he sanctified all waters, and gaue them vertue to regenerate soules in holy Baptisme, & purifie them from all filth of sinne.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring how small a time that puri­tie which was geuen vs in the fon [...] [Page 147] of sacred Baptisme, endured, for­asmuch as soone after, we retur­ned to contaminate and defile our soules againe, with the spotts of sinne.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, to wash and refresh vs with the water of his grace, and to geue vs the wa­ter of teares, to wash away the filth wherewith sinne hath defiled our soules.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, that wa­ter mixt with bloud, which flow­ed from the side of Christ our Re­deemer, when he died for vs vpon the Crosse, and was transfixed, or pierced thorough with a speare.

When we behold Feildes and grounds. THE 51. EXERCISE.

THe mountaines ascende and the Feildes descende into the [Page 148] place which thou hast ordayned for them. Psal. 103. v. 8.

The Feildes shalbe replenished with plentie. Psal. 64. v. 18

Husband thy ground diligent­lie. Prouerb. 24. v. 27.

I passed by the Feilde of a sloth­full man, and by the vineyard of a foolish man, and beholde the nettles had ouer-growen it, and thornes had couered it all ouer, & the fences were broken downe.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, that the Church is the Feilde of God, wherin his word is sowen, and that he tilleth and watereth it, with great care and diligence, by his Ministers and Seruants, whom he sendeth incessantly to ordre and husband this Feilde, from whence he gathereth most plētifull fruite into the barne of his heauenlie kingdome.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that he hath geuē vs Feildes from whence we may haue wheate and and other kinde of corne, for the sustentation of our humane life, and that he is most careful to [...]ow in our heartes his grace, and the good seed of holie workes, and rightfull desires.

The Confusion.

We will be confounded, consi­dering how often our Lords seed hath perished in the feilde of our soule, & brought forth no fruite, either because we suffered it to lie open without fence to the tenta­tions of Satan, or that it was too stonie and harde, or that it wan­ted the moisture of deuotion, or that it was full of thornes, that is to say, of immoderate care and affection of worldlie and terrene thinges.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to cleanse this feilde, and fence it in with his custodie, and that he will take from thence the stony hardenes, and moisten it with the water of deuotiō, that it may yelde fruite, not only thirtie, but sixtie, and a hundred folde.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, the la­bours which Christ hath sustay­ned in tilling and manuring this feilde, watering it with his bloud. Wee will offer also, the labours which the Apostles the first sowers of the Gospell, and the holy Do­ctors & preachers of the Church, haue sustayned: & we will beseech him, that he will not permit so great labours, to be fruitles vn­to vs.

When we beholde Hills or Mountains. THE 52. EXERCISE.

I Lifted vp my eies vnto the hils, frō whence shal come my ayde. Psal. 120. v. 1.

Who shall ascende vpp to the mountaine of our Lord, or who shall stand in his holy place. Psal. 23. v. 3.

They that trust in our Lord, shall be as the Mount Sion. He that dwelleth in Ierusalem shall neuer be moued. Psal. 124. v. 1.

The hill of God is a fatt hill, a fruitfull hill, a hill wherin it plea­seth God to dwell, for God will dwell therin for euer. Psal. 67. v. 16.

Consideration.

We will lift vpp the eyes of our vnderstandinge, vnto that most high and loftie hill, that is to say, [Page 152] allmightie God, from whence our ayde and al our good proceedeth, and vnto the other lesser hils, that is to say the Sainctes, from whom water of Gods mercy distilleth vpon vs in this vale of teares, be­cause by their intercession & me­rits, God bestoweth vpon vs his manifolde gifts.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, for that he hath geuē vs hils from whēce we may haue water for our vse, and wheron our Cattaile may feed, and where we may haue store of wood and other thinges neces­sarie for our vse: We will also geue him thankes that he hath so great a care of his Church, wherein his sheepe are fedd, with wonderfull and diuine foode.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, to see our selues such weake & feeble sheep, [Page 153] notwithstandinge we feed vppon this mountaine, most plentifull & aboundinge with most holesome pastures.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech our Lord, to bring vs to that mountaine where he with his Sainctes dwelleth, and to satiate vs with the cleare vision of himselfe, and refresh his belo­ued sheepe, with the eternall and most pleasant pastures thereof.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer to God, the la­bours and torments, which Christ suffered for our sake, aswell on the mount of Oliuet, where, out of his excessiue griefe and agonie, he sweeat bloud, as also vppon the mount Caluary where he was cru­cified, that thorough the merit thereof, he may bringe vs vnto his mountaine of glorie.

When we beholde Trees. THE 53. EXERCISE.

PRaise our Lord all yee fruite bearinge trees, and all ye Ce­dars. Psal. 148. v. 9.

And he shalbe like a tree, which is planted by a streame of water, which shall yelde his fruite in due season, and his leafe shall not fall of, and whatsoeuer he doth, it shal prosper. Psal. 1. v. 3.

Blessed is the woodd by which iustice is fulfilled. Sap. 14. v. 7.

Consideration.

Wee will consider that tree of life, of which the Saincts in hea­uen doe feed, that is to say, Christ crucified, the fruite wherof freeth vs from eternall death, and brin­geth vs to eternall life.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he hath geuen vs trees, by whose fruite we are sustayned, and that he hath planted vs like trees in the Orcharde of his Church, wherein there is no tree barren, but thorough its owne default.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed seeing our selues to be vnfruitfull trees, only occupying place in vaine, & ther­fore haue deserued longe agoe, to be cut downe, and to be cast in hell-fire, had not the mercy of God, patiently expected vs vnto penance.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to tolle­rate vs with patience, and nourish vs with his benefits, that we may bringe forth fruite acceptable to his diuine Maiestie.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, the fruite of the merits which that tree plā­ted on the Moūt of Caluarie, that is to say, Christ crucified, yelded forth, that they may supplie our barrennes and sterilitie, and make vs fruitfull.

When we beholde Flowers. THE 54. EXERCISE.

I Am the flower of the feilde, & the lillie of the valleis. Cantic. 2. v. 1.

There shal goe forth a twigge, from the roote of Iesse, & a flower shall ascende from the roote ther­of. Esa. 11. v. 1.

Cōsider the lillies of the feilde, how they grow, they neither la­bour nor spinne, and yet I say vnto you, not Salomon in all his [Page 157] glorie, is cloathed like on of these. Matt. 6. v. 28.

A mans daies are as haye, he shall wither away, and fade as the flower of the feilde. Psal. 102. v. 15.

Consideration.

We will consider how God ge­ueth vnto flowers, beawtie, and sweetnes of smell, and that there is in him all beawtie more perfe­ctlie then in his creatures. More­ouer we will consider, that Christ our Redeemer called himselfe the flower of the feilde, because the beawtie and most sweete odour of him doth delight heauen & earth, and holie soules doe runne after his sweete odour.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, because he recreateth and deligh­teth vs with the beawty and sweet smell of flowers, and by the vir­tue thereof, being made into me­decines [Page 158] cureth our diseases, and chiefely because he hath geuen vs Christ the true flower of the feild, readie and obuious to all, and de­nyinge himselfe to none.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring the filthines & stinche which sinne hath caused in our soules, which we haue voluntarily plan­ted therein, the faire and sweet [...] smelling flowers of vertue (whic [...] Christ planted therin by the laue [...] of holy baptisme) beinge by v [...] rooted out.

The Petition.

We wil beseech God to replan [...] againe, and restore the flowers o [...] vertue, which we haue extirpate [...] and rooted out, that we may b [...] a good odour of Christ in eue [...] place, by geuing such example [...] behoueth the true Disciples [...] Iesus Christ.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, the flow­ [...]rs of the most perfecte vertues, [...]hich he planted in the most ho­ [...]e soule of Christ, from the first [...]stant of his Conception, & also [...]he beawty and most sweete odour [...]f that most florishing Rose plan­ [...]ed by the handes of the highest, [...]hat is to say, of the most blessed [...]irgin Marie: & finally the flow­ [...]rs of all the Sainctes, and we will [...]lorifie God for the same.

When we beholde Birdes. THE 55 EXERCISE.

O All yee fowles of the heauens blesse yee our Lord. Dan. 3. [...] 80.

My enemies haue caught me [...]ke a birde, with huntinge me. [...]ren. 3. v. 52.

As an Egle prouoking her yoūg ones to flie, and houeringe ouer them, stretcheth out her winges, and taketh them vpp vppon her backe. Deuter. 32. v. 11.

Ierusalem, Ierusalem, how of­ten woulde I haue gathered thy children, as a henne gathereth to­gether her young chickens vnder her winges, & thou wouldest not.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, how Christ our Redeemer did flie from hea­uen vnto the earth, and from the earth backe againe into heauen, & carryed his children with him, that is to say, the iust, detayned vntill that time in Limbo, and doth daily prouoke his children to flie, and soare vpp a lofte by contemplation, and openeth his breast like a pellican to reuiue hi [...] younge ones with his bloud: and finallie, gathereth them toge­ther, [Page 161] like a henne vnder his wings, and defendeth them from the in­fernall Kite of hell.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that he hath geuen vs birdes for our sustentation and seruice, and that by them he teacheth vs, to [...]ut all our trust and confidence [...]n God, to cast away all immode­ [...]ate care of temporall thinges, & with the winges of our desires, to [...]ifte vpp, and eleuate our selues, vnto the loue and desire of hea­uenlie thinges.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring how terrene our hart is, which is so drowned in these inferiour thinges, that it scarcely euer lif­teth vpp it selfe to desire heauen­ [...]ie thinges: which yet if at any [...]ime it doth, it presently slideth downe to earthlie thing againe.

The Petition.

We will beseech God with the Prophet Dauid (Psal. 54. v. 7.) to geue vs the wings of a doue, that leauing the earth, and the base & abiecte thinges thereof, we may flie vnto him, and rest in him, makinge our nest, in the holes of the Rocke, that is to say, in the wounds of Christ.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer our selues vnto God, that he lift vs vpp, and car­rie vs with him vpon his winges, acknowledging our selues, weake and vnfethered, not able of our selues to flie.

Whē we behold other liuing Creatures. THE 56. EXERCISE.

LEtt Beastes and all Cattaile praise our Lord. Psal. 148. v. 10.

Man when he was in honour vnderstoode not, he is compared vnto beastes, without vnderstan­dinge, and made like vnto them. Psal. 48. v. 13.

Be yee not made like vnto horse and mule, in whom there is no vn­derstanding. Psal. 31. v. 9.

The Oxe knoweth his posses­sour, and the Asse his Masters Cribbe: but Israel hath not know­en mee, and my people hath not vnderstood. Esa. 1. v. 3.

Consideration.

Omittinge the considerations, which may be framed concerning euery beast in particuler, accor­ding to his propriecie and nature, wee will consider, that euen after Adams sinne, all beastes doe serue vs after a sorte, yea euen those which seeme vnprofitable, & ve­ [...]emous or noysome. Prou. 6. v. 6. We wil consider also that the holy [Page 164] Ghost sendeth vs vnto the Em [...] mot, that by her we may learne t [...] shunne slouth and idlenes, & th [...] Christ warneth vs to learne wisedome of Serpents. Matt. 10. v. 1 [...]

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to Go [...] who hath graunted vs beastes an [...] other liuinge creatures, for o [...] vse and sustentation, and that h [...] hath created vs more excellen [...] enduinge vs with reason and vnderstanding, and concerning ou [...] soule, immortall and capable o [...] eternall felicitie.

The Confusion.

We wil blush for shame, that w [...] beinge placed of God in so grea [...] honor, haue not knowen him, bu [...] haue made our selues thoroug [...] sinne more vile then brute beast [...] disobeyinge God, and rebelling [...] against him, that feedeth and sustaineth vs.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to geue vs grace, to acknowledge our digni­ [...]ie, and to liue accordingly.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues as bea­ [...]es vnto his diuine Maiestie, to [...]oe with vs whatsoeuer it plea­ [...]eth, him without any resistance [...]t all of our parte.

When we heare the singinge of birdes, or other musicke. THE 57. EXERCISE.

REioyce to our Lord all the earth, singe reioyce, & make [...]elodie. Psal. 97. v. 5.

Singe yee to our Lord, in the [...]arpe and dittie of a Psalme, in [...]he Trumpets and voyce of the Cornet. Ibid.

I heard a voyce from heauen, [Page 166] as it were of harpers, playing vppon their harpes, and did singe a [...] it were a new songe. Apoc. 14. v. [...]

How shall wee singe the song [...] of our Lord, in a forraine Coun­trie? Psal. 136. v. 4.

Consideration.

We will consider that songe & most pleasant Musicke of the An­gels in heauen, which filleth th [...] heauenlie Ierusalem with ioye.

The Thankesgiuing

We will geue thankes to God [...] that he recreateth and maketh v [...] merrie with this exteriour Mu­sicke, and thereby stirreth vs vpp to desire the Musicke of heauen.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ringe that our Song and Musick [...] in this vale of Teares, ought t [...] be lamentations & sighes for ou [...] sinnes, for which we haue deser­ued to be condemned to the euer­lasting [Page 167] lamentation of hell.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God to geue vs his grace, and skill to singe grateful Musicke vnto him in our soule, and to banish out of it, all noises and rumours which our in­ordinate appetites, and vnbrid­led passions doe make therein.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God that mu­sicke which the Angels doe singe to him in heauen, praysinge him continually, and sayinge. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts.

When we heare the sound of Bells, and Trumpets. THE 58. EXERCISE.

PRaise our Lord on the well-tuned Cimbals praise him on [...]he Cimbals of inbilation. Psal. [Page 168] 150. v. 5.

If I speake with the tongues of men & Angels, but haue not cha­ritie, I am made like a soundinge brasse, or a tinglinge Cimball. 1. Cor. 13. v. 1.

He will send his Angels with a Trumpet, and with a great voice, and will gather together his elect from the fower windes. Matt. 24. v. 31.

That daye, shalbe a daye of wrath, a day of tribulation, and distresse, a day of calamitie and miserie, a day of darkenes & obs­curitie, a day of cloudes & whirle-windes, a day of a Trumpet and of the sound therof. Sophon. 7. v. 15.

Consideration.

We will remember that dread­full sound of the Trumpet, which shall awaken all men from the sleepe of death, and call them vn­to iudgement, and shall say, arise [Page 169] yee that are dead, and come to iudgement.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that before the time of this last iudgement, he awakneth vs, and warneth vs to prepare our selues aforehand, for the most stricte ac­compt which we are thē to yelde, before all the world.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring our spirituall blindnes, that neither by the externall voyce of God, by which he speaketh vnto vs in his creatures, nor by his in­ternall motions, we awake from our drowsie sleepe.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to cause that terrible Trumpet which shal [...]wake the dead, and call them [...]nto iudgement, to sound in our [...]ares, that our life may be a con­tinual [Page 170] preparation, vnto that day.

The Oblation.

We wil offer to God the Father, that contumelie and reproache which was done vnto his only be­gotten sonne, when he being car­ried with the sound of a Trumpet thorough the streetes of the citty of Ierusalem, loaden with his hea­uie Crosse, was proclaimed a ma­lefactour and guiltie of death, & we will humblie beseeche him by that confusion of his, to deliuer vs from that shame and confusion, which sinners shall be put vnto, in the day of the last iudgement, whē they shal be cast downe head­long into eternall torments, with a farr greater sounde and noyse thē was that of the former Trum­pet.

At night before we goe to sleepe. THE 59. EXERCISE.

I Mediated in the night with my hearte, and was exercised, and swept my spirit. Psal. 76. v 7.

In the nights lift vp your han­des vnto the holies, and blesse our Lord. Psal. 133. v. 2.

In the day God commaunded his mercie, and in the night, his songe of praise. Psal. 41. v. 9.

Consideration.

We will first examine our con­science runninge ouer al the how­ers of the day, and attentiuely considering whether we haue any way offended in thought, worde or deede, and sorrowinge for our offences, we will craue pardon for them of God, with a most firme purpose of amendinge our life, [Page 172] and confessing the same sinnes in due time, and finally we will sett our selues some satisfaction for the same.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he hath cōserued our life this day, that he hath geuen vs suste­nance for our bodie, and hath de­liuered vs from many perils, of bodie and soule; And also that he hath vouchsafed vs many other benefits, & especially those which we remember we haue receaued of his most liberall and munificent hande, that present day.

The Confusion.

We wil be ashamed before God, at the consideration of our negli­gence, & that we haue passed our dayes with so little fruite, not on­lie without any encrease in vertue and good workes, but decreasing: and whereas we ought to profit & [Page 173] goe forward, we haue gone back­ward, making good purposes, dai­lie and daily breakinge the same.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to keepe vs that night from all daunger & illusion of the Diuell, and to geue vs quiet sleepe, to repaire the strength of our body that we may be able so much the better, and more feruentlie to doe him ser­uice, and we will commende our selues to our guardian Angell, to preserue & protect vs that night.

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to God, to serue him hēceforth with grea­ter care and diligence, changing our liues vnto better, by the helpe of his grace.

When we put off our clothes, to goe to sleepe. THE 60. EXERCISE.

NAked came I out of my Mo­thers wombe, & naked shall I returne. Iob. 1. v 21.

Blessed is he that watcheth and kepeth his garmēts, that he walke not naked, and men see his turpi­tude. Apoc. 16. v. 15.

Dispoile your selues of the olde man, with his actes. Colosse. 3. v. 9.

I haue despoyled mee of my coate, how shal I put it on againe? Cantic? 5. v. 3.

The souldiers of the President stripping Iesus out of his clothes, put vpon him a purple Robe. Mat. 27. v. 28.

Consideration.

We will consider how the soul­diers [Page 175] stripped Christ naked out of his Clothes, that they mighte whippe him, and afterwards cru­cifie him vpon the mount of Cal­uarie, in the viewe, and presence of all the people: and how they deuided his garmentes amongst them, and cast lots vpon his seam­ [...]es coate, who should haue it.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he woulde for our sake, be stripped naked out of his gar­ments, that he might clothe vs with the garment of immortali­tie, and with a double vesture of glorie, that is to say, of soule and bodie.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ringe the spirituall nakednes of our soule, which of it selfe hath no garments but old torne raggs of sinne, with which no man is [Page 176] admitted vnto the nuptiall feast of the heauenlie bridegrome.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, that he will despoyle vs of the old Adam, and his vices, and cloth vs with the new Adam, and his vertues, that we beinge clothed with the garmentes of the only begotten Sonne of God, he may acknow­ledge vs in the nūber of his flock.

The Oblation.

We wil offer to God the Father, his only begotten Sonne, naked and nayled to the Crosse for our sake, that by his nakednes, he vouchsafe to clothe vs, with the garment of his grace. We wil also offer vnto him our selues, not on­lie to be made naked, but also to be crucified & die for the honour and glorie of him, after the imi­tation of his only begottē Sonne.

When we goe into our bed to sleepe. THE 61. EXERCISE.

I Will euery night wash my bed with my teares, and water my cowche. Psal 6. v. 7.

I made my bedd in darkenes. Iob 17. v. 13.

The bedd is narrow, that one of vs must fall out. Esa. 28. v. 20.

If I shall ascende into my bedd, & shall geue sleepe vnto my eies, and slumber vnto my eye-lides, and rest vnto the temples of my head, vntill I shall finde a place for our Lord, a Tabernacle for the God of Iacob.

Consideration.

We will consider how hard & grieuous a bedd the Crosse was, on which they stretched out, and nayled Christ his bodie, being ful [Page 178] of sorenes and woundes before. We will consider also, that we one day shall be layde into a graue, where we shall sleepe the sleepe of death, vntill the day of the ge­nerall resurrection: And ther­fore when we open our bedd to sleepe, we will consider how they will open our graue for vs, when we goe into our bedd, and how they will lay vs in our graue. Fi­nallye when we couer our selues, with the bed-clothes, how they will couer vs with earth.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God [...] that he hath geuen vs a bed wher­on to take our sleepe and repose [...] wheras he himself had not in thi [...] life, where to rest and recline hi [...] head.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, considering how vnworthy we are of thes [...] [Page 179] commodities, hauinge deserued thorough our sinnes, that fierie bed, which is prepared for sinners in hell.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, that he make our soule a most softe bed, where he may repose, & that our soule may rest in his bosome: and finally that he graunt vs a good death, that we may be of the nom­ber of thē which die in our Lord.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God the Fa­ther Christ, stretched out on the hard wood of the Crosse, where he tooke the sleepe of death, that he might raise vs from the sleepe of our sinnes, and geue vs life euer­lastinge.

In the meane while till we fall a sleepe. THE 62. EXERCISE.

IF you wil walke in my precepts, & keepe my commandements, and fulfill them, you shall sleepe, and there shall be none to trou­ble you. Leuitic. 26. v. 6.

I sleepe, and my harte wake­neth. Cantic. 5. v. 2.

Wee are not children of the night, nor of darkenes; therefore let vs not sleepe as others doe, but let vs watch and be sober. 1. Thess. 5. v. 6.

If I sleepe, I say, when shall I rise? Iob. 7. v. 4.

In peace in the selfe same, will I sleepe and rest. Psal. 4. v. 9.

Consideration.

We will consider that dreadful hower, when holdinge a hallowed [Page 181] waxe candle in our hande and in our death-bedd, we shall expecte death. We will consider moreouer how harde, & grieuous that night was to Christ, when in his Passion the souldiers gaue him no rest all the night longe, and neuer ceased to afflict him with a thowsand kindes of contumelious vsage.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he afforded vs this time to take our rest, and that when he li­ued on earth, he watched & spent wholle nightes in praier for vs.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring how often we haue not cared to sleepe, beinge in the state of mortall sinne, and haue not fea­red so great a daunger: for if God had then permitted the diuell to haue strangled vs, as we deserued, and the diuell thirsteth to doe, we [Page 182] should haue foūd ourselues awake in hell.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, that he permit not our soule to fal a sleep in the sleepe of sinne, but make vs watchfull and vigilant inces­santly, against the deceites of our enemies, that they maye neuer boast that they haue preuayled against vs.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God the Fa­ther, that sleepe which Christ dying vpon the Crosse, and being dead, tooke in the Sepulchre for vs vntill the third day, that by it he accept our sleepe vnto the honour of his diuine Maiestie.

When we are awake in the night. THE 63. EXERCISE.

THey that loue God frō their heart aboue all thinges, are [Page 183] discontented if they be any thing longe depriued of the memory of his diuine Maiestie. And because while a man is a sleepe, he wāteth this memorie, against which mi­serie they vse to take but little sleepe, or bringe them selues to breake and interrupt their sleepe often, that beinge awaked, they may commende themselues vnto their guardian Angell, that he be carefull to admonish them often, to thinke of theire best Father, who doth not sleepe nor slomber, [...]ut out of his fatherly prouiden­ [...]e, alwayes watcheth ouer them, [...]hich thing all those that couet [...]o serue God, ought to doe. To [...]he end therefore they may haue [...]herin to exercise themselues at [...]hese times, we will set thē downe [...] particuler exercise for that pur­ [...]ose.

In my bed thorough out the [Page 184] night, I sought whom my soule loueth. Cantic. 3. v. 1.

In the night ô Lord, I was mind­full of thy name. Psal. 118. v. 55.

In the middest of the night, there was made an out-crie, be­holde the Spouse commeth, goe forth and meete him. Matt. 25. v. 6 [...]

Thou hast tried my harte and visited it, in the night. Psal. 16. v. 3 [...]

The night is my illumination in my delightes. Psal. 138. v. 11.

Consideration.

We will consider how often th [...] sleepe of Christ, was interrupte [...] thorough his great care, & con­tinuall thinking of our saluation▪ For if the desire and sollicitud [...] of temporall thinges, doe caus [...] in men, exceeding great careful [...] nes & continual cogitation the [...] of: how much more did the arde [...] desire of our saluation cause th [...] same in Christ, which he desire [...] [Page 185] much more vehemently, then any couetous man doth desire riches.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, [...]hat he preserued vs in our sleepe.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ [...]inge how deepe and dead the [...]leepe of our hearte hath bene, [...]hen we haue passed much time [...]ithout any remēbrance of God, [...]nd haue not awaked for many [...]eares together, out of the sleepe [...]f sinne wherin we were buried.

The Petition.

Wee will craue of God a deepe [...]nd profound sleepe in him, that [...]e beinge transported into him, [...]ay forget all terrene and earth­ [...]e thinges, and euen our selues [...]lso: and that being dead to the [...]orld, and to our owne selfe loue, [...]e may liue to him alone.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our harte [...] that he maye vouchsafe to re [...] therin, and recline his head with­out any feare of his thorny crow [...] wherewithall his head was crow­ned: nay rather with a desire, tha [...] it might wound our hart with th [...] wounds of compassion and loue [...]

Certaine Exercises to be vsed at any houre of the day or night. THE 64. EXERCISE.

OVr God is not far from euerie one of vs, for in him w [...] liue, moue and haue our being [...] Act. 17. v. 28.

How can any thing subsist vnlesse thou wouldest: or be conserued which is not called of the [...] Sap. 11. v. 26.

Consideration.

We will consider that God ge­ [...]eth vs our beinge and life, and [...]hat we depēd much more of him, [...]hen the Sūne beames of the Sun­ [...]e. For we so depend of him, that [...] he should leaue vs neuer so lit­ [...]e a while, we should returne into [...]othing, whereof we were created.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God [...]r this benefit, which he inces­ [...]ntly doth vnto vs.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, before his [...]uine Maiestie consideringe our [...]gratitude, and negligence in [...]e seruice of God our continuall [...]enefactour.

The Petition.

We will desire of God, that he [...]waies looke vpon vs with the [...]es of his mercie, that as we haue [...]r life, and our beinge by his [Page 188] mercie: so by the same he ma [...] vs gratefull and acceptable vn [...] him.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our lif [...] and all that we be and haue, [...] imploye all in his seruice, who [...] they all are.

Another. THE 65. EXERCISE.

O Lord thou hast brought m [...] soule from hell, thou ha [...] saued me from them that disce [...] into the lake. Psal. 29. v. 4.

I will cōfesse vnto thee ô Lor [...] withall my heart, and I will gl [...] rifie thy name for euer, becau [...] thy mercie ouer mee is great, an [...] thou hast deliuered my soule fro [...] the inferiour nell. Psal. 85. v. 13.

Vnles our Lord had holpen m [...] [Page 189] [...]y soule had almost dwelt in hel. [...]al. 93. v. 17.

Consideration.

We will consider, that God de­ [...]ereth vs from hel almost euery [...]oment, because if God should [...]ue vs ouer to the will of our [...]emies, we might finne euerie [...]oment, and be iustlie condem­ [...]ed to the paines of hell.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God [...]th all our heart, for this so sin­ [...]ler a benefit.

The Confusion.

We will be confounded, consi­ [...]ringe the pronenes of our cor­ [...]pt nature vnto euill: which all­ [...]ies withdraweth vs from good, [...]d inciteth vs to euill.

The Petition.

We will beseeche God, not to [...]rsake or leaue vs, forasmuch as [...]seeth our necessitie to be great, [Page 180] by reason whereof our soule standeth in neede of his protection & ayde. And we will say with th [...] Prophet Dauid, they haue opene [...] their mouth vpon me. They hau [...] said, goe to, goe to, our eyes sa [...] it, thou ô Lord hast seene it, b [...] not silent, depart not from me.

The Oblation.

We will offer to our Lord, al [...] the good desires, and holy cogitations of the iust that are on th [...] earth, and all the good worke [...] that are done to the honour of hi [...] diuine Maiestie thorough th [...] whole world, and also all the parises wherwith the soules of the blessed doe celebrate his holy nam [...] in heauen.

Another. THE 66. EXERCISE.

THou hast obserued my path [...] & considered my foote-step [...] [Page 191] Iob. 13. v. 24.

All my wayes are in thy sight, ô Lord. Psal. 118. v. 161.

For he knoweth the secrets of my heart. Psal. 43. v. 22.

Consideration.

We will consider, that the eyes of our Lord are continually ouer vs, and he seeth not only all thin­ges which we doe and speake, but [...]lso all thinges which we thinke.

The Thankesgiuing

We will geue thankes to God, [...]hat he hath hitherto so patiētly, [...]nd with such longanimitie for­ [...]orne vs, and tollerated vs, to cō­ [...]i [...] so many hainous offences, in [...]e sight of his diuine Maiestie.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, conside­ [...]nge our impudencie and auda­ [...]ousnes, that we durst to commit [...]ne before the eyes of God, who [...]th one glance of his eye vpon [Page 192] the earth, is able to make it trem­ble and quake for feare.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, to geue vs interiour and exteriour purity, that we may walke worthily be­fore the eyes of his diuine Maie­sty, which loue puritie and sancti­tie, and hate euill.

The Oblation.

We will offer to our Lord, our heart, that he wil purifie, and san­ctifie the same, and make vs men according to his harte.

Of the vertue of Faith. THE 67. EXERCISE.

THe iust mā doth liue by faith▪ Rom. 1. v. 17.

In all thinges taking the buck­ler of faith, wherein you may ex­tinguish all the fierie darts of th [...] [Page 193] Diuell. Ephes. 6. v. 16.

This is the victorie which o­uercommeth the world, our faith. 1. Ioh. 5. v. 4.

Without faith it is vnpossible to please God. Hebr. 11. v. 6.

O Lord encrease our faith. Luc. 17. v. 5.

Consideration.

We will consider how certaine those things are which we beleeue by faith, forasmuch as they are warranted by the authoritie of God, who is the prime and eter­nall veritie, which cannot be de­ceaued, nor deceaue. The heauēs, the earth, and all thinges on the earth shall fayle, before one iott or tittle of those thinges, which [...]e hath reuealed shall fayle to be [...]ulfilled.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to our Lord, that he hath reuealed vnto [Page 194] Vs the sublime and high miste­ries of our faith, and hath com­municated & imparted vnto vs, some part of his secrets, and dea­leth with vs, not as with seru [...]nts, but as deare & intrinsical frends.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ringe what an idle faith we haue hitherto had in our soule, liuinge as if there were no God, and de­nying him with our workes, quite contrarie to his commādements.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to con­firme vs in our faith, and conti­nuallie to encrease it, and make that it be noridle within vs tho­rough want of good life.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our vn­derstandinge, flexible and ready to beleeue all thinges which faith teacheth vs, without requiringe [Page 195] any other reason, then his diuine reuelation thereof.

Of the vertue of hope. THE 68. EXERCISE.

FOr hope doth not confound. Rom. 5. v. 4.

By hope we are saued. Rom. 8. v. 24.

O Lord, my hope, from my youth. Psal. 70. v. 5.

In thee ô Lord haue I hoped, let me not be confoūded for euer. Psal. 30. v. 1.

Consideration.

We wil consider how secure the hope of Christians is, forasmuch as it is grounded & vnder-propt with the promisses of God, who is most faithfull & cannot possibly falsifie his word. And therfore as it is vnpossible that God should fayle: so is it vnpossible that his [Page 196] wordes should not be fulfilled,

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, for that he hath promised vs the vnspeakeable good thinges of e­ternall felicitie, and commaun­deth vs to hope for them. We will also geue him thankes, for that admirable ayde and helpe, which he hath geuen vs, that we may be able to attaine vnto the same, to wit his only begotten sonne, cloa­thed with humane flesh, and suf­fering death for our saluation, to­gether with the riche treasure of his infinite merits.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, our will, prompt and readie vnto all thin­ges which he shal commande, and in that manner as he shall com­mande: trustinge in his wordes alone, without requiringe any o­ther pledge or warrant.

Of Charitie towards God. THE 69. EXERCISE.

O Lord my strength I will loue thee. O Lord my strength, and my refuge, and my deliuerer. Psal. 17. v. 1.

What is there for me in hea­uen, and what doe I desire on earth, besides thee? My flesh and my harte languisheth. O God thou arte the God of my harte, and my portion for euer. Psal. 72. v. 25.

If I haue not charity, I am no­thinge. Nothinge doth me good. 1. Cor. 13. v. 2.

God is charitie & he that dwel­leth in charitie, dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1. Ioh. 4. v. 16.

Consideration.

We will consider how infinite a [Page 198] good thing God is, and how wor­thie to be beloued of all men, whom if we loue neuer so much, yet he deserueth to be beloued more.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he hath not onely geuen vs power and facultie to loue him, but also commaundeth vs so to doe, wheras our loue is of no mo­ment or benefit to him at all: we wil also geue thankes to him, that he maketh himselfe our treasure, our happines, and the Summe of all our good, that we neede not nor should not sett our harte and our loue vpon any thing but him.

The Confusion.

We will be as [...]amed, that we are so colde in the loue of such an [...] infinite good, and also that we are so voyde of wit [...]e, as to yelde ou [...] heart and handes to offend him.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, so to en­flame vs with his diuine loue, that we may repose and rest quiet in nothinge but in him alone, and neuer cease from the loue & prai­sing of him, and desire that he be praised, loued and obeyed of all, and be sorie with all our hearte, that any should offend him.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, our will and all our heart, that he would vouchsafe so to transforme it into him, by loue of him, that forget­ting all worldlie thinges, it may be swallowed vpp and drowned in him. We will also offer vnto him, that most ardent loue, wherewith the Seraphins doe loue him, de­siring to loue him with the like feruour as they, or rather greater, if it were possible to be done.

Of Charitie towardes our Neighbour. THE 70. EXERCISE.

THis is my commandement, that ye loue one another, as I haue loued you. Ioh. 5. v. 12.

If any man say, I loue God, and hateth his neighbour, he is a lyer. 1. Ioh. 4. v. 20.

We know we are trāslated from death to life, because we loue our neighbours: he that loueth not, remaineth in death. 1. Ioh. 3. v. 14.

Consideration.

We will consider how seuerelie God commaunded vs the loue of our neighbour, and from thence we will coniecture, how much he is pleased therwith, & how much he is displeased with enmitie and hatred, forasmuch as he forbid­deth vs to goe to the Altar, vnles [Page 201] we first reconcile our selues to our brethren or neighbours.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for all the benefits he geueth our neighbours, and for all the gifts he communicateth vnto them, & we will reioyce thereat, as for our selues. Finally we will beseeche God to conserue and encrease the same.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed before our Lord, consideringe how often we haue disgressed, and swarued from this his commandment of louing our neighbour, when notwith­standing he hath forbidden vs by a very seuere commaundemēt, to violate the same.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to geue vs perfect loue of our neighbour, that we may exercise the offices of [Page 202] charity towardes him. We will beseeche God to redresse all the necessities, both bodilie & ghost­lie of euery one. Wee will desire the saluation & good of all, none excepted, no, not the most wret­ched and abiecte person in the worlde. We will also pardon them all their offēces against vs, if they haue any way offended vs. Final­lie, we will craue pardon of God, if we haue any way offended o [...] scandalized any one, with a firme purpose to make him satisfactiō, if it be requisite so to doe.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, to doe whatsoeuer we are able, in relieuinge the necessities of our neighbours, desiringe to be helpe­full to all, and to spend our life, if it were needfull, for their salua­tion, as Christ hath done for vs▪

Of Humilitie. THE 71. EXERCISE.

BE ye humbled vnder the pow­erfull hande of God. 1. Petr. 5. v. 6.

Learne of me, for I am meeke and humble of harte. Mat. 11. v. 29.

He that humbleth him selfe, shalbe exalted, and he that exal­teth himselfe, shall be humbled. Luc. 14. v. 11.

Consideration.

We will cōsider how much this vertue of humility pleaseth God, forasmuch as he professed him­selfe to be an especiall Master or teacher thereof, both in word and example. Moreouer how fittlie this vertue agreeth to man, seing he is nought but dust and ashes: and if we will diue deeper into him, nothinge but a plaine no­thing [Page 204] or vac [...]itie, and a depth o [...] imperfections and sinne.

The Thankesgiuing.

Wee will geue thankes to ou [...] Lord, for the admirable exampl [...] of humilitie, he shewed for vs i [...] his passion whē he who was innocencie it selfe, was condemned a [...] guiltie of death; and he that wa [...] the glorie of the Sainctes, wa [...] lesse esteemed then Barrabas, [...] notorious thefe; and he that wa [...] worthy of al honour, put to a mo [...] dishonourable and ignominio [...] death.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, consid [...] ring our foolish pride, that wh [...] as we are on euery side inuirone [...] and compassed about with ma [...] reasons which ought to moue an [...] induce vs to a most deepe hum­liation, and depression of our se [...] ues: neuer the lesse we are proud [...] [Page 205] and consequentlie abhominable [...]o God and men, for as the wise­man saieth: Pride is odious and [...]arefull to God and men. Eccle­astic. 10. v. 7.

The Petition.

We will beseech God to geue vs [...]rue humilitie, that we knowing [...]ur selues what we are, may walke [...]efore his Maiestie, with a sub­ [...]issiue and lowlie minde.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer our selues vnto [...]l the contempt, and abiection [...]f the world, and acknowledge it [...] be due vnto vs by good right, [...]nd that there is no place, no not [...]at which Lucifer hath in hell, [...]ut is to high, for vs.

Of Pouertie of spirit. THE 72. EXERCISE.

BLessed be the poore in spirit, for theirs is the kingdome of [Page 206] heauen. Mat. 5. v. 3.

The poore shall not be in obli­uiō for euer. The patience of th [...] poore, shall not perish for eue [...] Psal. 9. v. 19.

Our Lord hath hearde the de­sire of the poore. Psal. 10. v. 17.

The poore shall eate and be fil­led. Psal. 21. v. 27.

Consideration.

We wil consider how much th [...] vertue doth please God, fora [...] ­much as he hath assigned it th [...] first place amongst the eight Be [...] ­titudes, and he himselfe in his li [...] time here on earth, loued it espe­cially aboue the rest: and so em­braced it, that he was borne, [...] ­ued and died as it were in the a [...] ­mes and embracements thereof.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to Go [...] that wheras of himselfe he is mo­riche, he would for our sake ma [...] [Page 207] himselfe poore, both to enriche [...]ur pouertie, and also to instruct [...]s, how great the value & worth [...]f this vertue is, which withdraw­ [...]age the hearte of a man from all [...]hinges created, and causing it to [...]nounce all corruptible riches, is [...]ade the heire of God, who made [...]imselfe the inheritance and re­ [...]ard of the poore of spirit.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ [...]nge how much our hearte doth [...]here and cleaue vnto the durt, [...]nd filth of the corruptible thin­ [...]es of this life, in somuch that we [...]e not sticke for them to incurre [...]e losse of God himselfe, who is [...]e true and infinite riches of our [...]ules.

The Petition.

We will beseeche our Lord, to [...]ue vs this most riche vertue of [...]uertie of spirit, which doth [Page 208] make noble the possessors therof which place their treasure in Go [...] alone, and esteeme him aboue al [...]

The Oblation.

We will offer our selues to God vnto the depriuation and renunciation for the loue of him, an [...] of this vertue most acceptab [...] vnto him, of all thinges of th [...] present life, and of all consol [...] tion proceedinge from creature [...] and of all delightes whatsoeue [...] savinge with the spouse. My bel [...] ued to me, and I to him. Cantic. [...] v. 16.

Of Obedience. THE 73. EXERCISE.

OVr Lord Iesus Christ, ma [...] himselfe obedient euen vn [...] death, vnto the death of the Cro [...] se. Philip. 2. v. 8.

The minde of a iust man, will [...]editate obedience. Prou. 15 v. 28.

An obedient man, shall speake [...]ctories. Prou. 21. v 28.

Chasticinge, or making chaste our soules, in the Obedience of [...]haritie. 1. Pet. 1. v. 22.

Consideration.

We will consider, how iust and [...]e a thinge it is for vs, to obey [...]od, and all those whom he hath [...]aced ouer vs; For if a sonne owe [...]edience to his Father, a subiect [...] his King, a Seruant to his Lord [...]d Master: much more doe wee [...]e obediēce vnto God, in whom [...] these, and manie other Titles [...]e concurr. For God is our Fa­ [...]er, our Kinge, and our Master, [...]d therfore infinite obedience is [...]e vnto him, & greater then any [...]ature is able to performe.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, [Page 210] for the admirable exāples whi [...] he hath geuen vs in this vertu [...] obeyinge not onely God his F [...] ther euen vnto death, but maki [...] himselfe subiect vnto his Mothe [...] the most holie Virgin Marie, a [...] and Ioseph her Spouse, and at h [...] passion vnto vniust Iudges, a [...] their wicked Ministers.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, consid [...] ringe our rebellion and diso [...] diēce, who haue erected ourselu [...] presumptuously against God, a [...] our Superiours, in that we ha [...] denyed him in our workes, a [...] makinge to our selues an Idoll [...] our owne will, haue obeyed [...] more then God.

The Petition.

We will beseeche God to g [...] vs true and perfecte Obedien [...] whereby we may not only obe [...] his commandements, but also [...] [Page 211] counsailes, and inspirations, and [...] be subiect to him in all things, [...]ithout any repugnance or con­ [...]adiction: and for his sake to [...]lde perfect obedience vnto the [...]mandements of our Superiors, [...]thour excuse or replie, obeying [...]em not only in worke, but also [...]ith a cheerefull minde and sub­ [...]issiue iudgement.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our will, [...] resigninge it into his handes, [...]at in nothinge we doe what we [...]ll or desire, but that only which [...]pleasing to the will of God, be­ [...]use his will is the rule of all rec­ [...]ude, sanctitie, and iustice, and [...]erefore worthy in all thinges to [...] fulfilled.

Of Patience. THE 74. EXERCISE.

IN your patience you shal po [...] sesse your soules. Luc. 21. v. [...].

The patience of the poore, sh [...] not perish for euer. Psal. 9. v. 19.

Because thou ô Lord art my p [...] tience. Psal. 70. v. 5.

A mans profiting in perfectio [...] is knowen by his patience. Pr [...] 19. v. 11.

Consideration.

We will consider the dignit [...] of this vertue, forasmuch as [...] it we possesse our soule, which t [...] vnpatient man looseth almost [...] uery hower, partly by impati [...] ce, hatred, wrath, rancour and i [...] ward disquietnes of minde: a [...] partlie for other occasions whi [...] in this wretched life, doe eue [...] [Page 213] moment almost happen and offer [...]hēselues vnto vs, amongst which [...]e can hardly conserue our sel­ [...]es, without the offence of God, [...]nles we be armed with the buck­ [...]r of patience.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, [...]r all those most perfect exam­ [...]es of patience, which he gaue vs [...] all the course of his life, and es­ [...]ecially in the time of his passiō: [...]r when he was ill spoken of, he [...]turned not ill speeches againe, [...]either came there any inconsi­ [...]rate or careles worde out of his [...]outh, when he was falsely accu­ [...]d: he defended not himselfe, [...]en he was vniustlie vexed and [...]rmented: he threatned not his [...]menters, but as a most meeke [...]mbe, amongst all his punish­ [...]ents, opened not his mouth, but [...]ayed to his Father euē for them [Page 214] that put him to death.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, consid [...] ring our little or no patience, wh [...] oftētimes for a matter of no moment, doe trouble, and disturb [...] ourselues, and lose the peace [...] our soule, which is a most ric [...] treasure, and the bedd of Go [...] wherin he resteth in our soules.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to ge [...] vs this holie vertue of patienc [...] that we may patiently take an [...] sustaine, not only all aduersiti [...] sent vnto vs of God, but also a [...] persecutions, contempts, fal [...] witnes-bearinge, and all iniuri [...] any way happening vnto vs, wi [...] a cheerfull mind and without an [...] signe of impatience, being so [...] only for the offence of God, lo [...] inge them that offend vs, fro [...] our heart, and praying for the [...]

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, [...]o suffer for his loue al aduersity, persecution and reproach, and we [...]il desire that we may pledge him [...]n that cup which he hath drunke [...]or vs, and as it were begunne [...]nto vs.

Of Chastitie. THE 75. EXERCISE.

NO value of any thinge is worth a continent or chaste [...]inde. Eccli. 26. v. 20.

Keepe thy selfe chaste. 1. Tim. [...] v. 22.

Lett your loynes be girte. Luc. [...]. v. 35.

The fruites of the spirit is con­ [...]ency chastity &c. Galat. 5. v. 23.

Consideration.

We will consider how fayre and [Page 216] noble this vertue of chastitie is▪ which maketh vs like vnto th [...] Angels of God, and on the con [...] trarie parte, how vile and vglie [...] the vice of leacherie is, whic [...] maketh vs like vnto brute beasts▪

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God [...] for the examples he hath geue [...] vs of this vertue, aswell in himselfe, as also for that, he chose t [...] haue a Virgin Mother, whom h [...] would rather haue to conceaue [...] bring forth remayninge a Virgi [...] aboue the course of nature, the [...] that her holie virginitie should be violated or lost.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, that [...] haue so often aduentured and lo [...] this faire & amiable vertue, bo [...] in acte and in impure cogitatio [...] and desires.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to make [...]s perfectlie chaste both in bodie [...]nd soule, and that he suffer not [...]ny vnchaste or impure cogita­ [...]ion, to linger within vs.

The Oblation.

We wil offer ourselues to God, [...]umblie beseeching him with the [...]rophet Dauid to burne our heart [...] our reynes with the fire of the [...]olie Ghost, that so wee may be [...]ee from al impurity of lust, that [...]eing pure like gold that is tried [...]uen times in the fire, we may [...]orthily serue God, who is a most [...]ure spirit, and puritie it selfe.

Of Abstinence. THE 76. EXERCISE.

TAke heed your hearts be not ouer charged with gluttony, [Page 218] and dronkennes. Luc. 21. v. 34.

Let vs that are the children of the day, be sober. 1. Thessa. 5. v. 8.

He that is abstinent, shall pro­longe his life. Eccli. 37. v. 34.

Consideration.

We will consider, how necessa­rie and excellent this vertue is, it is the Mother of chastity, the cō­panion of praier, and the best preparation thereunto: and final­lie, it is the health both of bodie [...] and soule.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for the examples he hath geue [...] vs of this vertue, in all his life, and especially those fortie dayes, when he fasted in the desert.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, that w [...] haue oftentimes heretofore, an [...] daily doe more and more fayle i [...] this vertue, beinge ouercome of [Page 219] our owne sensualitie, which if we chaūce once to ouercome, we suf­fer our selues to be ouercome of it againe twentie times.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to geue vs this vertue, whereby we may be able, not onely to contemne & reiect all kinde of voluptuousnes and delight, and all superfluitie, and delight in eatinge and drin­kinge: but also to loue and enter­taine austeritie of life, crucifying our flesh, with all the vices and concupiscences thereof.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, [...]y renouncinge for his loue, all [...]he pleasures of the flesh, desiring [...]o more then were necessarie, vn­ [...]o the sustentation of our life, & [...]ufferinge the want, and depriua­ [...]iō of those also, if his diuine Ma­ [...]estie so please.

To stirre vs vpp vnto feruour in the ser­uice of God, and of a desire of pro­fitinge therin. THE 77. EXERCISE.

HE that feareth God, negle­cteth nothinge. Ecclesiast. 7. v. 19.

Cursed be he that doth the worke of our Lord negligentlie. Ierem. 48. v. 10.

Seruing our Lord with a feruē [...] spirit. Rom. 12. v. 11.

Because thou art neither hot [...] nor colde, I will beginne to vo­mitt thee out of my mouth. Apoc. 3. v. 15.

Therefore most beloued bre­thren, be ye stable and immouea­ble, aboundinge alwayes in th [...] worke of our Lord, knowing tha [...] your labour in our Lord is not i [...] [Page 221] vaine. 1. Cor. 15. v. 58.

Consideration.

We will consider what God de­serueth, and what we owe vnto him, and therefore what a disho­nest thing, and how dissonant to humane reason it is, negligentlie or coldlie to serue such a Lord, & to preferre any thinge before his seruice.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he woulde vouchsafe to be serued of vs, his most vile crea­tures, & vnworthy to stand before him, or to be called his seruants.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed before God, of our negligence in his ser­uice, both that we scarce doe him any seruice at al [...]as also that those things we doe, we doe them cold­lie, remissely and with many im­perfections.

The Petition.

We wil desire God to geue vs fer­uour of deuotion, wherby we may expell out of our hearts all cold­nes, and be able to ouercome all impediments occurringe in the seruice of God, and forgettinge those good things which we haue done hertofore as if they were no­thing, extend our selues vnto bet­ter from thenceforth.

The Oblation.

We wil offer our selues to God, to serue him by the helpe of his grace, with that feruour aforsaid, and with that wherwith the Sain­ctes doe serue him in heauen.

A methode of hearing Masse. THE 78. EXERCISE.

AMongst al the workes which a man may, and ought to [Page 223] exercise, none is more high, nor of greater profit, then to be present at the seruice of the Masse in that manner as he ought, and is fittinge. And therefore I haue thought it a thing, worth the la­bour, to sett downe a methode how to heare Masse, that our ser­uice may be the more acceptable to God, and profitable to our soules.

We are therefore to consider, that in the celebratiō of the Mas­se, three thinges are principally done, each of which are full of many misteries.

The first is, that therein bread and wine is consecrated (as Christ did in his last supper, he geuinge power, and authoritie to his A­postles and al priestes lawfully or­dayned, so to doe) and by the ver­tue of this consecration, the bread [...]is conuerted and chaunged into [Page 222] [...] [Page 223] [...] [Page 224] the true body of Christ our Re­deemer, and the wine into his true bloud; in somuch that after the consecration, there is contayned whole & entire Christ truly, real­lie, and substantially, vnder the formes of bread and wine.

The second is, that therein the body and bloud of Christ our Re­deemer, is offered vnder the for­mes of bread and wine, as a most gratefull and acceptable sacrifice to God the Father, and the whole most sacred and vndeuided Tri­nitie.

The third is, that the priest af­ter he hath offered vpp this sacri­fice, receaueth the bodie & bloud of Christ, as a Sacrament, vnto the vtilitie and profit of his owne soule, if he receaue it worthily, and with due disposition.

Out of this which we haue said, we may vnderstand how high thi [...] [Page 225] mistery is, & how great attētion, reuerence and deuotion, a Chri­stian ought to be present with, at the holy sacrifice of the Masse. For asmuch as therin is handled, so high a mistery & benefit, wher­of, not only the priest that cele­brateth it, but also all they that are presenteth thereat with due disposition and reuerence, are made pertakers. Wherefore that we may more exactly declare it.

First for asmuch as in the Mas­se is consecrated the bodie and bloud of Christ, and by virtue of this consecration, the same Christ is really presēt on the Altar, great attention and reuerence ought to be in the heart of a Christiā, hea­ringe or seruinge Masse: and also a vehement desire to heare it eue­rie day, not only on those dayes, when he is bound by the precept of the Church to heare it, & not [Page 226] only one Masse a day, but many if he can, and haue opprotunitie so to doe. For Christ saith vnto his Disciples, blessed are the eyes which see that which you see. For I say vnto you many Prophets, & Kinges haue desired to see those thinges which you see, and haue not seene them, meaning himself.

But the same Lord whom they saw, and with whom the Apostles conuersed, and for whom theire eyes were pronounced blessed, is really present on the Altar, where the sacrifice of the Masse is cele­brated after the cōsecration ther­of, and the eyes of al that are pre­sent doe truely beholde him. al­though veiled and hidden vnder the formes of bread and wine. For if wee ought to make a pilgri­mage, though neuer so longe and tedious, with the three Kinges to enioy this blessed sight, as doutles [Page 227] we ought, with how great thākes­giuing, deuotion & reuerence of hart ought a Christiā to reioice as oftē as he is presēt at the sacrifice of the Masse, wher without any la­bour or paine but with great free­dome & loue, he is admitted to see him, who was defired of Kinges, foretold of Prophets, & with gre­at thirst expected of the iust, him who is the glorie of the Sainctes, and on whom the Angels desire to looke. And although we ought to be present at this blessed sacrifice and sight, all the time of Masse, with very great attention & de­uotion: yet especially after the consecration, namely from that place when the priest doth eleuate and lift vpp the consecrated host, vntill he hath receiued and communicated the same, and during that time to geue himselfe wholly to yelde condigne thākes to God, [Page 228] for this singuler benefit, that al­though Christ be ascended into heauen, yet he would not altoge­ther depriue vs of his corporall presence, to the end we might be certaine & sure of his loue towar­des vs, & neuer forget those thin­ges, which he did, and suffered in this world for vs.

He shall also he [...]e adore Christ truely present, and make an acte of faith acknowledging and con­fessinge that he is the selfe same, which dyed for vs vpon the Cros­se, and sitteth now at the right hand of God the Father, & that he is the true Sonne of God, of one and the same essence Maiestie wisedome, eternity and power, with God the Father and the holy Ghost, and also true man the son­ne of the most blessed Virgin Ma­rie, conceaued by the operation of the holy Ghost, our Redeemer [Page 229] and Sauiour, who by the effusion of his most precious bloud, and by his most holy death, hath re­deemed vs from the hande and thraldome of the deuil, hath pro­merited and deserued for vs, re­mission and pardon of our sinnes, hath vnlocked and opened for vs, the gates of his heauenly king­dome, that we may enter therin­to, and enioy the same felicitie that he doth.

Let him be ashamed also before his diuine Maiesty, that he feeth him selfe, so vngratefull for so many and so mightie great bene­fits, so colde and negligent in the seruice of this most good & most liberall Lord: vnto whome he is bound by many Titles: and final­lie, that he dareth to offende a Kinge and Lord, of such an infi­nite Maiesty and power.

At last he being animated and [Page 230] stirred vpp with so great mercie, liberalitie and loue, as Christ here expressely sheweth, let him craue of him pardon of all his sinnes & remedy for al his necessities, both of soule and bodie, and also grace and giftes of God wherby he may be enabled perfectlie to serue and please him.

And in regard also that in the celebration of the Masse, the bo­die and bloud of Christ is offered as a sacrifice vnto God the Fa­ther, and the whole most blessed and vndeuided Trinitie, a Chri­stian ought to be present, with no lesse attention, deuotion and re­uerence: where it is to be vnder­stood, that forasmuch as God is our Creator & Master, who con­tinuallye conserueth in vs that beinge which he first gaue vs, he that geueth vs life, he that by his goodnes & prouidence doth go­uerne [Page 231] and rule vs, without whom we coulde not subsist so much as one moment, from whom pro­ceedeth our life and euery good thing we haue, and at whose han­des we hope for all things, faith­full people euer had from the be­ginning of the world some exter­nall and outward signe, whereby [...]o acknowledge this soueraigni­ [...]ie & supreame dominion of God ouer all thinges created: And to [...]his purpose chiefe of al did those sacrifices serue, which were of­fred in the old law, and those also which the Idolaters did vse, and therefore the holy scripture wit­nesseth, that by and by after the beginning of the world, Abel did offer sacrifice to God of the first [...]orne of his flocke, and that Noe, Abraham and the rest of the Pa­ [...]riarches, did the like. And after­wards in the law which God gaue [Page 232] and prescribed to the people of Israel, he commaunded soundry sortes of sacrifices, to be offered vnto him, which did not only pertaine to the end aforsaid, but also were a figure or adumbration of our Redeemer that was to come, and of our redemption which he was to worke. Of which some also were ordayned to yelde God thankes, for his benefits receaued, & some for the expiation of sinnes. But Christ our Redeemer comminge into the world as true Bishoppe, prieste, and mediatour, bet­weene vs and God his Father, he offered himselfe a sacrifice for the saluation of the world, and fini­shing or making an end of the ol [...] law with all the sacrifices thereof, and founding of a new law, left to his Church, not only sacrific [...] in steed of all the former, muc [...] more excellent, and pretious the [...] [Page 233] all those, and this is the same sa­crifice of the bodie and bloud of Christ which we now offer, sauing that he offred himself with bloud, truely and really sheddinge his bloud, and dying vpon the Crosse for vs: but we offer it without bloud, vnder the formes of bread and wine, as he in his last supper ordayned it to be offered, when he said vnto his Disciples, as often as you doe these thinges, that is to say, as often as you consecrate my body and bloud, and make it present vnder the formes of bread and wine (as I teach you and geue you power to doe) you shall doe it in the remembrance of me, that is to say, as the Apostle S. Paule expoundeth it, of my death. 1. Cor. 11. v. 26. And although the Church hath no other sacrifice but this only, yet in this all thin­ges are done that could be done [Page 234] in all the other sacrifices aforsaid, and that in a farre more perfect & ample manner. And therefore by this sacrifice, first we protest that God, vnto whom we offer it, is our Creatour and Master, and we his creatures and seruants, who haue our being, our life, and all things of him, & from his good­nes and mercie, doe hope for par­don of our sinnes, and euerlasting glory wherūto he hath created & ordained vs. By this same sacrifice also, we make a commemoration or remembrance of that sacrifice, which Christ the high Priest, did offer with his bloud for vs vpon the Altar of the Crosse, for the ex­piation of our sinnes and in remē­brance of his most innocent life, and most holy passion, death and glorious Resurrection and Ascen­sion into heauen. By this also we will geue thākes to God for all his benefits, which he hath bestowed, [Page 235] & cōtinually doth bestow vpō vs. We will also praise & glorify him for his goodnes and mercy, which he declared, in that he gaue his only begotten Sonne for the Re­demption of the world, whom we offer vnto him in recompence of that benefit and all others. For we hauing nothing of our owne like [...]oore beggers, to offer vnto him, [...]ffer this sacrifice to him in satis­faction for our sinnes, that by it [...]e may deserue remission therof, and be made partakers of that Redemption which Christ by his [...]eath hath wrought for vs, and [...]btaine remission of that tempo­ [...]al punishment which remayneth [...]o be paide after the sinne, forge­ [...]en by contrition and Sacramen­ [...]all confession made to the priest, [...]hich haue their vertue and effi­ [...]acie frō the same sacrifice which Christ offered for vs: We wil offer [Page 236] it also for a meanes to obtaine the grace of God, and his gifts, and vertues, and as a remedie o [...] all our necessities, and of all thin­ges which are necessary, and ex­pedient for the health of our sou­le and bodie. We will offer it also for the vniuersal Church, and for our Neighbours, that by the ver­tue thereof God may geue them grace to conuerte themselues vn­to him, and to doe penance for their sinnes: and they that are i [...] the grace of God, that he wil con­serue them therein, and encrease their merits, and good workers and relieue all theire necessities both of soule and bodie. We will offer it also for the soules in Pur­gatorie, that they may be deliue­red frō the paines which they suf­fer, and translated into the ioyes of eternall glorie. For this sacri­fice hath a wonderfull force and [Page 237] efficacy to obtaine all these thin­ges, because therein is offered the body & bloud of Christ, in whom God the Father is best pleased. It [...]s likewise to be considered, that [...]lthough the priest that celebra­ [...]eth doth principally offer this sa­ [...]rifice in the person of Christ, whose place and office he doth re­ [...]resent, and supply: yet notwith­ [...]andinge they who are present [...]t Masse, or they which serue or [...]eare Masse, or procure it to be [...]elebrated, or haue an especiall [...]euotiō therunto, although they [...]e not there present, doe offer it [...]so with him in a generall sorte, [...]ll these doe participate of the [...]ertue and efficacy of this Sacra­ [...]ent, and especially those for [...]hom it is offered particulerly by [...]ame, euery once accordinge to [...]he measure of his deuotion, and [...]s he doth more or lesse imme­diatly [Page 238] concurre vnto the celebra­tion of the same: For they that say Masse, doe participate more then they serue Masse, and and they that serue Masse, more then they that heare it only, and those that are present, more then those that are absent. By this is doth manifestly appeare, ho [...] little they vnderstand this mat­ter, who for their grauitie for­beare of disdaine to serue Masse, but appoint theire Seruants to [...] doe it: who if they did well consi­der what is done therein, and the spirituall gayne they might pur­chase to themselues thereby, they would thinke that neither Kinge [...] nor Princes, are good enough, o [...] great enough, to serue the priest at Masse. At which office and dignity the Angelical spirits, doe, as I may say, emulate and enuie, and would doe it themselues, in [Page 239] the best manner they coulde, and not suffer their seruants to take from them so great a dignitie and gaine.

Wherefore a Christian hearing Masse, as much as pertayneth to this second parte of the sacrifice, that is to say, after the priest hath eleuated and lifted vpp the host and chalice, ought with great at­tention & deuotion, inwardly to recollecte himselfe, and offer vn­ [...]o God the Father, the same sacri­fice of the bodie and bloud of his Sonne. First in acknowledgement of his infinite Maiesty, confessing him to be the God & Soueraigne Lord of all thinges, from whom proceedeth euery good thing: & [...]n the memory of that sacrifice [...]hich Christ offered vpon the Al­ [...]ar of the Crosse, for the Redēp­ [...]on of the whole worlde [...]and also [...]a the memory of his most holie [Page 240] Incarnatiō, Natiuitie, life, death, and Resurrection, & in thankes­giuinge for all the benefits gene­ral and particuler, which we haue receaued, and especially for the benefit of geuinge vs his only be­gotten sonne; and that infinit be­nefit which Christ bestowed vpon vs, in leauinge himselfe with vs a perpetuall sacrifice.

Lett him offer it also, vnto the honour and glorie of his diuine Maiesty, praysinge him for his in­finite goodnes, mercy, clemency and all other his perfections. Let him offer it also, in satisfactiō for all his sinnes, for the holy Catho­lique Church, for the encrease, and dilatation thereof, for them that labour for the same, in di­uerse partes of the world: for the extirpation of Heresies, Hereri­ques and Schismatiques, by redu­cing them into the obedience, & [Page 241] lapp of the Church, and for them that labour in this behalfe: for the conseruation and augmenta­tion of the faithfull in the faith, and for the protection, and de­fence of them in the same, against the persecutions of Heretiques, and all aduersaries whatsoeuer; for the conseruation and encrease of the iust in theire merits, and good workes: for them that helps their Neighbours, by preaching & administration of Sacraments: for the Bishop of Rome, the Pa­stor of the vniuersall Church: for the other Prelates, and all them that haue the cure of soules, that they may haue due care and sol­icitude for the flocke committed [...]o their charge, & that they may [...]e most vigilant therein; For all [...]he Ministers of the Church that [...]re of any eminent degree, that [...]hey may be holy, as God, vnto [Page 242] whom they minister, is holy, for the encrease and conseruation of all Religious Orders, and Reli­gious persons, that they may per­fectly serue their Lord, to whom they haue dedicated themselues, by solemne profession.

For the Emperour, King, Prin­ces, and temporall Lordes, Officers, and Gouernours of the Co­mon-wealth: for Iudges & Mini­sters of Iustice, that they may cō­serue the Christiā cōmon-wealth in peace, and iustice, and defend it from enemies and infidels, and get the victorie of them. For all that are in necessitie of bodie o [...] soule: for them that be tempted and afflicted: for them that suffer persecutiō: for widowes, orphans, sicke persons, trauaylers, Seafa­ringe men, prisoners, bondslaues, poore and necessitous persons, of any necessitie whatsoeuer: for out [Page 243] Parents and Kinsfolke: for our spirituall Fathers and brethren: for our benefactors, for them that are committed and commended vnto vs: for them that we haue scandalized, or them to whom at any time we haue geuen ill coun­saile, & to them that we are tem­porally or spiritually bound and obliged vnto. For the soules in purgatory, especially them that we are more bound vnto, and for them that haue no body in parti­culer to pray for them: and we shall beseech God with great hu­mility and deuotion, that with the eyes of his mercy, he will be­holde and respect his most belo­ued and obedient Sonne, who is here offered, and with the same eyes of mercy behold and respect vs his creatures, redeemed with the moste precious bloud of his only begotten Sonne, and redresse [Page 244] all our necessities, and like a good Father, prouide for vs both in soule and bodie.

To come to the third parte of the Masse, that is to say, the holy Communion, when the priest re­ceaueth the body and bloud of Christ. Vnto this parte we ought to be present with no lesse atten­tion and deuotion, then at the other two partes, considering the goodnes of God, who vouchsafed to leaue vs himselfe for the foode of our soules, and we shall geue him thankes for such a singuler benefit. And although the priest only doth Sacramentally, receaue the body and bloud of Christ, yet notwithstandinge he that is pre­sent at Masse, may spiritually re­ceaue the same, which he shall doe by consideringe the greatnes of this benefit, and by geuinge thankes to God for the same, as is [Page 245] aforesaid; Also by desiringe, and with feruent prayer, beseechinge God to worke in our soules, those effects for which this Sacrament was instituted and ordayned, that is to say, that Christ may dwell in vs, and we in him, and that wee may be vnited to him, by true & perfecte loue and conformitie to his will, and that by reason ther­of, we dyinge to our selues, that is to say, to the desires and appeti­tes of the flesh, the world and our owne will, and continually ende­uouring to fulfill his will which is altogether holy and perfecte, he may liue in vs, and wee in him. These are the three principall thinges which are done in the ce­lebration of the holie Masse, and by this manner & methode afor­said, wee may reape great profit by hearinge of Masse, which me­thode also is profitable to priests [Page 246] that celebrate the same, who ought to applie them selues to greater puritie of soule, and to greater attention and deuotion, then those who heare the same, because they concurre more im­mediatly vnto the celebration of these high misteries, and by pro­nouncing of the words of Christ, doe both consecrete the bloud of Christ, and offer it with theire handes in the person of Christ, & receaue it Sacramētally vnder the formes. And that the sacrifice of the Masse may be celebrated with the more reuerence and deuotion, our holy Mother the Church, hath instituted certaine ceremonies, moste holie and full of misteries, which the prieste vseth in the cele­bration of the Masse, aswell in the garmēts or vestmēts which he put­teth on, as in the rest of the Masse by prayers, signes, inclinations of [Page 247] the body, and reuerences. Most of which were vsed anon after the Apostles time, as it appeareth by the Masse of S. Iames, which is exant in his life, and by the Masse of S. Clement the Disciple, and fellow of S. Peter, which is extant in the eight booke of the consti­tutions of the Apostles, and ther­fore it is very consonant to rea­son, that a Christian should ob­serue and reuerence all thinges, which are done in the Masse, yea euen he that vnderstandeth not what they signifie.

And because by that which hath bene alreadie said, it appeareth sufficiently in what things he that heareth Masse ought to occupie himselfe, we will omit diuerse o­ther misteries of the Masse, which may be found in other bookes, & only declare these that follow.

When we see the priest vested [Page 248] with his hallowed vestments, [...] may represent before the eyes [...] our mind the Sonne of God, clo [...] thed with our humane nature made our priest, and our sacrific [...]

When the Confiteor is a sayin [...] we will pray vnto God with al o [...] heartes, for the remission of o [...] sinnes, being sorrowfull for the [...] and acknowledging our selues [...] be grieuous sinners, that so the be no impedimēt in vs, wherby v [...] may not enioy the benefit of the misteries, which are handled o [...] the Altar, and be present at the [...] as in the presence of God, with pure, chearefull and thankef [...] heart.

When the Introite is sunge, [...] will praise God together with i [...] if we vnderstand what is sunge, [...] consider how vehement the de [...]res of the Patriarches, Prophe [...] and all the iust (which were in th [...] [Page 249] world before the comminge of [...]hrist) were, for his comminge, [...]nd we will be ashamed, that we [...]aue so little feelinge of that be­ [...]efit, which God bestowed vpon [...]s in the comming of Christ, and [...]aue scarce remembred to geue [...]m any thankes for the same.

At the Kyrie eleyson, we will con­ [...]der the lamentations, and sighes [...]f the holy Fathers in Limbo, for [...]he comminge of their Sauiour, [...]ho was to deliuer them, and to [...]anslate them to his heauenlie [...]lorie.

At Gloria in excelfis, we will con­ [...]der the ioye & melodious Songs [...]f the Angels, at the Natiuitie of Christ.

At the prayers or Collects ad­ [...]yning, we will desire together [...]ith the priest, the same things he [...]oth, and those thinges we stand [...]a most neede of, as we thinke.

As often as the Priest turneth himselfe vnto vs, sayinge, Domi­nus vobiscum: we will answere him, Et cum spiritutuo: and we wil thinke that lie doth admonish vs to be present at those most high miste­ries with great attention, and re­uerence, whereunto, because no humane diligence is sufficient, we will desire the ayde of God.

At the Epistle we will consider the predictions of the Prophets, and preaching of S. Iohn the Bap­tist, which went before the com­minge of Christ.

At those things which are sung or said after the Epistle. We will consider the life and conuersation of Christ in this world, and his chosinge of the A [...]ostles, for the preaching of the Gospell.

The Gospel must be heard with great attention, & therfore when that is read, all arise vpp: and at [Page 251] the reading thereof we may con­sider, how the Gospell, that is to say, the message or Tydinges of our Redemption, of the faith of Christ, of his death and Resurre­ction, was preached thorough the whole world.

The Apostles Creed we will say together with the priest, & we will professe all the misteries of our faith, which are contained therin.

At the Offertorie, we will con­sider how Christ, assoone as he was conceaued, offered himselfe to doe the wil of God the Father, which was that he should die for the redemption of the world, and how assoone almost as he was bon­ne, he would be presented by his most holie Mother in the Tem­ple; how also before his passion, in his prayer he made in the gar­den, he offered himselfe to God the Father, and withall we will [Page 252] offer our selues to God, for his perpetuall seruants, to serue and obey him in all things.

When the Priest faith (Ocate fra­tres) we will pray to God hartily for him, that he may worthily ce­lebrate those diuine mysteries.

At the Secrets of the Masse, that is to say, when the priest standeth silent before the consecration, we will beseeche God together with him, to grant vs those thinges which he then asketh for vs, and to make vs partakers of that sa­crifice which is there to be offered for vs.

At the Preface, we will consider that the priest stirreth vs vp vnto the consideration of those high misteries, and of the diuine Ma­iestie & greatnes with which they are to be handled, which the An­gels doe praise, the Dominations doe adore, the Potestats and pil­lers [Page 253] of heauen doe tremble at.

Sanctus being said, & the priest beginning the Canon, we may oc­cupy our selues in offering the sa­crifice in that manner as is before saide.

When the Host is eleuated, we will adore him, which is there shewed vnto vs, that is to say, Christ our Redeemer, and we will exercise our selues in a feelinge persuasion of his presence, and yelding him thankes & reuerent adoration, accordingly as is a­boue declared.

Then we will goe forwards, in offring the sacrifice vntill the cō­munion, exercisinge our selues in those thinges which are aboue said: and in the end of the Masse we will geue thankes to God, that he hath vouchsafed vs to be pre­sent at the celebration of such no­ble and high misteries, and be­seech [Page 254] him that by the vertue ther­of, he will preserue vs from all of­fence of his diuine Maiestie.

Before Sacramentall Confession. THE 79. EXERCISE.

HE that hydeth his sinnes, shal [...] not be directed. But he that confesseth them, shall obtaine mercie. Prou. 28. v. 13.

I said I will confesse vnto our Lord, my iniquitie against me, & thou ô Lord hast remitted the wickednes of my Sinne. Psal. 31. v. 5.

If wee will confesse our Sinnes, God is faithfull and iust to for­geue vs our sinnes, and cleanse vs from all our iniquitie. 1. Ioh. 1. v. 9.

Consideration.

After the examination of our conscience, and our sinnes wher­by [Page 255] wee haue offended God since our last cōfession, being diligent­ [...]ie waighed, we will consider who God is, against whom we haue sin­ned, and who we are who haue da­ [...]ed to offend our Lord and Crea­ [...]our: and we wil be sorie from our [...]eart for all our sinnes in gene­ [...]all, and euery one in particuler, [...]hich we haue cōmitted against his diuine Maiestie, because we haue offended God, whome we [...]houlde loue and feare aboue all [...]hinges.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, that he hath tollerated and expe­cted vs being in so great sinnes, and put into our minde, to doe penance for them.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed for our in­gratitude and audaciousnes, that [...]e dared to offend him whom we [Page 256] ought to loue and feare aboue a [...]thinges.

The Petition.

We wil beseech God, to forgeu [...] vs all our sinnes, and geue vs gra [...]ce to confesse them, with true so [...]row, and firme purpose, not to re [...]turne to them againe.

The Oblation.

Wee will offer vnto God, t [...] death and passion of Christ, in s [...]tisfaction for all our sinnes. A [...] we will also offer our selues, vn [...] the perfect amendement and s [...]tisfactiō of them, by the helpe [...] his holy grace.

Before the holy Communion. THE 80. EXERCISE.

LEt a man examine himself [...] before he cate of that brea [...] and drinke of that cupp, for [...] [Page 257] that eateth and drinketh vnwor­ [...]hily, eateth and drinketh iudge­ [...]ent to himselfe, not discerninge [...]e body of our Lord, that is to [...]y, not iudging it to be the bodie [...]f our Lord. 1. Cor. 11. v. 28.

My flesh is truly meate, and [...]y bloud truely drinke, he that [...]teth my flesh, and drinketh my [...]oud, abideth in mee & I in him. [...]h. 6. v. 57.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, who that [...]ord is that we are to receaue, & [...]ho wee are, that is to say, the eight and sublimitie of the Ma­ [...]stie of God, and our owne base [...]lenes in comparison of him. [...]oreouer we will consider why he [...]meth vnto vs, that is to say, to [...]eue vs his grace, and how full of [...]ue, and with what great desire, [...]e commeth to communicate his [...]fts vnto vs.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God that he vouchsafed to leaue him selfe with vs in this most holy Sacrament.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside [...]ringe our vnworthines and vile [...]nes of soule, which so longe as i [...] is in mortall sinne, is an habit [...]tion of diuels.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to stin [...] vpp in our soules an inward deu [...]tion vnto this most holy Sacra [...]ment, whereby we may dispose [...] prepare our selues, to receaue i [...] worthily as we ought.

The Oblation.

We will offer our heart to God that he may by this most holy S [...]crament, vnite it vnto him, an [...] to transforme it into him, an [...] that it desire nothinge, seeke [Page 259] thinge couet nothinge, but him [...]lone.

After the holy Communion. THE 81. EXERCISE.

THis is the bread which came downe from heauen, he that [...]ateth me, he shall liue for mee. [...]oh. 6. v. 59.

Consideration.

We will consider that he whom [...]e haue receaued, is Christ our [...]edeemer, who is as truely in vs, [...]s he sitteth at the right hand of God the Father, in heauen.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, [...]or that singuler fauour which he [...]ath vouchsafed vs, and wee will [...]nuite al the Angels and Sainctes, [...]nd al creatures, to celebrate with [...]s the diuine praises of God, and [...]o helpe to vs geue thankes vnto [Page 260] God for so great a benefit.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, and prostrate our selues at the feete [...] God, and lyinge prostrate befo [...] his Maiestie, we will acknowledg [...] and confesse our vilenes, and ho [...] vnworthy we are of this benefit.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to wor [...] in vs those admirable effects, f [...] which he instituted this most holie Sacrament: and layinge ope [...] vnto him all the infirmities an [...] necessities of our soule, we will beseech him, as a most skillfull an [...] potent Phisition, to cure them and as a most louing Father, an [...] moste liberall Kinge, to redres [...] them.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God our soule for his perpetuall habitation, beseechinge him that he will neuer [Page 261] depart from thence. And for [...]smuch as he pleaseth to haue our [...]ules for his habitation, we will [...]eseech him, that he will alwayes [...]habit the same.

Concerning the Canonicall howers.

The aduersary of our saluation, [...]lthough at all times he lyeth in [...]ayte to impugne vs, yet chiefly [...]e doth it in the time of prayer, [...]nd especially in sayinge or sin­ [...]ing the Canonicall howers, that [...]e may robbe vs of the attention [...]nd deuotion thereof, making vs [...] huddle or mumble them vpp [...]astily, because it is a daiely exer­ [...]ise, which we are bound by obli­ [...]ation not to omit. For as he that [...]yes his howers with due atten­ [...]ion and deuotion, doth merit [...]uch: so he that sayeth thē with [...]distracted minde doth much de­ [...]erit thereby. He that readeth [...]nly with his mouth and lippes, [Page 262] and with his heartwandreth in the streates (as S. Bernard doth testi­fie) maketh a very vnequall diui­sion, because he geueth the leaue [...] to God, and the fruite to the Di­uell. A marchant that suffereth losse in his chiefest marchandise what else can he hope but extreme pouerty? so a mā who in his diuin [...] office, or Canonical howers (where he might gaine very much) so be­haueth himselfe, that he doth no [...] only not gaine, but loose all the merit therof, and offend God, for want of due reuerence and deuo­tion, his spirit cānot be but poore and wretched. Wherefore that we fayle not in this behalfe, we haue thought good in this Manuall, to­sett downe certaine briefe Exerci­ses, wherein we may occupie our selues in the time of the Canoni­call howers, whether we say them, or heare them only, to euery of [Page 263] which Canonicall hower, we will assigne, one consideration of the Passion of our Lord, one benefit for which we may geue thankes to God, one vertue, that we may aske, with a confusion belonging thereunto, and an oblation, as hi­therto in this Manuall wee haue done.

When we heare the Howers. THE 82. EXERCISE.

THe voice of my beloued soū­dinge. Cantic. 5. v. 2.

I reioyced in those things which are said vnto mee, we will go into the house of our Lord. Psal. 121. v. 1.

The voyce of exultation and saluation, in the Tabernacles of [...]he iust. Psal. 117. v. 15.

Consideration.

We will consider that God cal­leth [Page 264] vs to praise him, not for any profit of his, for he standeth not in need of our praises and seruice, but that by praysing him, we may enriche our soules.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, that he vouchsafeth to be praysed of vs, and that here on earth we should exercise the office of An­gells.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, knowinge our selues to be so vnworthy of so high an office, whereunto the Angels are not sufficient, and es­pecially consideringe we hauinge so often offended him with our sacrilegious mouth, and haue de­filed our lipps with impure spee­ches.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, to geue vs affection deuotion and puritie [Page 265] of hearte, that we may worthilie stande before his diuine Maiestie, and singe forth the praises of him.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, our will and desire, to praise him purely from our heart, and we will desire to haue the puritie of Angels, and the feruour of the Seraphins, that we might be able more perfectly to praise him.

At Mattins. THE 83. EXERCISE.

WAtch and pray, that ye fal not into temptation. Mat. [...]6. v. 41.

Iudas when he had gotten a [...]and of men, and Ministers of the Bishops, and Pharisees, he came with lanternes, and torches, and [...]eapons. Ioh. 18. v. 3.

The band and souldiers and the Tribune, and the Ministers of the Iewes apprehended Iesus, & boūd him, and brought him first to An­nas, and he sent him bounde to Cayphas the high Priest. Ioh. 18. v. 12.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, how Christ our Redeemer wēt forth the night before his passion, into the gar­den of Gethsemani, where he prai­ed to his Father three times, and being in an Agonie, sweat bloud. Moreouer, how Iudas came thi­ther with armed souldiers to take Iesus: whom they carryed bound, to Annas and from Annas to Cay­phas, where he suffred many thin­ges.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for all those thinges he suffered that night, and for the benefit of [Page 267] our creation, whereby he gaue vs our first existence or being, out of that darkenes, & most deepe bot­tomles pit of our nullitie or no­thinge, and created vs vnto his owne similitude and likenes.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring that our sinnes were the cau­se of the passion of Christ, and that we leauinge light, that is to say, God, haue loued darknes more then light, and haue made our selues the seruāts of the Prin­ce of darkenes, that is to say, of the Diuell.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, to en­crease in vs the virtue of faith, by which we beinge deliuered from the darknes of errours, the light of the true knowledge of God is geuen vnto vs; which is as it were a light for vs, in the darkenes of [Page 268] this life, where we cannot clearly see him.

The Oblation.

We will offer to God, this how­er which we now say, vnitinge our praises, with those with which the Angels and Sainctes doe honour him in heauen.

At Laudes. THE 84. EXERCISE.

THe mē which helde-Iesus de­rided him, and [...]eare him & blinfoldinge him, did buffett him on the face, and asked him say­ing. Arede, or prophecie vnto vs, who is it that stroke thee. Luc. 22. v. 63.

Consideration.

We will consider those things which Christ suffered of the soul­diers, when they kept him in ban­des, [Page 269] gaue him no rest, but loaded him with innumerable scoffes & reuilinges, buffetinge him with their fists, spittinge vpon his most holy face, and insulting ouer him with a thousande kindes of con­tumelious and reproachful vsage, whom the Angels prostrate vpon the earth, doe adore.

The Thankesgiuing

We will geue thankes to God, for those thinges which he suffe­red for vs of these most vile Cay­tifes & for the benefit of our con­seruation, whereby after he had created vs, he conserued vs in that being and life, which he had first geuen vs, protecting vs, and ge­uing vs most liberally all thinges necessary vnto the sustentation of our life, euen vnto this hower.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed that we, as much as lay in vs, haue derided [Page 270] and mocked Christ, by sinninge and offendinge him, abusinge our life, which he geueth vs, & main­tayneth, vnto the offence of his diuine Maiestie.

The Petition.

Wee will beseech God, to en­crease in vs the vertue of hope, whereby we beinge strengthened and animated, may imploy the residue of our life which remay­neth, in this place of banishment or exile, in the seruice of him, vn­till we arriue vnto the morninge, and Mattins of eternal happines, where we shall alwayes haue the fruition of him.

The Oblation.

The oblation shallbe the same, which was in the precedent or for­mer exercise.

At Prime. THE 85. EXERCISE.

ANd the morning being come, all the chiefe of the priestes and seniors of the people, consul­ted against Iesus, that they might put him to death: & they brought him bound and deliuered him to Pontius Pilate the President. Mat. 27. v. 5.

Consideration.

We will consider, that earlie in the morninge, the chiefe of the priests and seniors of the people, satt in Councell against Iesus, & determined to put him to death, & therefore they committed him into the hands of Pilate the Pre­sident, who when he found in him no cause worthie of death, he sent him to Herode: who when he had made a laughinge stocke of him, [Page 272] he sent him backe to Pilate, clo­thed in a white garment, to be laughed at for a foole.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for all thinges he suffered in this misterie for our sake, and for the benefit of his most holy Incarna­tion, whereby he being made man and borne into the worlde, did shine to the world like the Sunne, and by his example & doctrine, illuminated our darkenes.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ring that our sinnes haue bene the cause of the passion of Christ, and that when the Sunne of rightous­nes Christ, came to illuminate them, that sat in darknes, and in the shadow of death, we tooke no care nor paines to follow this light.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to geue vs grace to loue him, and our neighbour for his sake, that we may be the true children of the day or light, that is to say of God, who is loue and charitie, which loue compelled him to come into this world.

The Oblation.

The Oblation shalbe the same which was at Mattins.

At the Third houre. THE 86. EXERCISE.

ANd then Pilate tooke Iesus, and whipped him, and the souldiers makinge a wrethe, or crowne of thornes, put it vppon his headd, and clothed him in a purple garment, & came to him & said: Hayle Kinge of the Iewes: [...] [Page 276] to doe, what lyeth in vs, to fru­strate & make voide his Redemp­tion.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to geue vs most profound humilitie, that as he in his passion was contem­ned, vilified and despised, in so­much that they preferred Bar­rabas a notorious theefe, before him: so we may desire frō our hart to be contemned, and louingly to embrace all manner of contempt and vilification for his sake.

The Oblation.

The Oblation shalbe, the same which was at Mattins.

At the Sixt houre. THE 87. EXERCISE.

THen Pilate deliuered ouer Ie­sus to the Iewes, to be cruci­fied, [Page 277] and they tooke him and ledd him out of the cittie, & carrying his Crosse him selfe, went vnto that place which is called Calua­rie, where they crucified him, and other two, of each side one, and Iesus in the middest. Ioh. 19. v. 16.

Consideration.

We will consider how when Pi­late went about to appease the Iewes, and feared least he should incurre the indignation of Cesar, wherewith the Iewes threatned him: washinge his handes before the people in token of his inno­cency therein, pronounced senten­ce against Christ, that he should be crucified, and how this senten­ce being geuen, they carryed him forth loadē with the heauy Crosse on his backe, vnto the Moūt Cal­uarie, and there crucified him in the middest betwene two theeues.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for these bitter & sharpe punish­ments he suffered for our sakes, & for the benefit of making vs Chri­stians, & members of his Church, where by the Sacraments & good workes, we are made partakers of the merits of his passion.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, conside­ringe that our sinnes crucified Christ, and that notwithstanding we are Christians, we haue liued as if we were Turkes, forgetting altogether, that which our Chri­stian faith teacheth vs, and which we haue promised in baptisme to performe.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to geue vs perfect chastity, whereby wee may crucifie our flesh, with all the desires & concupiscences therof, [Page 279] that we may say with the Apostle, we are crucified vnto Christ.

The Oblation.

The Oblation is the same which was at Mattins.

At the Ninth houre. THE 88. EXERCISE.

ANd frō the sixt howre there was darkenes vppon all the earth, vntill the ninth howre, and about the ninth howre Iesus cried out with a loud voice saying. Heli, Hels, Lamazabathani, that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mat 27. v. 45.

And Iesus cryinge out againe with a loude voyce said. Fa [...]r, into thy handes I commende my spirit, and by & by said. It is con­summated, and so bowing downe his head, he yelded vp his spirit. [Page 280] Luc. 23. v. 46.

Consideration.

We will consider the mysteries which were acted vpon the Cros­se, and those things which Christ said, and suffred thereon, vntill he gaue vp his Ghost.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for his most bitter death that he did vndergoe for our sake, & for that most singuler benefit of deli­uering vs from the eternall death of hell, which we haue oftentimer through our sinnes, against his di­uine Maiestie deserued, but he hath mercifully expected vs, and called vs vnto penance.

The Confusion.

We will be ashamed, that our sinnes should be the cause why life it selfe should die, and that we haue oftentimes killed him in our soule by comitting mortall sinne.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to geue vs perfect obedience, whereby we being altogether dead to our own will, the will of God may liue & [...]aigne in vs, forasmuch as he died out of obediēce to his Fathers wil.

The Oblation.

The Oblatiō is the same which [...]s at Mattins.

At Euensong. THE 89. EXERCISE.

THe Iewes therefore, because it was the Parasceue or Eue of the Pascha, that the bodies might not remaine on the Crosse (for it was, that yeare, the great Sabaoth) they desired Pilate, their leggs might be broken, and taken away. Then the Souldiers came and broke the leggs of the first, [...]and of the other which was cruci­fied with him, but when they [Page 282] came to Iesus & saw he was dead, they did not breake his leggs, but one of the Souldiers opened his side, with a speare, and by and by there gushed out water & bloud. And when the Euening was come, there came a certaine rich man of Arimathia called Ioseph, who was also a disciple. This Mā came to Pilate, and begged the body of Iesus. The Pilate commanded it should be geuen vnto him.

Consideration.

We will consider those myste­ries, which were done after the expiration of Christ, vppon the Crosse: that is to say, how they tooke him downe from the Cros­se. We will consider also the was­hinge of feere, and institution of the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, which were done about the Euening time.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will geue thankes to God, for the benefit of his holy inspi­rations, wherewith he doth con­tinually visite vs, stirringe vs vp and callinge vs before the setting of the Sunne, that we may perfe­ctly conuerte our selues vnto him whilest it is day, and endeauour to enrich our soules with the treasure of vertues.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, that wee haue bene so often deafe vnto the inspirations of God, and haue dis­sembled them, & haue rather fol­lowed the suggestions of the ene­mie, and the sensuall appetites & Iusts of our flesh.

The Petition.

We wil beg of God, true pouer­tie of spirit, that forasmuch as all the cōmodities of this present life are vaine and transitorie, we may [Page 284] fixe and settle our heart not on them, but in God alone, who is alwayes permanent, and the in­comparable treasure of such sou­les as loue him.

The Oblation.

The Oblation shalbe the same which is at Mattins.

At Compline. THE 90. EXERCISE.

THey tooke the body of Iesus & wrapped it is Sindon with sweet ointments as the manne: of the Iewes is to burie. And there was in the place where he was cru­cified a garden, and in the garden a new Sepulchre wherin none had bene buryed before. And therein by reason it was the Parasceue of the Iewes, they laide Iesus, becau­se it was nigh at hande.

Consideration.

Wee will consider, how Christ [Page 285] was committed to his sepulture, the solitarines of his Mother, & the Apostles, and with what la­mentation, they and those holie women, which followed him in his life time, bewayled him.

The Thankesgiuing.

We will yelde thankes to God, for the particuler benefits, which we find we haue, and doe daily re­ceaue from him, besides those ge­neral benefits which are common to all.

The Confusion.

Wee will be ashamed, that we haue bene so vnmindfull of these benefits, and so vngrateful to God our benefactor.

The Petition.

We will beseech God, to geue vs perseuerance in good workes, & in his grace that we may finish our liues in his seruice as we haue now finished the day, and after­wards [Page 286] haue the frui [...] of him in his eternall glory.

The Oblation.

The Oblatiō is the [...]me which is at Mattins.

This same methode or ordre, may be obserued in saying the of­fice of our blessed Ladie, that is to say, that we take for euery hower, one of the ioyes to be cō­sidered, a benefit for which we may geue thankes, where also we may be ashamed of our ingrati­tude for the same benefit, & some one particuler vertue, which we may desire of God, by the inter­cession of his most holie Mother [...] and finally we wil offer the saying of that houre, vnto the honour of his diuine Maiestie, and the glory of his most blessed Mother, Amen.