The holy practises of a devine lover, or, The sainctly [sic] Ideots Deuotions the contents of the booke are contained in the ensuinge page.

The holy practises of a devine lover, or, The sainctly [sic] Ideots Deuotions the contents of the booke are contained in the ensuinge page.

Table of contents

Title page

§

THE PREFACE. TO MY MOST DEARElie beloued Friends in Christ Iesus.

A SVMMARIE of Perfection.

And now heere followeth the summarie itselfe of Perfection consistinge of ten Articles.

COMMENDATIO Quotidiana.

DIRECTIONS.

A Catalogue of such Bookes as maye much helpe, comfort, and encrease the Deuotion of Contemplatiue spirits, such as are well grounded, & instructed alreadie in the Catholike Faith and haue passed through the necessarie rudiments of actiue Preparations. For such and in verie deed onlie such This Summarie, Instructions, Catalogue, and Exercises are by mee sett Forth, and for None Other intended.

A

B.

C.

D.

G.

H.

I.

L.

R.

S.

T.

V.

§

§

HOLY EXERCISES OR SAINCTLY IDEOTS DEVOTIONS. THE POENITENT.

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

THE II. EXERCISE.

THE III. EXERCISE.

THE IV. EXERCISE.

THE V. EXERCISE.

THE VI. EXERCISE.

THE VII. EXERCISE.

THE VIII. EXERCISE.

THE IX. EXERCISE.

THE X. EXERCISE.

THE XI. EXERCISE.

THE XII. EXERCISE.

THE XIII. EXERCISE.

THE XIV. EXERCISE.

THE XV. EXERCISE.

THE XVI. EXERCISE.

THE XVII. EXERCISE.

THE XVIII. EXERCISE.

THE XIX. EXERCISE.

THE XXI. EXERCISE.

CERTAYNE AMOROVS speeches of the so•le to her selfe in Prayer. The VVhich are a good forme, or matter of Prayer vvhen the soule is not able, or apt to speake immediatelye to God.

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

THE II. EXERCISE.

THE III. EXERCISE.

THE IV. EXERCISE.

An example of Acts, which a Soule maye Exercisee towards God as absent from Her.

An example of speakinges supposed to be made by God to the soule.

ACTS OF LOVE, AND vvellvvishinge tovvards God.

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

THE II. EXERCISE.

THE III. EXERCISE.

THE IV. EXERCISE.

CERTAINE AMOROVS Aspirations, to be vsed accordinge to the Direstions, and the Disposition of the soule.

ACTS OF RESIGNATION To be vsed accordinge TO THE DIRECTIONS. ACTS OF RESIGNATION in things concerninge the Body.

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

THE II. EXERCISE.

THE III. EXERCISE.

Heere follow Resignations about externall Goods.

THE IV. EXERCISE.

THE V. EXERCISE.

THE VI. EXERCISE.

THE VII. EXERCISE.

THE VIII. EXERCISE.

THE IX. EXERCISE.

THE X. EXERCISE.

THE XI. EXERCISE•

THE XII. EXERCISE.

An Act for a timerous, or scrupulous Conscience.

THE XIII. EXERCISE.

THE XIV. EXERCISE.

An Exercise of Deuotion to our Blissed Lady Mother of God.

An Exerc•se to the Holy Angells, and especiallye the Angell Guardian.

AN EXERCISE OF Deuotion.

Towards our Holy Father, and Religious founder S. Bennet.

HAYLE IESVS. Or Acts vppon the life, and Passio• of our Sau•iour I•sus-Christ.

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

THE II. EXERCISE.

THE III. EXERCISE.

THE IV. EXERCISE.

THE V. EXERCISE.

THE VI. EXERCISE•

THE VII. EXERCISE.

THE VIII. EXERCISE.

THE IX. EXERCISE.

THE X. EXERCISE.

THE XI. EXERCISE.

THE XII. EXERCISE.

THE XIII. EXERCISE.

The XIV. EXERCISE.

THE XV. EXERCISE.

THE XVI. EXERCISE.

THE XVII. EXERCISE.

THE XVIII. EXERCISE.

THE XIX. EXERCISE.

THE XX. EXERCISE.

THE XXI. EXERCISE.

A Dittie to the same subiect.

THE TOPP OF THE HEAVENLIE LADDER OR THE HIGHEST STEPPE of Prayer, and Perfection. And the progresse, and complement of the fore•aid Practises, and Deuotions.

TRVE HAPPINESSE IN A Monasticall life.

THE XXI. CHAPTER. An Entrye, and good beginninge of a Spirituall iorney, shewinge how the soule is to be haue herselfe interiorlye, and exteriorlye accordinge to the Example of a pilgrime goinge to Ierusalem.

THE XXII. CHAPTER. Of certayne temptations, and lettings, which soules haue from their spirituall enemies in their iorney to Spirituall Ierusalem, and of the remedie against the same.

THE XXIII. CHAPTER. Of a generall remedie against the temptation•, and troubles, proceedinge from the flesh, the world, or the enemie.

DEVOVT IDEOT.

TO THE V. R MADAME CATHERINE GASCOIGNE MOST VVORTHY ABBESSE of the English Monasterie of our Ladies of Comfort in Cambray.

§

§

[Page]

[Page]

THE HOLY PRACTISES OF A DEVINE LOVER OR THE SAINCTLY Ideots Deuotions.

The [...]tents of the booke are contained in the ensuinge page.

Gustate, & videte quam suauis est Dominus.

Psal. 34.

Tast, and see how sweete our Lord is.

Psal. 35. 8.

Printed at Paris by LEWIS DE LA FOSSE at the signe of the lookinge Glasse in the Carmes streete 1657.

With Approbation.

§

§

[Page]

1. The Summarie of Perfection.

2. The Directions: for these Holy Exercises, & Ideots Deuotions.

3. A Catalogue of such Bookes as are fitt for Contemplatiue Spirits.

4. The Holy Exercises & Ideots Deuotions.

5. Th [...] Toppe of the Heauenlie ladder, or the Highest steppe of Prayer [...] Perfection, by the Example of a Pilgrime goinge to Ierusalem.

THE PREFACE. TO MY MOST DEARElie beloued Friends in Christ Iesus.

[Page]

I HAVE accordinge to your holy iniunction, & desire (willinge to communicate all Good to others) published those directions, & exercises through which by true practise (the only meanes, for simple readinge only auaileth nothinge at all) you haue reapt such greate Comfort, & Benefitt: that you seeme to crie out with the Royal Prophet.Ps. 66. v. 15. Come and heare all yee that fear [...] God, and I will declare to you what He hath done for my soule. That Hee maye doe the like for yours by the same meanes you practising [...] [Page] these directions, & Exercises. This I know you saie deare Friends, and from your hart wish the same Spiritual profitt to all as to your selues.Mat. 16 12. Capiat qui capere potest. Lett the capable & well disposed make vse of them. It is not needfull to name you to whom I speake this: for vppon these verie words I know your harts are burninge within you. Lu. 24. 32. My sheepe heare my voyce, & those who are mine know mee. Io. 10. 1 [...]. I am the poore vnprofitable seruant not soe much as a voyce soundinge of the greate & cheife Sheepheard; & you are his people, Ps. 94. 7. & the sheepe of his pasture, yea I hope the choise of His flocke feedinge, & graisinge in the pleasant deserts of interne Recollection guided by the sweete grace of His Holye Spirit the sole secure Director. I need say noe more but that I am sure you reioyce for the voyce of Him that speaketh and declareth these things to you,Io 3. 29. & all other good people: and that I haue done soe, is my ioye alsoe beinge heereby [Page] discharged of my Obligation to you and all. And our ioye I hope none shall take from vs being the best part, Lu. 15. and for euer permanent. Deare friends I am yours the more intime by how much lesse outwardlie exprest, liuinge with you (I trust in God) a life hidden with Christ in God. Coloss. 3. 3.

IHS

A SVMMARIE of Perfection.

[Page]

Mat [...]h. 5. [...].BEATI mundo corde quoniam ipsi Deum videbunt, Happie are the cleane of Hart, for they shall see God. Such a Vision of God signifieth withall a fruition of him thervpon, in this life only enigmaticallie, or accordinge to the light of fayth & feelings of Loue, in the future facially, & really. And it is cleannesse of hart (with is Puritie in soule) that by the said sentence of our Sauiour alone deserueth such Vision & fruition, whereof the degree will be accordinge to the measure of puritie towards it that is in the soule in this life. And such puritie consisteth in hauinge the soule exempt, or cleansed frō [Page] inordinate loues towards her owne selfe & all other creatures, & from all inherent images of creatures which those loues soe farre as they be doe necessarilye cause. Hinderinge (accordinge to theire measure) the soules Vision, & fruition wherin alone were to consist her happinesse, imperfect in this life, perfect in the future.

And now heere followeth the summarie itselfe of Perfection consistinge of ten Articles.

1. FIRST wee are to aime at as our finall end (answerable to which shall be our happinesse in the future) the state of absolute Perfection that man was in, in the state of innocencie (siz: before the first mans fall) soe farre as through Gods Grace, & our owne industrie aided by the said Grace wee may attaine thereto.

2. The sayd Perfection of the first Man consisted in two things, whereof [Page] if either had beene wantinge, it had not bene that Perfection that indeed it was & which wee his posteritie are to seeke after as our cheife, & only happynesse.

3. The one of those two things soe necessarie was a perfection in all vertues that were requisit (as a meane) towards the exercise of the other as cheife, & its end. And that Other cheife thinge was a continuall perfect actuation of loue by the Mans soule towards God that caused an Vnion with him. In which Actuation & Vnion causinge the fruition heeretofore mentioned by mee, consisted the Mans felicitie for this life, & the degree & measure whereof was to be the measure of his more real felicitie in the future.

4. The former of those two beinge the perfection of all vertues (that is the same as the perfect habits of thē) implyeth in it an exemption & freedome from their contrarie being vicious inclinatiōs or habits, or (which [Page] is all one) inordinate Affections with their euill effects or fruits beinge actual sinns offensiue to God and deseruinge punishment at his hands for the same. Those euil Habits for soe much as they are in Man doe ansuerably hinder his soules true & perfect Actuation towards God & vniō with him (which should cause his Happinesse) God beinge puritie it selfe & therefore incompatible with all impuritie which reigneth in vicious Habits, & their effects.

5. Now wee are to know that through corruption of our nature by our said first Mans sinne & our owne actual sinns wee are become replenished with vicious Habits (contrarie to those of vertue) that accordingly disables vs as to the foresaid perfecte Actuation, & Vnion with God.

6. Neuerthelesse in what condition soeuer wee be, as to such viciousnesse or vertuousnesse in vs, Wee ought in soule with Loue to actuate towards [Page]God the intensest & continuallest with discretion wee can & there with & thereby & by all Other proper meanes euer tend towards the foresaid absolute perfection. And euen by soe doinge though as yet in an imperfect manner wee attaine to God, vnite our selues vnto him & get an answerable felicitie in Him beinge as yet not a perfect but an imperfect one. Perfect & imperfect. I heere meane as in regard of such perfection as euen this life is capable of.

7. Moreouer wee are to liue as well & purely as wee can both as to our thoughts, words & deeds, eschewinge all sinns & their occasions & doinge all the good that perteineth to vs to doe, the which doinge by vs answerably doth abate & destroy the vicious habits that are in vs, & introduceth the contrarie, beinge the habits of vertue, our progresse & profit therin proceedinge from this, that by those our doings wee relinquish & mortifie in some measure [Page] or other our owne natural peruerse Will, & cause our will (as it is good) about those matters to accommodate & conforme itselfe to the deuine will for the matters thē selues and intentions about them. And our doings therin are the more profitable to vs for our foresaid end of Perfection (as breedinge the greater Mortification in vs) by how much they are in things contrarie to the proprietatious or vnresigned will of our corrupt nature. And in that reguard (speakinge generallie) wee profitt more by matters of abstaininge or restraininge of our selues, then by matters of meere doinge or actinge, & by matters of sufferinge more then by those either of meere doinge or actinge, or of abstayninge or restrayninge our selues. And this by reason that the matter of suffering is lesse voluntarie to vs as more proceedinge frō the will of another, be it God, or Creature, then frō our owne will; the which will of ours I meane [Page] is lesse abnegated or mortified in or by matter of abstaynings or restreignings then in or by those of sufferinge: & is yet farther lesse abnegated or mortifyed in or by those of meere doinge or actinge, which are more wholy of our owne wills, then in or by either of those two others siz: abstayninge, or sufferringe. Albeit indeed neuerthelesse all & euery of those doings or actings, abstaynings or restreignings be alsoe good & profitable to vs in their diuers measures or degrees though therin inferior to those of sufferinge for the reason aforesaid.

8. By Actuation in soule (beinge the same as mentall Prayer, or Prayerin Spirit) beinge duly pursued (which is with all diligence, assiduitie, & seriousnesse) though as yet performed in state of imperfection, wee gett fowre [...] Benefits or helps as towards our foresaid end, beinge Perfection itselfe complete. 1. The first is a betteringe or increase in or towards the [Page] habit of Prayer itselfe. The exercise of such Prayer beinge (as I haue said) duly pursued. And Perfection in Prayer beinge the most essential vertue or qualitie in the entier composite or fabricke of Perfection itselfe. 2. The second good of Prayer for the foresaid end, is an encrease of vertuousnesse, that is to say in other good habits (besides that of Prayer) by meane meerely of the vertuous Acts wee produce & exercise in such our Prayer; & naturally habits are gotten by acts of their matter. 3. The third good or benefitt is some measure of mitigatiō or expulsion of Vicious Habits & inclinations, & an answerable introducinge of vertuousnesse, & this meerely by way of a secret deuine infusion or workinge in the soule in & by the meane of such Prayer, that had disposed & made her capable of such infusion. 4. The fourth good of su [...] Prayer, is light of vnderstanding [...]ace or strēgth of will for doing [...] forminge afterwards, [Page] beinge forth of actual Prayer in the manner & for the end as wee ought, the good things pertaininge to vs to doe, & eschewinge the euill things or sinns which pertaine to vs to eschew. And if wee desist, or be negligent as to such due exercise, & pursuite of Prayer, wee shall accordingly most certainly faile of the foresaid fowre proper & most happie good effects of it; & thereby shal remayne vnable as not tendant towards our foresaid end, wherin alone was to consist our soules satisfaction, & supreame felicitie.

9. Duringe the tymes wee are forth of our actuall Prayer (as alwayes wee cannot be in it in this our state of mortalitie) wee are to eschew as before I haue signified both as to thoughts, & as to words, & deeds, all sinns & theirs occasions, soe farre as wee may auoid the same, & doe all the good pertayninge to vs to doe the best wee can, & this chiefelie accordinge to such light, inspiration, [Page] & grace as wee haue for it in or by our past & present actuall Prayer; that the next to Gods Grace itselfe must be the roote or source of all our well doinges. And without such care of ourselues & good demeauour out of the tyme of Prayer, our Prayer will not auaile vs to the foresaid' end; by reason that through neglect of God and our selues wee thereby destroy the good otherwise gottē by our former prayer, & withall make further increase in euill habits. And moreouer wee hauinge euer in our intention & desire the foresaid Perfection consistinge of Puritie & vniō & vsinge all things soe farre as they are of vse, or appertayne to vs, as meanes for attayninge to the said end, wee must take heed and the greatest heed not to content please or delight our selues (as makinge our rest or satisfaction in them) with those other things, which at the best can be but a meane conducinge to the said end, how worthy & noble [Page] soeuer otherwise those things in themselues seeme to be; as namelie, & for example sake, the performance of our obedience, externe Pouertye, Chastitie, (as did the foolish Virgins in esteeme of their Virginitie to their Losse of Heauen, as saith S. Gregorie) frequent vse of the Sacraments, Vocal Prayers, singings, though neuer soe much, or soe well exteriorlie performed, Qualitie of Religious Habit, Dignities, Offices, the Fauours, o [...] Loues of Superiors towards vs, our exacter obseruance of our Regular Discipline, & other good externe comportment of our selues, natural Talents of Body, & mind, acquisit sciences, or skills, esteeme of our Order for the numerositie of Saints of it, or for the Antiquitie, or amplitude of it, in Countreys, Howses & Persons; our Magnificence, Beautie or Lardgenesse in Buildings, our Riches in Temporalities, all commodiousnesse for liuinge, with supplie of all needs; [Page] The greatenesse or singularnesse of our Priuiledges or Exemptions of our Order, Confraternities or participations of the meritts of others, or Hope in their Prayers, our fastings, Abstinences, or other corporal Austerities, our corporall Health, our Fame and estimation with others, as for our vertuousnesse, or other cause whatsoeuer; Gentrie or Nobilitie in Birth and discent, Kindred or Alliance of Worth, or Friendshipps or Fauours with greater Personages, in summe whatsoeuer wee doe or can doe, or suffer, or whatsoeuer other guift or thinge wee haue or can haue from God naturalie or supernaturallie saue simplie our foresaid end, in which alone (I say) wee are to sist, make and our finall delight, repose, and rest, euer aspiringe towards the same, taking and vsinge all other things as meanes only (as farre as they may be such indeed, and noe further or otherwise) towards attayninge to the foresaid end wherin [Page] alone wee are to rest as the proper naturall and sole satisfaction of the soule, and her consummate happinesse. And in the meane tyme (I say agayne) not adheringe in affection to those other things, but transcendinge as well as wee can and as farre as iustlie wee may euen all thoughts of them and holdinge on forwards towards the foresaid end as the proper and sole center of our affections.

10. And soe wee dulie pursuinge such Prayer, and liuinge the best wee can, which is according to the Grace wee haue, or may haue towards itt from God, wee tend towards the foresaid end of absolute Perfection, and thereby satisfie God, and secure our owne soules saluation, which otherwise wee cannot doe. And in and by such tendance wee passe by degrees (though perhapps but slow & low) from that which is lesse perfect, to that which is more perfect, & perseueringe in such our tendance & progresse, (liue wee or liue wee not [Page] tyme enough for to be able to reach to the foresaid end itselfe) wee shall finallye become perfectlye happie, God reguardinge and requitinge (as out of his most free and immense Goodnesse Hee will) such our good wills and endeauours in the said Holye affaire, graciouslye acceptinge the same as fact and deed from vs. And indeed noe man in this life and state of corruption, doth fullye attayne to the foresaid Perfection of the first Man, who in that state of his Loued God with his whole Hart, mind and powres of his soule and Bodie. But it wil suffise vs that wee ayme at such Perfection & faithfullye labour to attayne therevnto, in the meane tyme & towards it exercisinge & performinge Loue to God the best and most wee can; albeit wee neuer attayne fullye and in deed to the aforesaid perfection; but to some degree of perfection inferior to it, which wee shall attayne to aiminge at and labouringe for the said more absolute [...]

COMMENDATIO Quotidiana.

[Page]

PIE Iesu ego commendo tibi animam meam & corpus meum, progressum, finemque huius miserae vitae meae. Presta vt recessus meus ab hoc exilio sit placitus coram te, & cum venerit ipsa Hora mortis meae concede (si est Honor Nominis tui) vt absque impedimento mox perueniam ad Te. Fiat voluntas tua Domine Deus meus. Commendo tibi hunc locum & Congregationem, praesente: atque absentes Fratres nostros. Commendo tibi omnia negotia spiritualia, & temporalia, & omnes necessitates nostras. Da vt sit sancta disciplina verae Religionis, sit hîc Humilitas Charitas & Puritas ad Gloriam Nominis tui. Commendo Ecclesiam Catholicam. Da Reformationem morum tibi placentem [Page] In [...]mnium hominum ordine. Commendo Vicarium tuum Summu [...] Pontificem & famulum tuum Imperatorem & Regem nostrum & Principes Christianos commendo Patrem meum, Matrem, Fratres Sorores, Propinquos, Familiares & Benefactores Nostros, omnesque fideles tam vivos quam defunctos, ac praecipuè eos qui meis orationibus specialiter commendati sunt. Conuerte quaeso & salua excaecatos miserosque peccatores. Conuerte & reuoca Hareticos atque Schismaticos. Conuerte & illumina infideles te adhuc ignorantes; periclitantibus subueni, maerentes consolare; Tentationibus, doloribus, calamitatibus pressos & afflictos releua. Miserere Domine, Miserere Omnium propter Sanctum nomen Tuum, Amen.

Amor meus Pondus meum illo feror quocumque feror. S. Aug.

DIRECTIONS.

[Page]

HOW to make right vse of the Deuotions or formes of Prayer followinge commonly called the Ideots Deuotions, because they are for such as feruently and simply with all their affections,Light of f [...]ith the onlie [...]ui, & safe ground. desire to aspire after God in the Clo [...]d of faith and feelings of Loue without troubleinge themselues with busye and impertinent operations of the vnderstandinge, commonly called Meditatiōs or discourses of the vnderstandinge, to move & excite the will, which in the case of these deuine & Seraphicke Ideots, are superfluous, they beinge alreadye sufficiently, yea aboundantly excited and bent to loue God, and practise vertue, through their light of Faith, which telleth and assureth them, that all is vanitye of [Page] Vanities, but. Only to Loue and serue God, Ec. 1.2 [...] and their owne innate Propension inclininge them to this end, and not sufferinge them to rest contentedly any way else, or in any thinge else; and this natural propension, strenthned & promoted by the habit of supernatural deuine Charitie, makes them runne the wayes of the Commandments of God he dilating their Harts, Ps. 119.

1. First you are to know that though these Deuotions imply greate perfection, yet noe greater then euery Christian of what state and condition soeuer is bound vnto. To witt. To the perfect Loue of God aboue all things. That is with all Ones hart, with all ones soule, with all ones mind. Which is the very first Commandment.

2. Though in these Deuotions there be many Act [...] peculiar & proper to Religious Persons (as principally made for them) yet single & married lay people may make very good, [Page] profitable and proper vse of the rest, & of those acts alsoe soe farre as they may make them agree with their state and condition by some smal alteration. As where it is spoken of obedience to Superiors; it may be applyed of wiues to their Husbands, Children to their Parents, single people to their Ghostly Fathers, yea of all People to their Ghostly Fathers in a good sense. Soe also where it is spoken of Pouertye, it may be vnderstood in Spirit & affection, which all, euen lay people ought to Haue. And in like manner where it is spoken of Religious offices both for acceptinge meane and base ones, and refusinge honorable ones, may be as well applyed to lay Offices both in priuate familyes, and common Wealths. And thus appropriatinge euery thinge to each ones particular state and condition, very good and profitable vse may be made of them all.

3. Though these Deuotions be ample [Page] and large enough, yet they cannot reach to euery ones particular occasions & necessities, wherefore they are to obserue that what Deuotions may be specially inspired them, or vpon some iust Occasion suggested vnto them as proper and necessarye for them, they ought to make vse of them freely and cheerefully though they be [...] not contained in these exercises. And this especially in the Acts of Resignation.

4. Now as concerninge the maner of exercisinge these Deuotions, it ought cheifly to be done in Spirit & mind and without any vocalitie at all, especially in beginners who would be more distracted through such vocalitie as more sensible, and soe more subiect to distraction, yet in some who haue such a Grace to exercise them both vocallie & mentallye that is spiritually; they may doe well, and best it is soe to doe.

5. And as concerninge the quantitie though they be deuided into seuerall [Page] Exercises and those into seueral Acts. Yet is it not to be vnderstood that all the Acts of euerie exercise are to be vsed at one tyme; nor that one Exercise and all its Acts only are to be vsed at one tyme, but in this discretion is to be vsed, and libertie of Spirit; sometymes to vse fewer, sometymes more as may be expedient for our soules good. For it may soe happen that one or two Acts of an exercise may serue with greate profitt for one whole tyme of Prayer, and sometymes agayne 20. or 40. may not serue, and in this, as I haue said, and now I say it agayne (as a principall poynt to be obserued) discreete libertie is to be vsed. Yea it may soe happen that not one single Act at all of the whole booke is to be vsed, if God soe enable and replenish a soule, and this is the Best of all.

Rom. 8. 26.

An Holy Idlenesse.

For then the Spirit asketh for vs with vnspeakeable groanings. And in this case wee must not conceiue ourselues idle, or doinge nothinge, this is Otium Sanctum an Holy Vacation.

[Page]6. Wee must be warie not to oppresse our soules too much with Vocall Prayers, as Offices of our Ladye, the Dead, Litani [...]s &c. which though they are very good Prayers allowed and commended by the Church, yet are they not commanded, but left to our choise. And wee need not feare, if wee discharge these mentall exercises duely, wee shall discharge our obligation as to all other voluntarie Prayers and Customes of deuotion, be they to the Saincts, or for our Friends. For in these Exercises there is nothinge neglected soe they be performed with Humilitie and indifferencye purely for the Loue and Honour of God & our soules Good. Yet heereby wee are not to conceiue our selues Freed from such Offices, or dutyes as are of Obligation, but only as I said from such as are meerely Voluntarie and rather a clogge and Burden to the soule, then any aduantage, or furtherance in the way of virtue.

[Page]7. It will suffise to exercise and vse dayly two mentall exercises, to witt, the one in the morninge, the other at the most conuenient tyme in the eueninge. And by thus doinge and practisinge virtue and Mortif [...]cation (without which Prayer auayleth nothinge) wee shall in tyme come to Exercise Prayer more continually, and by degrees draw neerer and neerer to the Perfection of continuall Prayer, to which wee are exhorted and commanded by our Sauuiours sayinge.

Luk. 18.

Wee must pray alwayes without ceasinge. And in this Continual prayinge consists our Happinesse present and future. Wee still cryinge. Holye, Holye, Holye Lord God of Sabaoth.

8. And though none can receiue hurt by this Summarie, Directions, and Deuotions, yet those only will reape the greatest profitt and make the rightest vse of them, who are of an interior Propension towards God and of Exterior and Interior sound [Page] senses, yet want perchance some meanes to nourish, feed, and increase such their Propension and desire towards God, which (I hope) they will find by these Directions and Deuotions. And a greate light to know their end, and what to ayme at by the Summarie. And for such persons, of what state and condition soeuer, Religious, single, or married people, it was chiefelye written, which they shall perceiue more clearely by readinge and pervsinge them, and thereby be more assured they are for their purpose. And therevpon let them resolue to make vse of them to the Honour of God, and their Soules Good. Yea I haue knowne some Persons who (vnlesse these helps had falne into their Hand) would neuer haue beene satisfyed, and quieted in Mind, whereas once put in this way, they haue experienced such Benefitt by itt, that for euer they haue beene settled, and indeed Happye. For they haue found that all Other things [Page] necessarie haue come with itt. Accordinge to that sayinge of the wise Man. All good hath come with it. Venerunt mihi omnia bona pariter cumilla.

Wis. 11.

And without itt nothinge.

9. And heere it is to be obserued that wee must not be deiected or giue ouer our Mentall Prayer though wee doe not find soe soone an alteration, and amendment in our life, as wee hoped for. The reason is because God many tymes petmitts vs to fall into our wonted imperfectiōs and Frailties for our Humilitie and Mortification. Agayne wee ought to consider that if wee are so fraile with this kind of Souueraigne Prayer what should wee be without itt. And this is to be remembred specially in the Acts of Resignation where wee shall perceiue our Frailtie more frequent and ordinarie.

10. To conclud, aboue all it wil helpe much to conferre with such as vnderstand and practise these Exercises, and to haue a Confessarius, or [Page] at least a Director for some tyme in the Beginninge; especially, til wee haue gott some feelinge of them, and then wee may better wrastle with difficulties Alone. And wee shall easilie perceiue whom wee are to make vse of in this kind, and who are for our purpose, and who are not. And the like may be said of Bookes. What Bookes, or Parts or Parcells of Bookes rellish with our Spirits, breed discreet feruour and Deuotion in vs, those wee are to make vse of and be conuersant in; such as breed Feare, Scruples, Troubles, Confusion, and disquiet of Mind &c. they are not for our purpose, neither doe they concerne vs. And thus doinge, wee shall make right vse of all Bookes, and Confessors, and reape profitt and noe harme by them; which God send wee may. Iesus.

A Catalogue of such Bookes as maye much helpe, comfort, and encrease the Deuotion of Contemplatiue spirits, such as are well grounded, & instructed alreadie in the Catholike Faith and haue passed through the necessarie rudiments of actiue Preparations.
For such and in verie deed onlie such This Summarie, Instructions, Catalogue, and Exercises are by mee sett Forth, and for None Other intended.

[Page]

A

All the Venerable Father Augustine Bakers Manuscripts of the Holye Order of S. Benedict of the English Cong [...], which are kept as Pretious treasures (as indeed they are) in the English Monasterie of Comfort of she same Order, and Cong [...]. at Cambraye. And all that is in this Summarie, Directions, Exercises, and what else in [Page] this treatise is taken out of these Manuscripts, and if any thinge to be reproued; it is to be attributed to him who sett them forth.

B.

All S. Bernards workes.

S. Bonauentures little workes, or opuscula.

Fath. Bennet Canfields Bookes of the three wills.

C.

The Workes of Climachus.

Cassianus Workes corrected.

The Colloquies of S. Catherine of Siena.

D.

Dionysius Areopagita his Misticke Diuinitie.

The little worke of Dionysius the Carthusian of Contemplation.

The Workes of S. Dorotheus.

G.

The Workes of S. Gregorie the greate.

H.

Hugo of S. Victor.

[Page]Harphins his Misticke Dininitie accordinge to the Romane impression.

I.

The golden Booke of Iohn Gersen of the Imitation of Christ.

Iohn of the Crosse.

L.

Lincolniensis: or Hugo Bishop of Lincolne.

R.

Regnum Dei intra nos. Or the Kingdome of God within vs.

Rusbrochius his Workes.

Richard of S. Victors Workes.

The Reuelations of Saint Gertrude, and Saint Brigitt.

S.

The Scale of Perfection.

Suso his life and Workes.

The Secret Paths, of deuine Loue.

T.

Thaulerus his life, and Workes.

S. Teresa Her workes, & Her life written by Herselfe.

V.

Vitae Patrum, or the Liues of th [...] Fathers.

[Page]Many other Bookes there are more th [...]n I can number vpp, very proper for thee, which obuiously maye happen into thy hands; but these I onlie reckon vp, that thou maist easilye find out deuout Reader what may serue thy turne; and to saue thee a labour neuer looke to find any Booke for thy turne in this way written by any of the Societie of Iesus, whose genius is the actiue way, and in that they are excellent, and very commendable, but in this contemplatiue way few or none hath appeared euer since their first institute aboue these hundred yeares.

§

§

[Page]

‘Vanitie of Vanitie, and all is Vanitie.’Eccles. 1.

But only to loue, to loue and serue God.

Though thou a faire howse hast, and splendid fare What then?

A spowse, or concubine without compare. What then?

And Blist with numerous issue, large extents. What then?

Yea faire, stronge, rich in all accomplishment. What then?

If Prior, Abbot, Prince, or Pope thou be. What then?

Courted by the world, and all prosperitie. What then?

Let fortunes wheele aduance thee aboue the skies. What then?

Liue heere ten thowsand yeares in Paradise, What then?

‘Then virtue only doth remayne by which true Glorie thou shalt gayne. The world passes away, and the concupiscence thereof.’1. Io. 2.17.

[Page]

§

§

[Page]

IESVS sonne of dauid haue mercie on mee. GOD be mercieful to mee a sinner. Luc [...] 1 [...]. [...] 1 [...].

HOLY EXERCISES OR SAINCTLY IDEOTS DEVOTIONS. THE POENITENT.

[Page]

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

1. WHO shall giue to my head water, and to mine eyes a fountaine of Teares that I maye bewayle both day and night my sinns and ingratitude towards God my Creator.

2. Consider (ô my soule) the multitude of the Benefits of God bestowed vppon thee, and be thou confoun| [...]

[Page]16. Amongst soe many infidels as are in the world, thou hast brought mee to thy Faith and Baptisme.

17. There that couenant was made that thou shouldst be mine, and I thine; thou my Lord and I thy seruant; thou my Father, and I thy child. That thou shouldst behaue thy selfe as a Father towards mee, and I as a child towards thee.

18. What shall I say of the other Sacraments which thou hast instituted for remedies of my euills, makinge a plaister for my sinns of thy owne most pretious Blood.

19. Haueinge these helpes yet haue I not remayned in goodnesse, but my wickednesse hath beene soe greate, that I haue lost my first Innocencie.

20. And thy Mercie on the other side soe greate that thou hast patientlie hitherto expected mee.

21. O my Hope and Sauuiour how can I without teares call to my remembrance how oftentymes thou [Page] mightst iustlye haue bereaued mee of my life?

22. How many thowsand soules now peraduenture burne in hell who haue lesse sinned then I, and yet I burne not there.

23. What had become of mee, if thou hadst taken mee away, when thou tookst them.

This is continued in the ensuinge Exercise.

THE II. EXERCISE.

WHO then ô Lord bound the hands of thy Iustice?

2. Who held the rod of thy iudgements when as I by sinninge prouoked thee?

3. What pleased thee in mee that thou didst deale more dearelie with mee then with others?

4. My sinns cryed vnto thee, and thou stoppedst thyne eares.

5. My malice euerie day increased [Page] against thee; and thy merite euerie day encreased towards mee.

6. I sinned, and thou expectedst.

7. I Fled away, and thou Followedst mee.

8. I was wearied in sinninge, and thou wert not wearied in expectinge.

9. In the midst of my sinns I receiued from thee diuers good inspirations.

10. What shall I now render ô Lord vnto thee for all these benefitts which I haue receiued of thee?

11. Because thou hast created mee I owe thee all that I am.

12. Because thou hast preserued mee, I owe thee all that I am and my life.

13. Because thou hast giuen mee thy selfe what shall I render to thee?

14. If all the Liues of Angells and men were mine and that I should offer them all vnto thee as a Sacrifice, what were this Oblation if it were compared with one droppe of thy [Page] Blood, which thou hast shed for mee soe aboundantlie?

16. Who therefore will giue Teares to mine eyes that I may bewayle my ingratitude, and wicked retribution, or requitall of these thy soe many benefits?

16. Helpe mee ô Lord, and giue mee Grace that I may worthylye bewayle myne iniquities?

17. For I am that vnhappie wretch who hath sinned against heauen and before thee.

18. I am thy Creature made accordi [...]ge to thy Image, take awaye from mee that which I haue made and know that which thou hast made.

19. I haue bent all my forces to doe thee iniurie, and haue offended thee by the workes of my hands.

20. The things which thou hast giuen and created for mee to be imployed and vsed for thy seruice and Honour, I haue wrougfullie and most vnthankfullie conuerted and [Page] imployed the same to thy offence and dishonour.

This is continued in the ensuinge Exercise.

THE III. EXERCISE.

1. MY feete haue bene swift to euil, and mine eyes haue beene dissolute to Vanitie, & myne eares haue beene alwayes open to trifles, and toyes.

2. My vnderstandinge which should haue contemplated thy Beautie, and haue meditated both day and night on thy Commandements hath considered transitorie toyes, and meditated day and night how to transgresse thy said Commandements.

3. My will was by thee inuited to the Loue of coelestiall delights and delicacies, but I preferred the earth before heauen.

4. I haue spread my Armes which thou hast consecrated to thy loue to [Page] embrace, and hugge the filthie Loue of Creatures.

5. This is ô Lord the reward, this is the Fruite which I, thy Creature haue yeilded.

6. Alas. What can I a wretch answere if thou entrest with mee into Iudgement, and wilt say; I haue planted thee a chosen vineiard all true seed, how then ô strange vineiard art thou turned in my sight into that which is depraued?

7. And if I cannot answere to this first question concerninge my Creation, how shall I answere the second concerninge my conuersation?

8. Thou ô mercifull God hast preserued him by thy prouidence who hath thought of noe other thinge, but how to violate thy Commandements, and to set vp the Kingdome of sinne against thee.

9. Thou hast moued that tongue which dishonored thee, thou hast gouerned those members which offended thee.

[Page]10. In soe much as I haue not onlie beene vngratefull for thy benefits, but vsed thy benefits alsoe themselues as weapons against thee.

11. Thou hast made all creatures for my vse to allure mee to loue thee, I haue abused them, and of them haue diuers tymes taken occasion of sinne.

12. I haue made choise rather of the guift, then the giuer.

13. I haue beene blinded by them, and haue not lifted vp myne ey [...]s at the sight of them.

14. I haue not considered how much more beautifull the Creator is, then the creature.

15. Thou hast giuen mee all things that I should giue thee my selfe; and all things haue serued mee, but I neuer haue giuen thee Glorie, or paid thy tributedue.

16. Thou hast giuen mee health, and the diuell hath gathered the fruits thereof.

17. Thou hast giuen mee strenth and [Page] I haue spent it in the seruice of Thin [...] enemye.

18. What shall I say? wherefore haue not all the calamities and miseries which I haue knowne to haue falne vppon other men and touched not mee, beene a sufficient argument to mee that my deliuerie from euerie one of them was a peculiar benefit from thee?

19. O most gratious Lord shall I be vngratefull for these Benefits?

20. If the fiercenesse and crueltie of Lions and serpents be assuaged with benefits, why shall not thy benefits be sufficient to tame and assuage my sinnefull Hart?

This is continued in the Followinge Exercise.

THE IV. EXERCISE.

1. BVT if soe strict an account shall be demanded for these things which cost thee soe little [Page] what accompt wilt thou aske of those which thou hast bought to thy selfe with thy most pretious Blood.

2. How haue I peruerted thy Counsells?

3. How haue I violated the Mysterie of thyne Incarnation?

4. Thou wert made man to make mee a God, I haue made my selfe a beast, and the slaue of the Diuell.

5. Thou hast come downe to the earth to bringe mee to heauen, and I haue not harkened to or acknowledged this high Vocation.

6. But haue perseuered in wickednesse, and in the durt and mire of my basenesse.

7. Thou hadst deliuered mee, I haue cast my selfe agayne headlonge into my old bondage.

8. Thou hadst raised mee, I haue agayne embraced death.

9. Thou hadst made mee one Bodie with thee, and I haue ioyned my selfe agayne with the di [...]ell.

10. Soe many, and soe greate Benefits [Page] could not doe soe much, as make mee know thee.

11. Nor soe many tokens of Loue, make mee requite thee with Loue.

12. Nor soe many deserts, and guifts make mee hope in thee.

13. Nor such a strict kind of iustice, as appeared in thy Passion make mee feare thee.

14. Thou hast humbled thy selfe euen to the dust of the earth, I puffe my selfe vp with pride.

15. Thou didst hange naked on the Crosse, I seeke the world & worldlye delights.

16. Thou beinge God wert buffeted; if any man touch my garment who am onlie a most vile worme, I presentlye become colericke.

17. What shall I say my sweete Sauuiour? behold how greate thy mercie and charitie is towards mee.

18. Thou wouldst dye to kill my sinns; and [...] persuminge in thy said Mercie, Goodnesse, and Loue haue [...]ot feared to sinne against thee, what [Page] greater impietie can be imagined?

19. I haue taken occasion of thy Goodnesse to worke malice; and by that meane which thou hast vsed to kill sinne, I haue taken occasion to raise agayne sinne in my selfe.

20. Because thou wert soe good, I thought I might without preiudice be euil.

21. And because thy Benefits were soe many I thought I might without punishment render vnto thee, as many iniuries.

This is further continued in the ensuinge Exercise.

THE V. EXERCISE.

1. THVS haue I made thy medecines occasions of sinne [...] and I haue turned that sword which I receiued of thee to defend my selfe from myne enemyes against my owne bowels, and with the same murthered myne owne soule.

[Page]2. Finally thou diedst (as wee are taught by the Apostle) that they that now liue may not liue to themselues but vnto thee.

3. And I as the child of Iezable haue made thy Death as a meane to depriue my selfe of thy blessings by Flyinge from thy seruice, and makinge my selfe the Bondslaue of thyne enemyes.

4. Alas what doth hee deserue who committeth such enormities?

5. If doggs haue eaten the flesh of Iezable, what will become of mee?

6. If the Apostle make it soe heinous a matter, of the Law itselfe to take an occasion to breake the Law how greate is my malice who of Grace & Mercie haue taken an occasion to offend Grace and Mercie itselfe?

7. O most Patient Lord who for sinners hast suffered buffetts; but farre more patient in sufferinge sinners. Will this thy patience [...]ndure for euer?

8. I remember what thou hast said [Page] by the Prophet, I haue held my peace I haue kept silence, I haue beene Patiint as one that hath beene labouringe with child. I will speake.

9. I see that the earth that yeldeth not fruict after rayne is reiected and cursed.

10. I see that the vineyard which beinge well tilled producinge noe grapes but wild vines by thee is commanded to be destroyed.

11. Wherefore ô vnprofitable & fruitlesse branch dost thou not feare the voyce of that potent husbandman, that dresser of the vineyard, who (as truth itselfe reporteth) taketh away all branches not bearinge fruicte, and casteth them into the fire?

12. What shall I doe my Lord, what shall I doe? I confesse I am not worthy to appeare in thy sight, nor to behold thee.

13. Whither shall I flye from thy Face?

14. Art not thou my Father and in verie truth a Father of Mercies [Page] which haue noe end, or measure?

15. For though I haue (as much as lay in mee) for a longe tyme desisted to be thy child; yet thou euen to this present, dost not desist to be my Father.

16. Although I haue done many things worthy of damnation, yet thou hast not desisted to saue mee.

17. What then shall I doe but cast my selfe downe at thy Feete, and humblie craue Mercie?

18. Art not thou?

My Creator,

My Preseruer,

My Redeemer,

My Deliuerer,

My Kinge,

My Pastor,

My Preist, and

My Sacrifyce.

19. Whither then shall I goe? whither then shall [...] flye but vnto thee?

20. If thou repell mee, who will receiue mee?

21. If thou reiect mee, of whom [Page] shall I seeke succour?

22. Acknowledge ô Lord and receiue this sheepe that hath runne a stray.

23. Behold I come full of wounds, thou canst heale mee.

24. I come all blind thou canst giue mee sight.

25. I come all dead thou canst rayse mee.

26. I come all full of leprosie, thou canst make mee cleane.

27. Thou shalt sprinkle mee (ô Lord) with I sope (with thy pretious blood shed for mee) and I shall be made cleane.

28. Thou shalt wash mee, and I shall be made whiter then snow.

29. Thy mercie is greater then my iniquitie, thy clemencie, exceedeth my malice; and thou canst forgiue more, then I can sinne.

30. Doe not therefore ô Lord, doe not repell and reiect mee.

31. Doe not consider the multitude of my sinns, but thyne infinit mercie.

32. I resigne my selfe wholye into thy hands.

[Page]33. Thou ô God who art able to doe all things, conuert mee vnto thee, renew my Spiritt.

34. Enlighten my vnderstandinge, sanctyfie my will, increase my strenth of Bodie and soule.

35. That I may depend onlie on thee, Feare and loue thee aboue all things, and serue thee feruentlye.

36. And in all my actions hereafter to conforme my selfe to thy blissed will and pleasure.

37 I beseech thee finallye to impart vnto mee thyne aboundant effectuall Grace by which I may be able to beginne to lead a perfect and holye life, and to serue thee perfectlye and throughlye euen to the end.

Heere end the 5. Exercises of Contrition.

THE VI. EXERCISE.

1. TAKE pittie ô Lord, take pittie ô mercyfull Sauuiour [Page] of mee most miserable sinner, doinge things worthye of blame, and worthylye sufferinge for the same.

2. Beinge by thee daylie afflicted, for that I am continuallye found to haue offended.

3. If I ponder the euill which I daylie committ, that which I endure is nothinge in comparison of it.

4. That which I haue done beinge much more greiuous then my Affliction. Thou art iust ô Lord, and right is thy iudgment. All thy iudgements most iust, and true.

5. Thou ô Lord our God art iust & full of goodnesse neither is there in thee any wickednesse.

6. Because when wee offend thou dost not vniustlye and cruellye afflict vs, who when we were not hast powrefullye made vs, and when for our sinns wee were guiltie of damnation thou hast by thy wonderfull Mercye, and goodnesse set vs in the state of Saluation.

7. I know ô Lord God and am assured [Page] that our life is not gouerned by vncertayne chances but wholye disposed and ordered by thy Awfull powre and prouidence.

8. Thou therefore takest care of all things, but especiallye of such as serue the, who put their confidence in thy onlye mercie.

9. Wherefore I humblye beseech thee that thou wilt not deale with mee accordinge to myne iniquities by which I haue deserued thyne anger, but accordinge to thy manifold mercyes which surmount the sinns of the whole world.

10. Thou ô Lord who dost punish mee outwardlye giue always an inuincible Patience inwardlye to the end may neuer cease to prayse thee.

11. Take pittye of mee ô Lord and helpe mee both in soule and Bodie.

12. Thou I say who knowest all things and art able to doe all things whatsoeuer, who liuest and rieguest for euer and euer.

13. O Lord Iesus-Christ the Sonne [Page] of the liuinge God who with thy hands stretched forth on the Crosse hast drunke the bitter cupp of thy Passion for the Redemption of all mankind, succour mee this Day I beseech thee.

14. Behold ô Lord, that I that am needie doe come to thee who art wealthy; I that am full of miserie doe approach to thee replenished with mercye, suffer mee not therefore to depart void or as one worthye to be dispised.

15. I beginne hungrie, let mee not end emptie.

16. I approach as one hunger starned, lett mee not depart vnfedd.

17. And if I sigh before I eate graunt that I may at least eate after I haue sighed.

18. First therefore most sneete Iesus before the magnificence of thy sweetnesse, I confesse against mee my iniustice.

19. Behold ô Lord whereas I was conceiued and borne in sinne, thou [Page] hast wa [...]hed and sanctifyed mee frō the same; and I after this haue I defiled my selfe with greater offences.

20. Those wherin I was borne were of necessitie, but those in which I afterwards lay wallowinge were voluntarie.

This is continued in the followinge Exercise.

THE VII. EXERCISE.

1. THIS notwithstandinge, thou ô Lord beinge not vnmindfull of thy Mercie and goodnesse hast drawne mee from my Fathers howse and from the tabernacles of sinners.

2. And thou inspiredst mee with thy Grace to follow the companie of those who seeke thy Face, who walke the direct way that leadeth to felicitie, liuinge amongst the Lillies of Chastitie, and sittinge at the table with thee in the parlour of most profound pouertie.

[...]

[Page]14. As I haue sinned, soe doe thou correct, & amend mee.

15. And beinge by the stripes of thy Fatherlie Pittie [...]orrected & amended, committ mee to the care & custodie of thy onlye begotten Sonne Iesus-Christ our Lord.

16. Is it possible for a woemen to forgett the child of her owne wombe?

17. And though shee should forgett, ô most louinge Father thou hast promised not to be vnmindfull.

18. Behold I crie & thou dost not heare mee?

19. I am afflicted with with greife, & thou dost not comfort mee?

20 [...] O what shall I say or doe in this extreame miserie? Alas I am altogether comfortlesse & which is worse am chased out of thy presence.

21. Wretch that I am from how greate good into how greate euill am I falne?

22. Whither did I attempt to goe, & whither am I come?

[Page]23. Where am I, & where am I not?

24. How is it that I, that did sigh after heauen; doe now sigh through soe greate Tribulation?

25. I haue sought comfort, & haue Found affliction.

26. And truelie it is better for mee not to be, then to be without thee sweet Iesus.

27. It is better not to liue then to liue without thee the only true life.

This Exercise is continued in the Followinge.

THE VIII. EXERCISE.

WHERE are now ô Lord Iesus thy accustomed Mercies?

2. Wilt thou be displeased with mee for euer?

3. Be appeased I beseech thee & take pittie on mee, & turne not thy louinge Face away from mee, who to redeeme mee hast not turned away thy Face from those who did mocke & spitt at thee.

[Page]4. I confesse that I haue sinned & my conscience doth adiudge mee worthye of damnation, neither is my pennance sufficient to make satisfaction.

5. Nenerthelesse it is most certayne that thy mercie doth surmount all offences whatsoeuer be they neuer soe abominable.

6. Wherefore ô most mercifull Lord I beseech thee doe not write downe my malitious bitternesse, neither enter into Iudgement with thy seruant.

7. But accordinge to the multitude of thy mercies blott out myne iniquities.

8. Woe be to mee at the day of Iudgement when the bookes of our consciences shall be opened (wherin our Actions are registred) when of mee it shall be openlye proclaymed. See heere a man and his workes.

9. What shall I doe O my Lord a [...] that dreadfull daye when the Heauens shall reueale myne iniquitie. And the earth shall beare wittnesse against mee.

[Page]10. Verilye I shall be mute and able to say nothinge, but holdinge downe my head through shame and confusion, I shall stand before thee shakinge, and blushingé.

11. Alas, what shall I say? I will call and crie vnto thee, ô Lord my God, why am I consumed beinge silent?

12. Neuerthelesse, if I speake my greife will not cease.

13. And if I hold my peace I shall interiorlie be tormented with insupportable bitternesse.

14. Weepe ô my soule and make lamentation, as a younge married weoman for the death of her Husband.

15. Weepe and be wayle thy miserie, for that thy bridegroome, who is Christ, hath forsaken thee.

16. O Anger of the Almightie rush not vppon mee, for I cannot subsist against t [...]e.

17. Ver [...]e there is nothinge in mee that is able to sustayne thee.

18. Take pittie on mee, least I dispaire [Page] of thy Mercie; that by dispairinge of my selfe I may find comfort in confidinge in thee.

19. And albeit I haue done that for which thou may iustlye condemne mee, yet thou hast not lost thy accustomed propertie of shewinge mercie, and pittie.

20. Thou ô Lord dost not desire the death of sinners, neither doest thou take pleasure in the perdition of those that dye.

21. Nay rather that those who were dead might liue, thou thy selfe ha [...] died, and thy death hath beene the death of that death that was due to sinners, and they by thy Death are come to life.

22. Graunt mee I beseech thee O Lord that thou liuinge I may not die; since that thy death hath giuen life, much more let thy life giue life.

23. Lett thy heauenlye [...]d helpe mee and deliuer mee from the hands of those that hate mee least they insult and reioyce ouer mee sayinge [Page] wee haue deuoured Him.

THE IX. EXERCISE.

1. HOW is it possible ô good Iesus that euer any one can dispaire of thy mercie who when wee were thyne enemyes thou hast redeemed vs with thy pretious Blood, & hast reconciled vs to God?

2. Behold ô Lord protected by thy mercie I runne crauinge pardon to the Throne of thy Glorie, callinge and knockinge vntil thou take pittie on mee.

3. For if thou hast called vs to pardon euen when wee did not seeke it, how much more shall wee obtayne pardon, if wee aske it.

4. Remember not thy iustice ô most sweete Iesus towards mee a sinner.

5. But be mindfull of thy mercie towards mee thy creature.

6. Remembeh not thy Anger towards mee guiltie, but be mindfull of [Page] thy Mercie towards mee in miserie.

7. Forgett my pride prouokinge thee to displeasure and weigh my wretcheūnesse [...] imploringe thy Fauour.

8. For what dost thy sacred name Iesus signifie but onlye a Sauiour.

9. Wherefore ô Sauuiour Iesus be thou my succour and protection, and say vnto my soule, I am thy Saluation.

10. I doe presume verie much on thy deuine Bountie because thou thy selfe dost teach vs to aske, seeke and knocke at the doore of thy mercie.

11. Wherefore I doe aske seeke and knocke at thy doore, as thou hast admonished mee to doe.

12. Thou therefore ô Lord who willest mee to aske graunt that I may receiue.

13. Thou dost counsell mee to seeke, graunt mee likwise to find.

14. Thou dost teach mee to knocke, open vnto mee knockinge at the doore of thy Mercie.

[Page]15. Recouer mee beinge diseased, repaire mee beinge craised, raise me [...] beinge dead.

16. Vouchsafe likewise soe to direct and gouerne all my senses, thoughts and Actions in that which is pleasinge vnto thee.

17. That from henceforth I may faithfullye serue thee, liue to thee, and giue my selfe wholye vnto thee.

18. I know my Lord that by reason thou hast made mee, I owe my selfe vnto thee.

19. And by reason thou hast redeemed mee and hast beene made Man for mee, I doe owe (if I had it to giue thee) much more then my selfe vnto thee, by how much thou art greater then I who hast giuen thy selfe for mee.

20. Behold I haue nothinge else to giue thee neither can I giue thee this without thee.

21. Take mee therefore and draw mee vnto thee that soe I may be thyne by imitation, and affection, like [Page] as I am by Condition, and Creation, who liuest and reignest world without end. Amen.

THE X. EXERCISE.

1. O Lord God Almightie who art Trinitie in Vnitie [...] who art alwayes in all things, and wert before all things and wilt be in all things euerlastinglie, one blissed God for all Eternitie.

2. To thee this and all the dayes of my life I commend my soule, my bodie, my seeinge, my hearinge, tast, smell, and touchinge.

3. All my cogitations, Affections, Words, and Actions.

4. All things that I haue without and within mee, my sense and vnderstandinge, my Memorie, Faith, and Beleife, and my constancie in well doinge. All these I commend into the hands of thy powerfull protection.

[Page]5. To the end that all the nights and dayes, howers, and moments of my life, thou preserue and direct mee.

6. Heare mee ô sacred Trinitie and preserue mee from all euill, from all Mortall sinne.

7. And from all the deceites and Vexations of the Deuill, and of all myne enemyes visible, and inuisible.

8. By the Prayers of the Patriarchs, by the suffrages of the Apostles, by the Constancie of the Martirs.

9. By the Faith of the Confessors, by the Chastitie of the Virgins, and by the intercession of all the Saints who haue pleased and Faithfullye serued thee since the world begunne.

10. Roote out of my hart all vaine-glorious ostentation, and increase in mee the Spirit of compunction.

11. Abate my Pride, and increase my Humilitie.

12. Stirre mee vp to teares and contrition, and mollifie my Hart beinge hard as a stone.

13. Deliuer mee, and my soule ô Lord [Page] from all the sna [...]es of my Ghostlye enemyes, and preserue mee in the performance of that which is most pleasinge vnto thee.

14. Teach mee to doe thy will ô Lord because thou art my God.

15. Graunt mee ô Lord perfect sense, and intelligence whereby I may be able to know, and acknowledge thy meruaylous greate kindnesse.

16. Graunt that my petitions may be such as that they may be pleasinge to thee, and profitable to my selfe.

17. Graunt mee teares flowinge from my whole Affection, which may be able to dissolue the bands of my sinns.

18. Heare mee ô My Lord, and My God, Heare mee ô light of myne eyes.

19. Heare what I demand, and graunt that thou maist heare what I demand.

20. If thou dispise mee I shall perish, and be consumed, if thou respect [Page] mee, I shall liue.

This is continued in the ensuinge exercise.

THE XI. EXERCISE.

1. IF thou ô Lord examine my righteousnesse I shall be found as a dead Man stinkinge through rottennesse.

2. But if thou behold mee with the eye of thy mercie, thou wilt thereby raise mee (beinge through sinne but a carcasse) from the sepulchre of myne iniquitie.

3. Whatsoeuer thou hatest ô Lord [...]n mee, expell, and roote out of mee.

4. And plant in mee the Spirit of Chastitie, and continencie to the end [...]hat whatsoeuer I shall demand of [...]hee, in my demand I may not offend [...]hee.

[...]. Take from mee that which is hurt [...]ull, and giue mee that is profitable.

[Page]6. Giue mee a medicine ô Lord by which the soares of my soule may be healed.

7. Bestow vppon mee ô Lord thy Feare, compunction of Hart, Humilitie, and a conscience Free from all sinne.

8. Graunt mee Grace ô Lord that I may be alwayes able to liue in charitie with my Bretheren, not forgettinge my owne sinns, or pryinge into the sinnes, or doings of other men.

9. Pardon my soule, Pardon my sinns. Pardon myne offences; Pardon myne abominations.

10. Visit mee Weakened; Cure mee diseased; Refresh mee wearied. Rayse mee dead.

11. Take pittie ô God, take pittie of mee, and behold mee from the sacred seate of thy sacred Maiestie.

12. Grant mee ô Lord a hart tha [...] may feare thee, a mind that may lou [...] [Page] thee, a sense that may conceiue thee, eyes that may see thee.

13. And illuminate the darkenesse of my hart with the bright beames of thy light.

14. Giue mee ô Lord discretion to be able to discerne betwixt good and euill, and enduemee with an vnderstandinge that is alwayes watchfull.

15. I humblye craue pardon of all my sinns, I humblie craue it (ô Lord) of thee from, whom and by whom I hope to find Fauour in the tyme of necessitie.

16. O Marie Mother of God; Mother of Iesus-Christ our Lord, thou sacred and vnspotted Virgin vouchsafe to make intercession for mee vnto him who made thee a worthy temple for himselfe to dwell in.

17. O S. Michaël, O S. Gabriel, O S. Raphaël.

18. O holie Quires of Angells and Archangells, of Patriarchs and Prophets, of Apostles, and Euangelists, [Page] O S. Peter and S. Iohn, of Martyrs, ô blissed S. Thomas of Canterburie. of Doctors ô Blissed S. Gregorie our Apostle; of Priests and Leuites, ô Venerable Bede; of Monks, & Ermites ô Holye Father S. Bennet, of Virgins ô Blissed S. Scholastica, & of all such as haue liued holylye and Religiouslye.

19. I presume to beseech you euen for his sake by whom you haue beene elected, and by whose contemplation you are extreamelye delighted, and fullye satiated.

20. That you will be pleased to pray for mee a poore sinner vnto him our God, that I maye be deliuered from the furious lawes of the infernall fiend, and from that death which neuer shall haue end.

This is continued in the followinge Exercise.

[Page]

THE XII. EXERCISE.

1. VOuchsafe ô Lord accordinge to thy meeknesse, and vnspeakable Mercie to make mee pertaker of eternall felicitie.

2. Graunt, ô Lord that Priests maye liue in concord, & that Kings and Princes rulinge as they ought to doe maye be vnited in peace and tranquillitie.

3. I humbly craue Grace (ô Lord) for the whole Catholicke Church, for Men, and woemen, for Religious Persons, and for secular people, for all Christian Magistrates, and for all that beleiue in thee, and labour for thy holye Loue, that they maye perseuer in doing well all the dayes of their life.

4. Graunt ô Lord, and kinge eternall [...] to Virgins Puritie, to Religious Persons who haue dedicated themselues vnto thee, the guift of Chastitie; to [Page] married folkes Holinesse of life.

5. To such as are trulye sorrowfull for their sinns forgiuenesse; to Widowes, and Orphans succour.

6. Protection to those that are poore, to Trauellers a safe returne to their Home, comfort to such as mourne.

7. To the faithfull departed the present repose of Heauen, to mariners, and such as saile on the sea their desired Port, or Hauen.

8. To those who haue attayned to Perfection Grace, increase, and perseuerance; to beginners, and proficients in vertue Grace to doe better, and better.

9. To sinners and to such as offend (as to mee poore wretch) that they may speedilye Amend.

10. O most mild and mercifull Lord and Sauiour, sonne of the liuinge God the worlds Redeemer amongst all men and in all things I confesse my selfe to be a miserable sinner.

11. Neuerthelesse I beseech thee [Page] most sweete and souueraigne father, that as an Abiect I may not be cast out of thy Fauour.

12. Yea rather ô Lord thou who art Kinge of Kings and hast determined and decreed the lenth of each Mans life, graunt mee a deuout desire to amend myne.

13. Stire vp my sluggish soule to the end that at all tymes, and in all things, it may seeke, desire, loue, and feare thee who in all places art three and one; and maye put in practice that which is pleasinge to thee.

14. Especially I beseech thee ô Holy Father who art blissed and glorious for euer, that thou wilt mercifullie preserue all those who in their Prayers are mindfull of mee, or haue commended themselues to myne.

15. Those likewise who haue shewed towards mee any deed of Charitie, or pittie.

16. And those alsoe that are ioyned to mee in Blood, and affinitie aswell those who are dead, as those who yet [Page] liue in this mortall Bodie to the end that thou guidinge and assistinge them they may not perish euerlastinglye.

17. In generall, I beseech thee ô Lord to aid, and succour all Christians that are yet liuinge, and on those that are dead to bestow pardon, and life euerlastinge.

18. Finallye ô Lord: I most humblye, and hartylie beseech thee (who art the Alpha, & Omega: the beginninge, and endinge) that when the tyme is come I must dye thou wilt be a mild and mercifull Iudge, and a perpetuall Protector to mee against the Accusations, and snares of the Diuel myne old aduersarie.

19. Admitt mee for euer into the societie of the Holye Angells.

20. And of all thy Saintes in thy Heauenlye cittye where thou art blissed and praysed for all Eternitie. Amen.

[Page]

THE XIII. EXERCISE.

1. O Lord Iesus Christ, My Redemption, My Mercie, and my Saluation.

2. I prayse thee, and giue thee thankes albeit farre short of thy benefits, wholy void of Deuotion and Feruour; leane, and without the desired fattnesse of that most sueete Affection which thou dost require, & deserue.

3. Neuerthelesse my soule doth render thee thankes, such as they are, not such as I know to be owinge, & due vnto thee.

4. But such as I am able to endeauour such doth my Soule render vnto thee.

5. O Hope of my hart, ô strenth of my soule maye it please thy omnipotent Worthynesse to accomplish what my wonderfull greate weaknesse doth attempt to performe beinge thou art my life, and the scope of my intention.

[...] [Page] sire, sigh, and couet to come to thee.

17. And as a poore distressed child depriued of the presence of his tender harted Father doth with sighs, and robbs incessantlye embrace in his hart the Image, and semblance of his father. Soe fareth it with mee as often as I call to mind thy bitter Passion: when I call to mind alsoe the buffetts, and whipps by thee susteyned, the greiuous wounds by thee endured. When I remember in what cruell manner thou hast beene crucifyed, and murthered; in what manner thou hast (by thy deare friends) beene enbalmed, and buried; a [...] often likewise as thy Glorious Resurrection, and admirable Ascension doe occurre to my Memorie. All these things I beleiue most firmelye lamentinge with Teares the Calamities of my exile in this vayle of miserie. My onlye hope is the comfort of thy comeinge, my cheife desire is to behold thee face to face in thy heauenlye habitation.

[Page]18. I cannot but greiue for that I haue not seene thee ô Lord of Angells debasinge thy selfe to conuerse, and liue amongst men, that by that meanes thou mightst exalt men to Angelicall conuersation; when God did dye who was offended, that man might liue who had offended.

19. I cannot but greiue that I haue not deserued to be present, and to be astonished through admi [...]ation of a worke soe wonderfull and vnspeakable compassion.

20. How is it ô my soule that the sword of most sharpe sorrow doth not peirce thee to the hart, seeinge thou couldst not be present to behold the side of thy Sauuiour wounded with a speare?

21. Seeinge thou couldst not be present to behold the feete and hands of thy Maker to be fastned with nailes, nor the blood of thy Redeemer to be spilt on the ground in that dreadfull manner?

This is continued in the followinge Exercise.

[Page]

THE XIV. EXERCISE.

1. WHY art thou not drunke with the Bitternesse of teares, seeinge hee was made to drinke of the bitternesse of Gall?

2. Why dost thou not take compassion of the most chast Virgin Marie, his most worthy Mother, and thy most worthy Ladye?

3. O my most mercifull ladye what fountaines of Teares maye I affirme to haue flowed from thy most chast eyes when thou beheldst thy only sonne (though free from all offence) to be bound, whipt, and slaine in thy presence?

4. In what mournefull manner may I imagine thy dolefull countenance at that tyme to be blubbered all ouer with weepinge, when thou beheldst this thy innocent sonne thy God and thy Lord to be stretched out vppon the Crosse and that sacred flesh framed [Page] of thy flesh to be by those bloodie butchers soe cruellye rent in Peices?

5. With what vnspeakable greife may I well thinke thy poore hart at that tyme to be tormented when thou didst heare those words pronounced. Weoman behold thy sonne. And to the Disciple. Behold thy Mother? when thou didst accept of the Disciple insteed of his Maister, and the seruant in Ieiu of his Lord?

6. O that I had beene worthy with Ioseph to haue taken my Lord downe from the Crosse, to haue enbaulmed, and buried him, to haue followed, or accompanyed him to his sepulcher that soe I might haue done some little seruice at soe greate a funerall!

7. I am as a poore fatherlesse child, and my soule is as a weoman bereaued of her husband in the Absence of my buried Lord.

8. Vouchsafe graciouslye to behold the teares of my distressed Orphancie [Page] and widdowhood, which I offer vnto thee, vntill thou returne ô my God.

9. May it please thee therefore, maye it please thee ô Lord to manifest thy selfe to mee, and I shall be comforted.

10. Grant that I may see thee, and I shall obtayne what I desire.

11. Make manifest thy Glorie, and my ioye will be accomplished.

12. My soule hath thristed after thee, and soe hath likewise my flesh exceedinglie.

13. My soule hath thirsted after my God the liuinge fountaine; when shall I come, and be presented before the face of my Lord?

14. When wilt thou come ô my comforter: for whom I will wish, and earnestlye wayte?

15. O that I might once behold my delight which I doe soe much desire?

17. O how trulye shall I be satisfyed when thy Glorie shall appeare [Page] which I greatelye hunger to behold?

17. When shall I, become drunke through the plentie of thy heauenlye habitation, for which I sigh often?

18. When wilt thou make mee to drinke of the riuer of thy pleasure, which I soe much thirst after?

19. In the meane while lett my Teares be my continuall food vntill it be said vnto mee behold thy God; vntil it be said vnto my soule behold thy Bridegroome.

20. In the meane while feed mee with my sobbs and teares, nourish mee with my sorrowes and lamentations.

21 Peraduenture my Redeemer will come and visit mee, because hee is full of Mercie, hee will not be longe in comminge because Hee is full of Pittye to him be Glorie for all Eternitie. Amen.

[Page]

THE XV. EXERCISE.

1. O Lord my God grant vnto my hart to desire thee, by desiringe thee to, seeke thee, by seekinge, to find thee, by findinge, to loue thee, by louinge thee, to ga [...]ne pardon of my sinns heeretofore committed, and beinge pardoned, to committ them noe more?

2. Graunt ô Lord God repentance to my hart, and sorrow to my spiritt.

3. O my Kinge extinguish in mee the heate of vnlawfull lust, and kindle in mee the fire of thy loue!

4. O my Redeemer expell from mee the Spirit of Pride, and Arrogancie, and mercifullye graunt mee the treasure of thy humilitie.

5. O my Sauuiour remoue from mee all anger, and testinesse, and gratiouslye giue mee the shield of patience, & meeknesse.

6. O my Creator roote out of mee [Page] all bitternesse of Affection and bestow on mee the sweetnesse of a mild disposition.

7. Giue vnto mee most mercifull father a firme faith, true hope, and euerlastinge Charitie.

8. O my God, my Mercie, I beseech thee for thy beloued sonns sake, graunt vnto mee to take pittie on the afflicted, to pardon such as haue offended mee, to loue those, who hate mee, and to render good for euill.

9. To dispise noe-man, but rather reuerence all Men.

10. To embrace Patience in aduersities, and Temperance in prosperities.

11. To tread vnderfoote by contempt all temporall things, and greatelye to desire those that are eternall.

12. Behold ô my Maker I haue now requested of thee many thinges, and those not small, albeit I deserue nothinge at all.

13. I confesse alas, I confesse that I [Page] doe not onlie not deserue these guifts, and Graces which I haue demanded; but greate, and greiuous torments to be inflicted vppon mee.

14. Publicans notwithstandinge, harlots, and theefes doe enbolden mee, who on a sudden beinge deliuered out of the Iawes of the ghostlye aduersaries, are receiued into the boosome of their true sheepheard.

15. For thou ô God the Maker of all things, though in all thy workes thou art full of Admiration, yet art thou most to be admired in thy workes, of Mercie, and compassion.

16. Wherevppon by a certayne seruant of thyne thou hast said of thy selfe. His Mercies are aboue all his Workes.

17. And as speakinge of one, wee hope thou hast said of all thy people. I will not take away my Mercyes from Him.

18. For thou disdainest noe Man, dispisest noe Man, vnlesse peraduenture such an One, as, beinge as it [Page] were besides himselfe, shall hate thee.

19. Thou therefore not only forbearest to strike when thou art angry, but likwise giuest guifts, and graces to those that haue prouoked thee, if they shall cease from liuing wickedlye.

20. O my God the horne of my health and my Refuge, I vn [...]appie creature, I haue prouoked thee, I haue sinned against thee, I haue incensed thyne Anger, and deserued thy displeasure!

This is continued in the ensuinge Exercise.

THE XVI. EXERCISE.

1. I Haue sinned thou sufferest mee, I haue done amisse, and yet thou lookest not angrylie vppon mee.

2. If I repent thou dost pardon mee, if I returne, thou receiuest mee, yea [Page] moreouer whilst I delay to doe it thou expectest mee.

3. Thou recallest mee wandringe, thou inuitest mee resistinge, thou waitest for mee lingringe, thou embracest mee returninge.

4. Thou instructest mee simple, thou comfortest mee sorrowfull.

5. Thou raisest mee from sinne, thou [...]pairest mee after I am falne.

6. Thou giuest when I aske, thou vonchsafest to be found when I seeke thee, and when I knocke, thou openest vnto mee.

7. Behold ô Lord God of my Saluation, what to obiect I know not, what answere to make I am ignorant?

8. There is noe place of Refuge to which I can fly from thee; there is noe place soe secret in which I may remayne secret from thee.

9. Thou hast shewed mee the way of liueinge well, thou hast giuen mee the knowledge of walkinge as I ought.

[Page]10. Thou hast threatned to punish mee with the paines of Hell; thou hast promised to reward mee with the ioyes of Heauen.

11. Now therefore ô Father of mercie; and God of all comfort peirce my flesh with thy feare, to the end that those things which thou dost threaten, I may eschape by fearinge thee.

12. And giue mee agayne the ioye of thy saluation that those things which thou dost promise; I may receiue by louinge thee.

13. O Lord my strenth, my force, my God, my Refuge, and my deliuerer, instruct mee what I ought to thinke; and conceiue of thee.

14. Teach mee with what words, I am to call vpon thee.

15. Make knowne vnto mee, which way I maye please thee.

16. One thinge (doubtlesse) I know with which thou art appeased, and another which thou dost not dispise. Verilie a penitent spirit is to thee, A [Page] sacrifice acceptable; soe likewise a hart that is contrite, and humble.

17. With these guifts ô my God, & my Ayde doe thou enrichmee?

18. Barricade mee with these Bulwarkes against myne enemyes.

19. Graunt mee this refreshinge, against the flames of my vicious inclinations.

20. Sett open this pious place of Refuge, to which I maye flye from the Tumults of myne inordinate Affections. Amen.

THE XVII. EXERCISE.

1. GRAVNT ô Lord that I be not of the number of those, who for a tyme beleiue, and in tyme of Temptation doe depart, and leaue thee.

2. Couer my head in the day of Battaile, thou ô Lord who art my hope in the day of Affliction, and my safeguard in the tyme of Tribulation.

[Page]3. Behold ô Lord my light and my life, I haue asked those things which I wan [...], I haue made knowne those things which I feare; my conscience neuerthelesse tormenteth mee; the secrets of my hart doe reprehénd mee!

4. And what loue affordeth, feare disperseth, zeale encourageth mee, dread daunteth mee?

5. Myne Actions cause mee to feare, but thy pittie giueth mee cause of Hope.

6. Thy Mercie emboldneth mee, my naughtinesse with holdeth mee.

7. And to speake the truth, their occurre to my memorie many sinnefull imaginations, which reprehend the boldnesse of my presuminge Affections.

8. Hee therefore who deserueth anger; with what face can hee demand fauour?

9. Hee who meriteth to be punished, how can hee be soe foole hardie, as to aske to be rewarded?

[Page]10. He incenseth the iudge, who neglecteth to make satisfaction for his offence, and yet maketh meanes to obtayne a Recompence.

11. That malefactor mocketh and derideth His Kinge, and Lord, who earnestly requireth the Prise, and honour, which hee neuer deserued.

12. That foolish sonne likewise prouoketh to anger the sweete Affection of his Father, who vppon reproaches offered without repentance, dare vsurpe, and lay title to his inheritance.

13. What is this (ô father) that I recompt of my selfe? I haue deserued death, yet begge for life.

14. I haue moued my Kinge to anger whose aid notwithstandinge I impudentlye implore.

15. I haue dispised my Iudge, whom boldlye I begge to be my helper.

16. I haue insolentlye refused to heare him, as a father, whom now I presume to choose as my defender.

17. Woe is mee, for not cominge soe [Page] soone as I ought. Alas! alas how little hast doe I make?

18. I neglected to beware of the weapons which wounded mee behore hand, and now I am troubled through the apprehension of Death at hand.

This is continued in the followinge Exercise.

THE XVIII. EXERCISE.

1. I Haue made my former [...]carrs to fester with new soares, since I haue renewed my former faultes by new iniquities

2. And those which the deuine salue had made sound; my phreneticall itchinge hath agayne vnbound.

3. The skinne which beinge growne ouer my wounds had hidden my maladie (by reason of corruption breakinge forth) hath growne to purifie; because myne iniquitie beinge reiterated, hath bereaued mee of [Page] mercie, which before was granted.

4. For that I know it is written in what howre soeuer a iust Man shall sinne all his good deeds shall be forgotten.

5. If the righteousnesse of a good man is abolished when hee falleth into sinne?

6. By how much more is the pennance of a sinner defaced if hee returne to the same?

7. How often like a dogge haue I returned to that which I had vomited vp before?

8. And as a sowe haue wallowed agayne, in the mire?

9. I confesse that it is impossible for mee to remember how many simple, and ignorant persons through my meanes haue sinned?

10. How many that were desirous to cease from sinne, haue I perswaded to sinne?

11. How many that haue withstood mee, haue I constrayned?

12. To how many that were willinge [Page] haue I consented?

13. To how many walkinge in the right waye haue I prepared a ginne, or snare?

14. To how many that haue sought the right way haue I vncouered the pitt that they might fall in?

15. And that I might not be frightned with committinge still the like, I easilie put those past out of my mind.

16. But thou in the meane while (beinge a iust Iudge) hast obserued, and recorded; and doth obserue, and record all myne offences, and hast numbred all my footesteps.

17. Thou hast all this while held thy peace, thou hast beene silent, thou hast beene patient.

10. Wooe is mee: for that thou wilt speake at lenth, as a weoman in her Trauayle.

This Exercise is continued.

[Page]

THE XIX. EXERCISE.

1. I D [...]re not (ô my Lord God) presume on my owne meritts; yea I am affraide, and tremble to present my selfe before thee.

2. For my Soule, and Bodie are spotted, and blemished with many sinns, and defects, and I haue beene negligent [...] thought, and word.

3. To thee, therefore ô mercifull God, & deare Sauuiour I wretched sinner beinge in these streights recurre as vnto the fountaine of Mercie and pittie, [...] flie vnto thee for Saluation.

4. And to thee ô Lord I laye open my wounds, and soares, to thee I discouer my infirmities of which I am ashamed.

5. I know my sinns to be many, and greate for which I stand in feare.

6. I hope in thy Mercies which are without end.

7. Lord Iesus-Christ eternall Kinge [Page] God and Man, looke vppon mee with the eyes of thy Mercie.

8. Harken vnto mee puttinge my trust in thee, haue pittie on mee that am full of miseries, and sinns, thou ô Lord who neuer restreignest the flowinge of the fountaine of thy Mercie.

9. I am hartilye sorrie that euer I haue offended thee, I desire to amend for the tyme to come.

10. Doe away therefore from mee, ô most mercifull father all my sinns, and iniquities: that soe beinge purifyed and cleansed in soule and Bodie I may be able worthilye to serue thee, and blissedly to be vnited vnto thee.

11. Let my soule thirst alwayes after thee, the source of wisedome and knowledge, the fountaine of eternall life, and sunne of eternall light, the Riuer of Pleasure, the Plentifulnesse of the Howse of God.

12. Lett it alwayes earnestly aspire after thee, seeke thee, and find thee, [...] [Page] deseruinge such ingratitude at my hands.

6. I much desire that I were more sorrie, & that my hart might breake for any one of the offences which I haue committed against thy deuine Maiestie.

7. How great reason is there that I should melt into teares for the least of them?

8. For I haue little corresponded with my dutye, and beene verie vngratefull for thy Benefits.

9. For thou hast spent thy whole life for my Aduantage, and I haue spent myne in offendinge thee.

10. I acknowledge I deserue for my sinns, and in punishment of them all the paynes of hel.

11. Yea they are all too little for my demeritt.

12. I haue sinned, I haue sinned, I am sorrie, I am sorrie, and repent from the bottome of my hart.

This Exercise is continued in the followinge.

[Page]

THE XXI. EXERCISE.

1. I Offer thee a sorrowfull, and repentant hart: because such an one is acceptable vnto thee, and beseeminge mee.

2. I assure thee I had rather haue suffered all the torments, and trauayles of the world, rather then to haue offended thee in the least of my sinns.

3. I purpose, if please thee to giue mee life, to take chastisement, and reuenge of my selfe, for offending [...] thee, doinge for my sinnes all the pennance I am able.

4. And though they be many and greate; yet haue I greate hope and confidence thou wilt pardon them.

5. For thou art the sea of Mercie, & that which thou most gloriest in, is to be mercifull, and forgiue sinns.

6. Thou hast promised that in what howre soeuer a sinner should repent [Page] him of his sinns; thou wouldst pardon him.

7. Be mercifull therefore to mee, ô Lord, be mercifull.

8. Pardon, and forgiue mee my sinns, and offences, pardon mee sweete Iesus.

9. Be mercifull vnto mee, for thy bitter death, and Passions sake, and for ihy glorious meritts haue mercie vppon mee, for in them I trust, and confide.

10. If thou lookest on mee Alone, and naked: then maist thou presentlie cast mee into hell.

11. But I humblye begge of thee that thou wouldst place thy Death and Passion, thy Blood, and Crosse betweene thy [...]udgement, and my soule.

12. That by the merits of thy death, I may be deliuered from euerlastinge death, and admitted to life in thy Glorie.

[Page]13. And in the blessed societie of thy Saincts, I may prayse thee world without end. Amen.

Heere Endeth the Poenitent. FINIS.

CERTAYNE AMOROVS speeches of the so [...]le to her selfe in Prayer. The VVhich are a good forme, or matter of Prayer vvhen the soule is not able, or apt to speake immediatelye to God.

[Page]

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

1. O My soule when wilt thou be readie to follow the humilitie of thy Lord Iesus-Christ?

2. When wilt thou imitate his mildnesse?

3. When shal the example of his Patience shine in thee?

4. When wilt thou be better?

5. When wilt thou be, wholye free [Page] from Passions, and vicious Affections?

6. When shall euill be quite destroyed in thee?

7. When shall disordinatenesse be blotted out of thee?

8. When wilt thou peaceablye, and gentlye endure all tribulation, and temptation?

9. When wilt thou perfectlye loue thy God?

10. When wilt thou most inwardlye embrace Him?

11. When wilt thou be wholye swallowed vpp in his Loue?

12. When wilt thou be pure, simple, and resigned before him?

13. How longe wil it be ere thou be hindered noe more, from his most chast embracings?

14. O that thou wert immaculate?

15. O that thou dist feruentlye loue God?

16. O that thou didst inseparablye cleaue vnto thy cheifest good?

17. O my soule where is thy God?

[Page]18. Where is thy Loue?

19. Where is thy Treasure?

20. Where is thy Desire?

2 [...]. Where is all thy Good?

22. Where is thy God?

23. When shalt thou be with him?

24. When shalt thou most happilye enioye him?

It is continued.

THE II. EXERCISE.

1. WHEN shalt thou freelye prayse him, with all the Glorious Citizens of Heauen?

2. Dispaire not ô my soule?

3. Take comfort daughter, and be confident most deare?

4. If thou hast sinned, and art wounded: behold thy God; behold thy Physitian is readie to cure thee?

5. Hee is most gratious, and most mercifull, and therefore willinge; [...]tent and therefore [...]

[Page]6. Peraduenture thou art afraid because hee is thy Iudge; but take ha [...] for hee who is thy Iudge, is alsoe thy Aduocate.

7. Hee is thy Aduocate to defend, and excuse thee doinge pennance, & soe thy [...]udge to saue, not to condemne thee beinge humbled.

8. His mercie is infinitlye greater then is, or can be thyne iniquitie.

9. Thy God is most gentle, most sweet, hee is wholye amiable; wholye desirable; and loueth all things which hee hath created.

10. Let not thyne imperfections discourage thee too much, for thy God doth not dispise thee, because thou art fraile, and infirme. But loueth thee exceedinglye because thou desirest, and labourest to be more perfect.

11. Arise my soule, arise out of the dust, slipp thy head out of the collar, thou captiue daughter of Sion.

12. Arise forsake the puddle of thy negligent lise.

[Page]13. How longe must thou take pleasure in perills? how longe wilt thou esteemee anxitie, and torments to be rest? how longe wilt thou securelye sleepe in destruction?

14. How longe wilt thou willinglye leaue the right way, and wander abroad farre, and neere in vncouth, and vnknowne Paths?

15. Returne vnto our Lord thy God, for hee expecteth thee.

16. Make hast, be not slacke, for hee is readie to receiue thee.

17. Hee wil meete thee with open armes, deferre not to returne.

18. Haue accesse vnto Iesus hee will heale, and purifye thee.

19. Ioyne thy selfe to Iesus hee will illuminate thee.

20. Adhere to Iesus, hee will blesse, and saue thee.

21. Alas my soule how vngratefull hast thou beene to thy God.

It is continued.

[Page]

THE III. EXERCISE.

1. HEE hath bestowed innumerable, and most admirable b [...]nefits on thee; and thou stil repaist euill for good.

2. Hee hath adopted thee to be heir of the Kingdome of Heauen.

3. Hee hath promised those things vnto thee which neither eye hath seene, nor eare hath heard, nor the Hart of man can comprehend.

4. But thou hast left, and contemned Him, who hath beene soe many wayes beneficial vnto thee.

5. Thou hast cast away the holye feare of Him that loued thee.

6. Thou hast shaken of his sweet yoke that hath elected thee.

7. Thou art become as One of the daughters of Belial; as an impudent harlot, void of all shame thou hast worshipped iniquitie.

8. Thou hast made a compact with [Page] death, thou hast giuen thy hand to the diuell.

9. Thou hast beene most prompt to all wickednesse thou hast heaped euil vppon euil, and hast reioyced to adde sinne to sinne.

10. By thy wickednesse thou hast Crucifyed Christ agayne, who had chosen thee for his spouse.

11. Thou hast renewed his wounds by thy crimes.

12. Who will giue groanes and sighs?

13. Who wil giue thee a springe of teares that thou maist night, and day be wayle thy ingratitude?

14. O vnhappie wretch what wilt thou doe?

15. O that thou hadst kept thy selfe in the state of Innocencie?

16. O that thou hadst remayned immaculate?

17. O that thou hadst, not miserablye defiled thy selfe with dishonestie!

18. O that thou hadst not gone a stray from thy God!

[Page]19. Thou hast lost thyne innocencie, thou art defiled, thou art become dishonest, thou hast forsaken thy God.

20. Alas poore wretch, and what wilt thou doe? to whom wilt thou flye? from whom wilt thou expect helpe?

21. From whom? but from Him whom thou hast offended? Hee is most pittifull, most courteous, and most mercifull.

It is continued.

THE IV. EXERCISE.

1. HVMBLE thy selfe, prostrate thy selfe, powre out thy selfe like water in his sight, and Hee will take pittie on thee.

2. O my soule if it were necessarie dayly to suffer torments, yea to endure hell itselfe for a longe tyme together that wee might see Christ in his glorie, and be ioyned in fellowship [Page] with the saintes in His Heauenlye Citie: were it not meete thinkest thou to sustayne all manner of miserie, that wee might be made pertaker of soe greate a good, and soe greate a felicitie?

3. O my soule who art most famous by beinge framed accordinge to the likenesse of God beinge bought with the price of Christs owne blood, espoused vnto Him by Faith, endowed with the holye Ghost, adorned with vertues, esteemed equall with the Angells?

4. Loue Him then, Loue Him of whom thou art beloued?

5. Attend to Him that attendeth to thee, and seeke Him, that seeketh thee?

6. Loue this Louer, of whom thou art beloued, with whose loue thou art preuented, and who is the fountaine from whence thy loue floweth?

7. Be carefull to please Him who is carefull to please thee, thinke on Him who thinketh on thee: be pure [Page] with Him, who is Puritie itselfe, be holye with Him, who is Holinesse itselfe.

8. Accoordinge to thy carriage towards God in thy conuersation, will hee carrie himselfe towards thee againe.

9. God is courteous, mild, full of mercie, and compassion, and doth require therefore of thee that thou likwise be courteous, mild, sweete, humble, and mercifull towards All.

10. Loue Him (ô my soule) who hath deliuered thee from the lake of miserie; and from the Mire of sinne, and iniquitie?

11. Choose Him for thy special Friend who alone will Faithfullye adhere, and sticke vnto thee, when all other things, and Friends will faile, and shrinke from thee.

12. One the day of thy burial when thou shalt be Abandoned and forsaken by all thy Friends, Hee will not leaue thee, but will defend thee from [Page] those roaringe infernall Fiends readie to deuoure thee, & will conduct thee vnto the Land of the liuinge.

13. O my soule sigh vehementlye, and aspire feruentlye to that glorious Citie, soe highlye spoken of.

14. Heauen, and Earth, and all therin contayned doe continuallye exhort thee, to loue thy Lord God.

15. My soule blisse thou our Lord, my soule praise thou our Lord?

16. Why art thou ô my soule sad? and why art thou troubled? Hope in our Lord for hee will be thy comfort, and sollace?

17. Sweete, and amiable Iesus is present with thee, thou must with Reuerence, and loue attend vnto Him?

18. O would to God hee would wash mee with his most pretious blood, & perfectlye cleanse, and heale mee, and lighten mee with the brightenesse of his Grace?

19. O that hee would wound my hart interiorlye, and mollifye itt [Page] perfectlye, and make it as it were drunke with his mellifluous Charitie?

20. O would to God I might wholye burne, and be consumed and melted with the fire of his Loue!

21. I aske, I wish, I desire that the heauenlye Kinge who vouchsafeth to be my soules Bridegroome, would vouchsafe alsoe to make mee pleasinge to him. Amen.

FINIS.

An example of Acts, which a Soule maye Exercisee towards God as absent from Her.

1. I will blesse our Lord at all tymes, his prayses shal euer be in my Mouth.

2. Our Lord haue Mercie on vs [...] enlighten his countenance vppon vs, and take pittie on vs.

3. It is good for mee to seeke after [Page] our Lord and gett neere vnto him, for hee is our Hope, and our All.

The Pfalmes of Dauid are full of these Acts.

FINIS.

An example of speakinges supposed to be made by God to the soule.

1. SONNE it behoueth thee to giue all for all, and reserue nothinge to thy selfe.

2. Sonne, where is true peace to be found? is it not in Mee?

3. Sonne thou canst not attayne to perfect libertie; if thou dost not wholye forsake thy selfe.

4. Sonne abide constant, and hope in mee. This is All in All.

FINIS.

ACTS OF LOVE, AND vvellvvishinge tovvards God.

[Page]

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

1. I Doe reioyce in all the Perfections that are in thee ô my God, as in thy wisedome, Goodnesse, Powre, and all other thy deuine prerogatiues, and perfections.

2. Lett it please, and suffice mee; that thou art infinitlye happie, and Rich, my most benigne, and louinge Father.

3. I doe reioyce at the presence of thee my God in heauen (where thou reignest as in thy Kingdome) and that thou art there worshipped, adored, and loued by all thy Angells, and Saincts.

[Page]4. Soe that if it were in my Powre, I would Loue, and honour thee with all that loue and worshipp wherewith all the Angells, and Saints doe there Loue thee.

5. I doe ioye in all the Loues, and seruices that the iust Men in the Church, especiallye the Perfect in all former ages, in the present Age, or in the future Ages; haue borne, & performed, doe beare, and performe, or shall beare, and performe towards thee.

6. And I desire to loue thee with the Loue of them All; and would for thy Loue doe, and performe, if it lay in my powre, all their workes aswell internall, as externall, and would vndergoe all their labours, and endure all their Afflictions.

7. I doe hartilye reioyce in all the good things that are in the elect seruants of God, but especiallye for the wonderfull guifts of the perfect, and that they are by thee, ô my God, illuminated, inflamed, and sanctified.

[Page]8. My Loue, and desire towards thee, ô my God is such, and soe greate: that if it were possible to mee, and acceptable to thee, I would of each soule especiallye of myne owne make a Kingdome of Heauen, that thou mightst be beloued, and praysed in foe many Heauens by the dwellers in them.

9. Which if it lay in my powre should be more in number then the Grasse piles on the Earth, the sands in the sea, or dropps of water therin.

10. I doe heere in thy presence, ô my God, hold and repute my selfe as nothinge, and whatsoeuer I haue aboue nothinge naturall or supernaturall; I acknowledge it to be thyne, and none of myne.

11. And because of my selfe I am nothinge, and that my God is all Good; and that all good things come onlye from him: I doe greatly reioyce, and with all my hart confesse that I am nothinge, can doe nothinge, and haue [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] nothinge; for both my beinge, and abilitie to doe, and all I haue, is thyne, and from thee.

THE II. EXERCISE.

1. I Doe heere in the presence of God, repute, and iudge my selfe the most vile of all creatures; and because I cannot feele, or perceiue this in my selfe, but rather the contrarie hauinge a good, and greate opinion of my selfe; I doe acknowledge therefore that I am most prowd, and vngratefull of all others, and I doe bewayle my selfe as such an One.

2. O my God I loue, and desire to loue thee with a loue pure, and free from all respect of proper commoditie, and selfe interest.

3. I loue thee my Lord with a perseuerant loue, purposinge by the helpe of thy holye Grace, and assistance neuer to be separated from thee by sinne.

[Page]4. And if I were to liue for millions of yeares yet would I euer remayne thy faithfull seruant, and louer.

5. I wish all Creatures would Adore and serue thee; and that infidels may be conuerted to thy faith, and all sinners to good life; and All this onlye for thy supreame Honor, and Glorie.

6. I wish that neither my selfe, nor any other, had euer offended thee my God, and that in particular I my selfe had euer serued thee faithfullye from the instant of my Natiuitie.

7. I wish, and desire that both I my selfe, and all others maye hereafter serue and loue thee most faithfully, and this for the loue, and good will I beare thee.

8. I reioyce, and congratulate that thou my Lord God art soe rich and happie, that all creatùres can add noe more to thy happinesse then alreadie thou hast.

9. Neuerthelesse because thou maist haue external honour, and worshipp [Page] from thy creatures: I doe wish, I doe wish that All of them may accordinglye performe their seruice, and the worshipp dew vnto thee the best they can.

10. I am sorrie for all the sinns and indignities that are, haue, or shall be done vnto thee, by my selfe, or by All, or any others.

11. And this principally, and only I am sorrie for; because these sinns are iniuries donne to thy deuine Maiestie, who onlye is worthye to be honored, and serued by all thy creatures.

12. I doe ioyfullye accept, and am glad of all that is pleasinge to God, be it Prosperitie, or Aduersitie, sweete, or bitter; and this meerelye for the loue I beare him.

13. I am sorrie for all that doth displease God, or is contrarie to his deuine will, or Commandements; and all this onlye for the loue of him, and his Glorie.

[Page]

THE III. EXERCISE.

1. I Congratule thee, ô my God, and am glad that thou art God; and for the Blissednesse, and all the Perfections that are in thee; and which for all Eternitie thou hast euer had as thy omnipotencie, wisedome, goodnesses, and the like.

2. I congratulate thee alsoe, and am glad that thou hast need of noe extrinsecall thinge, but art in thy selfe most rich and fullye sufficient both for thy selfe, and all Other Creatures.

3. I likewise with thee, ô my Lord, reioyce in the sweete ordinance, and disposition of heauen, and earth; & for all the things which are in the maruaylous Creation of this world, and for all the workes which thou hast made, or shalt yet make vnto the end of the world.

4. I congratulate, approue, and reioyce [Page] in all the iudgements of my Lord God, aswell manifest, as secret: concerninge the Diuells, the soules of the damned, the vnbaptised children in Lymbo, the soules that be in Purgatorie, and the wicked men that liue in this world.

5. I congratulate, end reioyce with thee, ô my God in all the Laude, and prayses which the Angells, & Saints in heauen, and thy seruants of the earth doe giue thee, and for all the worshipp they yeild vnto thee.

6. Because I find my selfe altogether insufficient to prayse my God I doe for my helpe and assistance therin inuite, and call vppon the holye Angells, and all creatures.

7. And withall my owne soule with all the powres of it, that all of them together may glorifye my God for his infinitt excellencie.

8. I am sorrie I am not perfect, and wish that (soe farre as it maye please my God to grant itt) I maye be perfect the more worthylie to prayse thee;

[Page]9. And not out of any commoditie by it to my selfe, but purelye for the Loue I beare thy Deuine Maiestie who is infinitly worthy of more loue, and honour: then all Creatures that are, or can be, are able to performe towards thee.

10. Exult, and reioyce: and be thou delighted ô my soule for all the excellencies, and good things that are in thy God.

11. If it laye in my powre, and were lawfull for mee to choose what God I would haue; I would not choose any other God but thee Alone, sayinge with Dauid. Dixi Domino, Deus meus es Tu. I said vnto my Lord, thou art my God.

12. I reioyce in the Dignitie that our Sauuiour Christ now hath in Heauen, and congratulate him in it.

It is continued.

[Page]

THE IV. EXERCISE.

1. BLISSED be thy eternall Father who soe aboundantly bestowed these felicities on thee. Doe thou blissedly, and gloriouslye enioye them for all Eternitie.

2. I congratulate the most Blissed Virgin Marie; and all the Angells, and Saints in Heauen for the glory and happinesse which they now enioye.

3. And I prayse, and exalt my God for his greate goodnesse, and liberalitie therin shewed towards those thy most faithfull, and elect friends.

4. I doe exceedinglye reioyce; that since all Creatures together are in noe sort able to prayse thee my God accordinge to the very least worth that is in thee; yet thou thy selfe, and thou onlye art able sufficientlye, and perfectlye to prayse, and glorifye thy selfe.

5. I doe reioyce indeed at this, and [Page] doe hartilye desire thee to doe it euer more.

6. Yea I doe hartyly craue of thee that thou may incessantlye, and most intensiuely prayse thy selfe since thou onlye art Able to doe itt, and deserueth to haue it done.

7. I doe congratulate, and reioyce with thee, ô my Lord God in all the workes which thou hast done; and this only because they are thy workes.

8. As for the Creation of the world, thy Prouidence about itt, thy Redemption of it. Wonderfully esteeminge all these workes; because they are thyne.

9. An I reioyce aswell in that thou hast made a hell for the punishment of the wicked; as a heauen for the Reward of the good.

10. I wish, and desire out of my loue to God that hee may be praysed and knowne of all Men, and I doe inuite all Creatures to doe the same with my selfe.

11. I offer my selfe (for the loue of [Page] my God) to beare, and suffer all things which may be to his honour, and Glorie: though noe manner of commoditie accurre to mee thereby; but purely to doe it out of the free loue I beare, and desire to beare, towards my God.

12. Lastlye I professe that if I could deuise any thinge wherin I might shew, or Exercise my loue towards my God; I hope (with the helpe of his Grace) I should, and would doe it most cheerefullye, and readily out of the pure, and sinceare loue that I beare, and wish to beare toward my God without respect of any commoditie by it to my selfe, which God graunt mee to doe for his Glorie, and my happynes [...]e. Amen.

FINIS.

CERTAINE AMOROVS Aspirations, to be vsed accordinge to the Direstions, and the Disposition of the soule.

[Page]

O Et Praesidium, & dulce Decus meum!

1. O thou art both my safeguard, and my sweet Ornament!

Da quod iubes, & Iube quod vis!

2. Graunt mee to doe what thou commandest, and command what thou wilt!

O vita Animae meae!

3. O life of my soule!

O lumen oculorum meorum!

4. O light of myne eyes!

In manus tuas Domine commend [...] Spiritum meum.

5. Into thy hands ô Lord, I doe commend my Spirit.

[Page] Ecce Ancilla Domini, fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.

6. Loe the hand maid of our Lord, be it done vnto mee accordinge to thy word.

Paratum cor meum Deus, paratum cor meum.

7. My hart is readie, ô God, my hart is readie.

Ecce ego, mitte me?

8. Loe heere I am, send mee?

Tolle quod tuum est, & vade.

9. Take what is, thyne, & be gone.

Dominus meus, & Deus meus.

10. My Lord, and my God.

Domine quid mihi est in caelo, & à te quid volui super terram?

11. O Lord what is there in Heauen, or what vppon earth that I would haue besides thee?

Domine quid me vis facere?

12. Lord what wilt thou haue mee to doe?

Hei mihi quia incolatus meus prolongatus est!

13. O wooe is mee that my seiorninge [Page] is prolonged!

In ditione tua Domine cuncta sunt posita.

14. All thinges ô Lord are in thy powre, and Dominion.

Domine tu scis quia amo Te, & animam meam ponam pro Te.

15. Thou knowst, ô Lord, that I loue thee, and will bestow my life for thee.

Quemadmodum desiderat ceruus ad fontes aquaaum, ita desiderat Anima mea ad Te Deus.

16. Euen as the hart doth thirst after the Fountayne of Water; soe doth my soule thirst after thee ô God.

Infaelix Homo quis me liberabit de corpore mortis huius!

17. O vnhappy Man that I am; who shall deliuer mee from the Bodye of this Death?

Cupio dissolui, & esse cum Christo.

18. I desire to be dissolued, and to be with Christ.

Quando veniam, & apparebo ante faciem Domini!

[Page]19. When shall I come, and appear [...] before the face of our Lord?

Argentum, & Aurum non est mihi, quod autem habeo hoc tibi Do.

20. I haue neither gold nor siluer; but what I haue, that I giue vnto thee.

Praecor celestem Regem, vt me dolentem nimium faciat eum cernere.

21. I beseech the heauenlye Kinge to cause mee (who am very much greiued for want of it) to come to the sight of Him whom I soe much loue.

Domine si inueni gratiam in oculi [...] tuis, ostende mihi faciem tuam?

22. Lord if I haue found fauour in thy sight; shew vnto mee thy face?

Nouerim Te, nouerim me?

23. Lett mee know thee, let mee know my selfe?

Te Deum landamus, Te Dominum confitemur.

24. Wee prayse thee ô God, wee acknowledge thee ô Lord.

Benedic Anima mea Domino, & [Page]omnia quae intra me sunt nomini sancto eius.

25. O my soule, and all that is within mee, blisse yee our Lord, and prayse his holye name.

Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore, semper laus eius in ori meo.

26. I will blisse our Lord at all tymes, his prayse shal euer be in my mouth.

Benedicite omnia opera Domini Domino.

27. Blisse yee our Lord, All the workes of our Lord.

O vos omnes qui transitis per viam attendite, & videte, si sit Dolor sicu [...] Dolor meus!

28. O All yee that passe by the waye looke, and see, if euer there were greife, like my greife!

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth, pleni sunt caeli, & terra Maiestatis gloriae tuae.

29. Holye, Holye, Holye Lord God of Sabaoth, heauen, and earth are full of the Maiestie of thy Glorie.

[Page] Deus, Deus meus ad te de luce vigilo!

30. O God, [...] my God to thee I wake in the morninge!

Deus, Deus meus respice in me, quare me dereliquisti?

31. O my God, my God looke vppon mee, why hast thou [...]orsaken mee?

Deus meus, Adiutor meus sperabo in Te!

32. O my God my helper I will hope in thee!

Domine in caelo misericordia tua; & veritas tua vsque ad nubes.

33. O Lord thy mercie is in heauen, and thy truth reacheth to the clowdes.

Ad te leuaui oculos meos qui habitas in caelis.

34. To thee haue I lifted vp myne eyes who dwellest in Heauen.

Fili Dei, miserere mei.

35. O Sonne of God, haue mercie vppon mee.

Dilectus meus mihi, & ego illi.

36. My beloued to mee, and to I him.

Regnum tuum regnum omnium saeculorum,[Page]& domenatio tua in omni generatione, & generatione.

37. Thy Kingdome is a Kingedome for euer; and thy reigne is for all Generations, and generations.

O quam pulchra es Amica mea, quam puchra es?

38. O how faire art thou my beloued, how faire art thou?

Tota pulchra es amica mea, & macula non est in te.

39. Thou art all faire ô my Loue, & there is not a spott in thee.

Vulnerasti cor meum, sponsa mea, vulnerasti cor m [...]um?

40. Thou hast wounded my hart my Spowse, thou hast wounded my hart?

Adiuro vos filiae Ierusalem, si inueneritis dilectum meum, vt nuntietis ei, quia amore langueo.

41. I adiure you ô daughters of Ierusalem, if you shall find my beloued, you tell him that I languish with Loue.

Pulchra es Amica mea, suauis, & decora.

[Page]4 [...]. Thou art faire ô my loue, sweet, and comelie.

Veni Dilecte mi, Veni?

43. Come thou my beloued, come?

Dilectus meus candidatus, & rubicundus, electus ex milibus.

44. My beloued is white, and ruddie; chosen out of thowsands.

Quo abijt Dilectus tuus? Quo declinauit Dilectus tuus? & qu [...]remus eum tecum.

45. Whither is thy beloued gone? whither is thy beloued turned aside? And wee will seeke Him with thee.

Reuertere, reuerter [...] Sunamitis, v [...] intue amur te?

46. Returne, returne ô Sunamitenesse, that wee may behold thee?

Quam pulcra es, & qnam decora charissima in delicijs?

47. How beautifull, and how comelye art thou my dearest in delights?

Quis mihi det vt inueniam Te, & deosouler Te?

48.. Who shal procure vnto mee that I may find thee, and kisse thee.

[Page] Osculetur me osculo oris sui?

48. Let him kisse mee, with a kis [...]e of his month?

Fac me audire vocem tuam?

49. Cause mee to heare thy voyce?

Ecce tu pulchra es, amica mea, ecce tu pulchra es?

50. Behold thou art faire my beloued; behold thou art faire?

Trahe me post te, curremus in odorem vnguentorum tuorum?

51. Draw mee after thee, wee shall rūne in the odour of thine ointmēts?

Exultabimus, & laetabimur in te [...]

52. Wee shall exult, and reioyce in thee.

Indica mihi quem diligit Anim [...] mea, vbi pascas, vbi c [...]bes?

53. Thou whom my soule loueth, shew vnto mee, where thou dost eate, where thou dost lodge?

Surge, propera Amica mea, columba mea, formosa mea, & veni?

54. Arise, hasten my beloued, my doue, my faire One, and come vnto mee?

[Page] Ostende mihi faciem tuam, sone [...] vox tua in auribus meis?

55. Shew mee thy face, lett thy voyce sound in myne eares?

Vox enim tua dulcis, & facies tua decora.

56. For thy voyce is sweete, and thy face comelye.

Quaesiui quem diligit anima mea, quaesiui illum, & non inueni.

57. I haue sought for him whom my soule loueth; I haue sought for him, and haue not found him.

Surgam, & circuibo ciuitatem per [...]vicos, & plate as, & quaeram quem diligit anima mea.

58. I will rise, and goe about the city in all the streets, and lanes; I will seeke after Him whom my soule loueth.

Num vidisti quem diligit Anima mea?

59. Haue you seene whom my soule loueth?

Paululum cum pertransissem, inueni quem diligit Anima mea.

[Page]60. When I had gone a little farther, I found him whom my soule loueth.

Tenui [...]um nec dimittam.

61. I laid hold of him, and will not let him goe.

Vox Dilecti mei pulsantis, aperi mihi soror mea, Amica mea, columba mea immaculata mea?

62. The voyce of my beloued knockinge, open to mee my sister, my loue, my doue, myne immaculate?

Pessulam Ostij mei aperui dilecto meo.

63. I opened the barre of my doore to my beloued.

Anima mea liquefacta est, vt locuta est mihi.

64. My soule melted, as hee spoke to mee.

Diligam te Domine fortitudo mea, firmamentum meum, & Refugium, meum, & liberator meus.

65. I will loue thee ô Lord, my strenth, my firme foundation, my Refuge, and my Deliuerer.

Illumina oculo [...] meos ne vnquam obdormiam[Page]in morte, ne quando dic [...]t inimicus meus praeualui aduersus eum.

66. Enlighten myne eyes that I may neuer sleepe in Death, least myne enimie may come at lenth to say I haue preuailed against him.

Dignus es tu Domine Deus accipere Gloriam, & Honorem, & virtutem, & Benedictionem.

67. Thou art worthy ô Lord God to haue Glorie, and Honour, and powre, and praysinge.

Confite antur tibi Domine omnia operatua, & sancti tui benedicant tibi.

68. Let thy workes ô Lord confesse vnto thee, and lett thy Saintes prayse thee.

Si oportuerit me mori, non te negabo.

69. Though I were to dye for it, yet I would not denye thee.

70. Iesus, Iesus, Iesus, &c.

Non aemittam Te, nisi Benedixeris mihi.

71. I will not lett thee goe, till thou hast Blissed mee.

72. Lord when shal I be wholye [Page] thyne, and thou myne?

73. O my secure Refuge!

74. O life of my Soule, my Maker, my Redeemer, and my conseruer!

75. O ioye of my soule! when shal I loue thee with all my Hart, with all my soule, and with all my might?

76. When shal I enioye thee?

77. When shal I possesse thee?

78. O that I were buried in thee?

79. When shall I fullye please thee?

80. My Consolation.

81. My Life.

82. My Loue.

83. My Desire.

84. My Delight.

86. My Riches.

87. My Treasure, and all my good.

88. O when shal my soule be accordinge to thy harts desire!

89. O that my soule were as cleane, and pure, as it was when it first proceeded from thee!

90. O that I could perfectly obey thee!

91. O that I could alwayes serue thee!

[Page]92. O Treasure of my soule!

93. O that I had neuer offended thee

94. O that I could see my selfe free from this, or that imperfection.

95. O that I could obtayne this, or that necessarie virtue!

96. When shal I perfectly loue thee?

97. When shall this earthly Tabernacle be dissolued, and my soule be made one with thee?

98. Replenish mee ô Lord with thy loue.

99. Giue vnto mee sweete Iesus puritie of Hart, and pouertie of Spirit?

100. O sweete Iesus that I knew thee, and knew my selfe?

101. Graunt mee ô sweete Iesus that I maye entirelie loue thee?

102. Graunt mee ô my onlie loue that I maye continuallie reuerence, and adore thee?

103. O Bottomelesse sea of Mercie pardon mee all my sinns, & offences?

104. Permitt mee not ô my Lord Iesus euer to be separated from thee?

105. Possesse mee ô sweete Iesus; & [Page] vnite mee wholie vnto thee?

106. I am nothinge, I can nothinge, I desire nothinge, but thee ô Iesus, Iesus, Iesus!

107. Graunt mee ô Lord the holye hatred of my selfe; and the perfect loue of thee.

108. O my God quench thou the thirst of my soule!

108. Thou onlie pleasest mee, and thee onlie I desire.

109. For thy loue, I vtterly renounce all other Loues.

111. For thy loue I wholy yeild vp my selfe into thy hands.

112. O All my Glorie!

113. O All my Delight!

114. O All my Comfort!

115. With thy selfe comfort mee, whom nothinge else can comfort, or satisfie.

1 [...]6. O what doe I loue, ô what doe I intend, or seeke for, saue only thee!

117. Feed, and satisfie mee ô Lord with thy Grace, and presence in my soule?

[Page]118. Thee onlie doth my soule rellish Iesus, Iesus, Iesus?

119. My Hart longeth after thee, and with none but thee Alone can it be satisfied?

120. Quench my thirst ô Iesus, Iesus, Iesus!

121. When shal my soule be plunged, swallowed vp, and buried in the infinit depth of thy Eternitie?

122. O my Happynesse!

123. O my only delight!

124. O ioye of my hart!

125. O my Hope, my sollace, my beginninge, and end!

126. O Lord Iesus!

127. O Emanuel!

128. O Messias!

129. O Christ the annointed of our Lord!

130. O most sweete, and most louinge Lord God!

131. When shall I be vnited vnto thee?

132. When shall I be drowned in thee?

[Page]133. When shall I be fullye mortified?

134. When shall I embrace thee?

135. When shall I be inflamed with thy loue?

136. When shall I be one with thee accordinge to thy harts desire?

Confitebor tibi Domine in toto cord [...] meo, & glorificabo nomen tuum in aeternum.

137. I will confesse vnto thee ô Lord with my whole hart, and will glorifie thy name for euer.

Miserere mei Deus, miserere mei, quoniam in te confidit Anima mea.

138. Haue Mercie on mee ô Lord [...] haue on mee, because my soule doth confide in thee.

Beati qui habitant in domo tua Domine in saecula saeculorum laudabunt te

139. Blissed are they who dwell in thy Howse ô Lord, they praise thee for euer and euer.

Quia est melior est dies vna in atrijs tuis super millia.

140. Because one daye within thy [Page] Gates is b [...]r then a thowsand without.

141. O All my Hope?

142. O All my Glorie?

143. O All my Refuge; And All my ioie?

144. O the most Beloued of Beleiuers?

145. O Flourishinge spowse!

146. O sweete spowse?

147. O Comfort of my Hart?

148. O life of my soule, and the pleasant repose of my Spirit?

149. Mortifie in mee whatsoeuer displeaseth thy sight, and make mee a Man accordinge to thy hart.

150. Wound mee ô Lord, wound the most inward part of my soule with the darts of thy Loue?

151. And make mee drunke with the wine of thy perfect Charitie.

152. O when shall this be!

153. When shal I please thee in all things?

154. When shall all dye in mee, which is contrarie to thee?

[Page]155. When shall I be altogether thine?

156. When shall I liue to be noe more myne owne?

157. When shall nothinge else liue in mee, but thou ô Iesus?

158. When shall I loue thee most feruentlie?

159. When shall the flames of thy loue wholie consume mee?

160. When shall I be altogether melted & pearsed through with the wō derfull efficacie of thy sweetenesse?

161. When wilt thou take mee hence by force, drowne mee, transport mee, and hide mee in thy selfe, where I maye neuer more be seene?

162. When wilt thou free mee from all these impediments, and distractions, and make mee one Spirit with thee, that I maye not any more depart from thee?

163. O Dearely, Beloued! O Dearelie Beloued of my soule?

164. O sweetenesse of my Hart?

165. Heare mee ô Lord not for my merits, but for thy infinitt Goodnesse, [Page] and Mercie?

166. Teach mee, enlighten mee direct mee, and assist mee in all things, that I may doe, or say nothinge but what is agreable to thy blissed will, and pleasure?

167. O my God, my well beloued, my dearest Hart, and the very God of my soule!

168. O my sweete loue!

169. O my greate Delight!

170. O my strenth Helpe mee!

171. O my light guid mee towards thee!

172. O God of my soule, why giuest not thou thy selfe to thy poore Creature?

17 [...]. Thou fillest Heauen, and earth; and wilt thou leaue my hart emptie.

17 [...]. Thou bathest the Lillies of the field, giuest meate to the little birds, and feedest the wormes of the earth: why then dost thou forgett mee who endeauours to forgett all others for thy sake.

175. Too late haue I haue I known [...] [Page] thee ô infinitt Goodnesse?

176. Too late haue I loued, thee ô Beautie soe ancient, and soe new!

177. Wooe to the tyme I loued thee not!

178. Blind I was, that I saw thee not.

179. Thou wert within mee, and I went seekinge thee abroad?

180. But now that I haue found thee though late, suffer not Good Lord that I euer leaue thee. Amen, Amen, Amen.

FINIS.

ACTS OF RESIGNATION To be vsed accordinge TO THE DIRECTIONS. ACTS OF RESIGNATION in things concerninge the Body.

[Page]

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

1. I Resigne my selfe for the Loue of my God my deare Lord, to vndergoe these ensuinge Paines, or Difficulties in my Bodie; soe farre as God hath alreadie laid [Page] them, or any of them vppon mee; or shal be pleased heereafter to laye, or permitt them, or any of them to fall vppon mee. To witt: Agues, Feauers, falling-sicknesse, crampe, collicke, Consumption, or other bodilie sicknesse whatsoeuer. Especiallie such sicknesse, or infirmitie, as troubles mee at this present, or to which through my nature or Bodilie complexion, and constitution I am most disposed, and inclined.

2. As weaknesse, feeblenesse, lamenesse, Toothache, or any other ache, or paine in my head, or any other part of my Bodie.

3. Deformitie, or vglinesse in the sight of others, as it was in the case of holy Iob, Lazarus, and others that were full of Biles, botches, and other more odious externall defects in Bodie.

4. Extremitie of Heate such as wee feele, or maye feele in some time of the summer: extremitie of cold such as wee feele, or maye feele in some [Page] tyme of the winter. And in tyme of summer to be driuen to weare, and beare perhaps out of Obedience, or other necessitie more cloaths then our nature needeth, or is willinge to beare. And in the cold of winter, to be contented to want cloaths which wee conceiue our nature needes, when that obedience, or necessitie denies them vs.

5. Want of sleepe, as when beinge in bed one cannot [...]leepe through [...]ome bodilie indisposition, or other; or when obedience will not permitt mee to haue soe much tyme for sleepe, as my nature would desire to haue, or maye seeme needfull to haue.

6. Hunger, thirst, the difficulties of fastinge, and Abstinence, scarcitie in meate, or drinke, as not hauinge soe much in Quantitie as my nature would haue, or perchance requireth, or lesse then I see some others haue. Or when the qualitie of the meate, or drinke doth not please my nature, and yet obedience [Page] will yeild mee noe better; or when my meate is not soe well dressed, as I could wish it were; or when I haue it not in such a season as in my nature I could wish, but is delayed mee for some tyme.

7. I am resigned, and contented to see others better serued, or prouided for, in, meate, drinke, cloath, lodginge, and beddinge then I am: though I conceiue, and imagine that I deserue, and need as much as they doe, and yet obedience will not allow it mee. Likwise when it seemeth to mee that others are more spared from corporal labours then I am; & yet it seemeth to mee that they need, or deserue noe more indulgence, or sparinge, then I doe.

8. Indisgestion, vomitinge, or other payne, or defect in the stomacke, not to be able to gett downe some meate that is vngratefull to the stomacke, or palate; And yet obedience, or pouertie will perhaps afford mee noe better.

[Page]9. Paynes, or Defects about the 5. externall senses. As bitter, or vnsauorie Tasts; vngratefull smells; hideous, and horrible sights, or representations to the eyes, as the sight of Deuills, or damned soules. Hideous and fearefull noises, as thunder &c. and noises displeasinge to the eare, and soe of the Rest.

It is continued.

THE II. EXERCISE.

1. AS to the fift sense of feelinge. I Resigne my selfe to suffer, and endure scorgings, buffetings, beatings, as our Sauuiour endured; or stoneings as S. Stephen: or incisions, and launcings, or c [...]ttinge of the flesh, or any other corporall paynes, or torments, be they external, or internal. To the losse of eyes, or pains in them; to deafenesse, or dumbenesse; to vndergoe alsoe some externall worke, or labour [Page] from which I am naturally auerted: when that obedience appoints itt, albeit I should conceiue it preiudiciall to my health.

3. To attend, and watch with the sicke when that obedience appoints it.

4. I am resigned to loose any member of my Bodye when God shall permitt, or will haue mee to loose itt, be it feete, leggs, hands &c.

5. To vndergoe all sort of corporall labours, and that with feeblenesse, and indisposition of Body: soe farre as the will of God shall require.

6. I am resigned to loose all pleasure, delight, and Gust in the sense of Tast soe that I may find noe more tast in the pleasantest meate, then I should doe in eatinge a chipp, or a stone: or in drinkinge of a thinge that hath noe tast, or is of a very vngratefull Tast.

7. I am resigned to any disfiguringe in the face, or other part of the Bodie: come it naturallye, or by any [Page] chance, or accident.

8. To loose my life by suddayne death, or else by longe sicknesse as it shal please God.

9. To receiue harme in my Imagination: whereby I may haue my braines crackt, or become a very foole, or madd man; And to be content with all this if God permitt the case to befall mee.

10. That my Body putrifie, and corrupt slowly, and with lenth of tyme; and that others obserue, and take notice of such putrifyinge, and in their natures abhorre it, and mee for itt.

11. To endure, and suffer the Agonye of Death, and the vnwillingnesse, and horrour that nature hath in the separation of the soule from the Bodye.

I [...] is continued.

[Page]

THE III. EXERCISE.

1. I am resigned to dye a natural death; or otherwise a violent, and paynefull death procured by others; which of them may best please thee my Lord.

2. To dye when, where, and in what manner it shall best please God, and that without the helpe of any of the Sacraments; if I cannot come by them.

3. Beinge dead to want not only honorable, but euen Christian Burial; And my Body to be a prey, and food to beasts, and fowles: as hath beene, and often is the case of Martyrs.

4. In the Agonye of death to endure such terrours, Afflictions, & temptations as the diuel doth then vsuallye rayse, and procure, or my deare God permitt.

[Page]

Heere follow Resignations about externall Goods.

5. To be depriued of the Cloths I haue, or may haue, be they neuer soe necessarie for mee The like for good bookes, conuenient lodginges, and to haue these things bestowed vppon one whom in my nature I am most auerted from.

6. To be driuen to weare cloths that seeme base, or insufficient, or vnfitt for the body [...] as ouer heauy & ouerhott for the summer; or ouer thynne, and light for the cold winter; or else cloths that are of hayre, rugged, and paynefull to the Bodye.

7. To be streitned, or otherwise ilaccomodated for chamber, or lodginge, & hard beddinge, & to want necessaries in my lodginge, and beddinge.

8. To want necessarie cloths soe as to be brought to that pouertie that I am not onlye barely, and basely clothed, but hardlye able to couer my nakednesse; whereby I maye be [Page] wonderfully contemned, and dispised by others.

9. To be turned out of doores, and to be depriued of all certayne, and proper place of Habitation, and thrust into the wide world; and soe entirely left to such destinye as God shall permitt to fall vppon mee.

10. To haue all the temporal goods whereof I haue the proprietie, or vse, taken from mee: and to be left as poore, naked, and desolate as euer Iob was, or any man, or weoman can be.

11. To endure the Crosses that in any sort spirituall, or corporal maye fall vppon my friends, or kindred, or vppon those who in my nature I most affect: as to endure their deaths, imprisonments, dishonors, losse of their lands, or goods, their extreame pouertie, or whatsoeuer else may happen vnto them.

12. And on the other side to forbeare, and restreigne my selfe from all inordinate ioye, and complacence [Page] that I may take in their prosperities.

13. I am resigned alsoe, and hope to be well content that my friends, and kindred, louers, and well wishers, doe alienate, and withdraw their affections from mee; doe forgett, and neglect mee: yea and come to be auerted from mee; and to conceiue, and speake euill of mee, and doe mee euill offices; yet soe as I committ noe sinne, or giue noe iust occasion of such auersion from mee.

14. And further I resigne my selfe to be left, and forsaken of all creatures in the world; soe that I haue noe Man, or any thinge to cleaue vnto, saue thee only my Iesus who will aboundantly suffice mee.

15. I am resigned, and indifferent in what place, and in what companie I liue, and in particular to liue with them from whom my nature is most auerted, and to liue with strangers aswell as with my familiars.

16. And to liue with them with [Page] whom, and from whom I shall find, and receiue most contradictions, discurtesies, and hard vsages, if it shall be the blessed will, and pleasure of thee my Lord to allot, or ordayne mee to liue in such companye.

17. I am resigned to abide in this life in all sorts of Afflictions for soe longe tyme as it shall please God though it were to the end of the world.

18. And not to yeild to the Motion, or inclination of my nature that would perhaps out of wearisomnesse fayne haue life at an end. But in this I wholy submitt my will to the will of God. Amen.

Heere follow Resignations about good name, Honour, and Estimation.

[Page]

THE IV. EXERCISE.

1. I Am resigned not only not to be beloued, or well thought of by Superiors, Bretheren, sisters, or others: but euen hated, and euil thought of by them. Yet wil I take heed (through Gods Grace) not by any sinne to giue iust Occasion of such hatred, or euil opinion of mee.

2. And I am resigned that all others yea myne enemyes be in greater Grace, fauour, loue, and good opinion with superiors, and all others then I am.

3. To vndergoe all manner of disgraces, Reproaches, slaunders, infamyes, Dishonors, Taunts, contempts, neglects, scoffs, backbitings, and iniuries in my fame. And to endure all these, be they done to my face, or behind my Back: whither I haue iust occasion for them or noe, and I am sorrie for the sinne, (soe [Page] farre as there was a sinne in it) and I am glad of the occasion growne by it, of my Resignation, and Mortification.

4. And whither they be done mee by my Superiors, or betters, or by myne equalls, or els by such as in the condition of the world are inferior to mee.

5. And whither they be done by such as I esteemed my friends, and of whom I had better deserued: or by any professed foes, or as such behaue themselues towards mee, though I esteeme them to be in charity with mee, and all the world.

6. I am resigned that my life, or manner of my death be execrable, odious, and hatefull to others, and beinge dead to be euil thought of, and euil spoken of by others, and to haue noe man that will uouchsafe to pray for mee beinge dead, but to be either cleane forgotten, or to haue an ill memorie, and esteeme.

7. Yea thought by all the world to [Page] haue dyed out of the state of Saluation, and soe damned for euer. Yea moreouer to haue it soe sett downe, and expressed in a printed booke, or Cronicle: not only to my owne euerlastinge shame, but to the shame, and confusion of my kindred, and familye.

8. And finally in this life to be held for the scumme, and outcast of all the race of Mankind, and forsaken by All both as to their doings, and to their Affections towards mee.

9. In sicknesse, and other occasions, and necessities to be chargeable, and troublesome to others, and my selfe, to be profitable to none at all, nor in any sort to be able to steed others.

10. Soe that the whole world grow weary of mee, and of my life, and Beinge: and dayly longe to be ridd of mee by death, or some other way they care not how; and in this case to remayne diuers yeares, yea for my whole life tyme though neuer soe longe.

[Page]11. I am resigned that dyinge in the Grace of God (which I hope, and earnestly pray I may alwayes doe) and of a naturall death: I be for all that, through some occasion, or other by the permission of God, esteemed to haue killed, or destroyed my selfe and therevppon to be accordinge to the custome of our countrey pearsed through the midst of my Bodye with a stake, and buried in the high way; and euery one that passeth by, to cast a stone on my Graue in detestation of mee to the vnspeakable shame, c [...]nfusion, and damnation of my owne fame, and to the fowle Aspersion of my Familye.

Resignations of and concerninge the soule.

THE V. EXERCISE.

1. I Am resigned to vndergoe all sorts of temptations which [Page] may please thy Deuine Maiestie to lay, or permitt to fall vppon mee for myne exercise, and Triall: And to endure them to the end: euer adheringe to thee; and not yeildinge to sinne by occasion of them, soe farre as thy holy Grace shall enable mee.

2. To endure all manner of desolations, Priuations, Aridities, Drynesses, and indeuotion. All darknesse in myne vnderstandinge, and all dullnesse, and coldnes [...]e of Affection in my will towards my God; soe farre as I am not able to helpe it; And will not for my comfort conuert mee to externall solaces.

3. To want all manner of guifts, & Graces that are not absolutely necessarie to my Saluation; as all supernaturall contemplations, sweetenesses, and extraordinarie deuine visits, and fauours.

4. To resigne my selfe in all things be they neuer soe contrarie to nature, and its inclination; to sensualitie, and its affections.

[Page]5. To resigne my selfe to beare with the repugnance which I find in my sensualitie vntill by the Grace of God (sooner, or later; euer, or neuer) in this life, it may be brought to perfect subiection to the soule: and in the meane tyme to beare with the labour, and difficultie: that is in fightinge against it, or in resistinge the desires of itt.

6. To resigne my selfe to dye before that I can reach to perfection, and to liue, and dye in that state, or degree of perfection which shall be pleasinge to God, and not accordinge to my owne will, or waye: yet euer wishinge, and endeauouringe that I may not be wantinge in cooperatinge with His Graces, and Calls.

7. To resigne my selfe to be content to serue my God accordinge to that manner which Hee preordained, and not accordinge to myne owne proper will, desires, or wayes. Hauinge reguard notwithstandinge to my naturall talents, and complexion, [Page] or corporall constitution: And accordinge to the measure of witt, or vnderstandinge that is in mee, and accordinge to the supernaturall helps, and Graces that God shall afford vnto mee: and not accordinge to the talents, guifts, and graces which God hath giuen, and imparted vnto others.

8. I am resigned, and well pleased that God hath giuen, and heereafter at his pleasure may giue to others farre greater Graces, and Talents, or perfections then hee hath giuen, or shall giue vnto mee.

9. And that all others make greater progresse in Spirit, and perfection then I doe: albeit I should vse greater diligence, and industrie then they.

10. I am resigned to vnderstand learne, or know noe more, or otherwise then God would haue mee to know, and to remayne ignorant in what Hee would haue mee to remayne ignorant of.

It is continued.

[Page]

THE VI. EXERCISE.

1. AND for what I doe, or shall know: I doe resigne, and yeld vp to God (whose it is by due) all the Honour, contentment, satisfaction, and commoditie that can come to mee by such knowledge.

2. I am resigned to know noe more then is absolutely necessarie to saluation, and to want the knowledge of all other things, and especiallye of all curiosities, and impertinencies.

3. I am resigned, yea desire to follow God by all wayes whatsoeuer that Hee shall call mee, seeme they neuer soe strange, or vnreasonable (soe they haue noe sinne in them: I meane both for internall, and externall wayes) though I cannot vnderstand the reasons of them, or perceiue how they can lead, or bringe to a good end, or issue. And soe to be contented to walke as it were blindfold, [Page] and in darknesse, as to the vse of my naturall vnderstandinge.

4. I am resigned, and contented that others doe excell mee in virtues, and perfections, yet euer desiringe that I may not be wantinge in my endeauours: And am resigned that they be farre more then my selfe esteemed, loued, and honored by all others for virtues, and perfection.

5. I am resigned not to know in what case I am, as to my soule; nor in what degree of Perfection: and not to know whither I goe backward, or forward in perfection.

6. I am resigned not know whither I am in the state of Grace, or noe: as noe man (without speciall reuelation) doth know himselfe to be. I craue notwithstandinge, and desire that I may be industrious, and doe my part, and cooperate with my Grace.

7. I am resigned that God may giue, and bestow on Him who of all creatures liuinge most hateth mee: all [Page] those guifts, Graces, and Fauours which my soule, my nature, or my hart could craue, or wish of thee my God for my selfe: and am resigned to want them my selfe, and to haue noe more then thy will is to bestow on mee.

8. And I am moreouer contented, and resigned that in the end of my life thou my Lord may bestow vpon him that hateth mee most, the fruict, Benefit, and reward of all the labours, afflictions, and mortifications which in my life tyme I haue vndergone, albeit they were soe great, and soe many as hath beene all the labours, Afflictions, and Mortifications, of all the Mar [...]yrs, Confessors, and Virgins, all put together that euer liued, or heereafter shall liue in the Church of God. Soe purely, and freely doe I desire to serue my God.

9. I am resigned willingly to endure all manner of contempts, and yet to be esteemed by others that I endure them meerely against my will, [Page] and not out of Humilitie; and that I would be reuenged if I could without further discredit, or dammage to my selfe.

THE VII. EXERCISE.

1. I Am resigned to serue my God in this life in all labours, and afflictions which are possible for mee to vndergoe: though there were neither heauen, or Hell, or Purgatorie, or any payne, or reward in the future life. Soe purely doe I desire, and purpose to serue my God for his owne sake without any maner of interest, or commoditie thereby intended to my selfe.

2. I am resigned, and contented to enioy the very lowest place in Heauen, though God should enable mee to meritt as much as all the SS. in Heauen putt together haue done.

3. I am resigned to doe, and suffer both in soule, and Bodye what, and [Page] in what maner, and for soe longe tyme as shall be pleasinge to God, and as it shall be his deuine pleasure to lay vppon mee to be done, or suffered by mee.

4. For the loue of my God I resigne and renounce all maner of inordinate loue towards my selfe, and towards all other Creatures.

5. Euen now, and euer I doe renounce all inordinate Affection that I beare to the personall company, or societie of any Persons, or to correspondence with them by letters, tokens, or messages: And I am contented to be depriued for euer of their company, and all manner of correspondence with them.

6. And I will auoid such companie, and correspondence soe farre as by the will of God I may: where I doe, or shall find it to be an occasion of fallinge into sinns, or imperfections.

7. And when I cannot auoid the company I will with Gods assistance be more warie, and carefull in my [Page] conuersation with such persons. And I doe resigne my selfe, and hartilye desire to be depriued of such company.

8. For the loue of God I doe resigne, and yeild vpp all seekinge to gett the Loues, or good wills of others towards my selfe, and all sollicitous seekinge to please them further, or otherwise then shall be for God-sake.

9. And I will be contented that they whose loue in my nature I most looke after, shall (noe iust cause giuen for it by mee) withdraw all their Affections from mee; yea Hate mee, speake ill of mee, and doe mee all maner of euill Offices.

10. For the loue of God I doe renounce all maner of curiosities in dressinge of my selfe, and all desire that other should affect, or esteeme mee for my exterior Habit, corporall array, or dressinge; or for my personall visage, feature, comelynesse, Grace, Beautye, or stature, or any other Qualitie Artificial, or naturall [Page] that is in mee; or generally for any guift, or Talent that I haue. I say I doe renounce all proprietie in them & all affection to them. And would (if it soe pleased God) for my mortification be depriued of them.

11. And haue them bestowed vpon some other Man whom in my nature I doe least affect, and most detest.

It is continued.

THE VIII. EXERCISE.

1. AND as for such guifts Graces, and Talents as thou ô my God wilt haue still to abide in mee; I desire, and intend that they may be employed, and made vse of meerely, and purely for thy Honour and Glorie: and not for any Honour, or other end of myne owne. And therefore I wholy resigne, and giue them vp (as to any affection I retayne to them) to thee my God, from whom all good things doe proceed; [Page] and to thee, and thy seruice only doe they belonge.

2. Likewise in particular I doe renounce all complacence, loue, and likinge to elegancie, and Acutenesse of witt, eloquence of tounge, and abilitie to expresse my mind perfectlye by words, or by letters, or other writinge. All Humour, Abilitye, or facilitye to Iest, recreate, or delight others. All affection I say to those talents, or qualities (soe farre as I haue any of them in mee) I doe for the loue of God resigne, relinquish, and abandon.

3. In particular likewise for the louer of God I doe freely renounce all complacence, and loue that I haue in the knowledge, or skill of any particular art either of readinge, writinge, speakinge, enditinge, and generally all skill, and knowledge of any art, or science whatsoeuer. And alsoe all desire to be esteemed for nobilitie, Gentrie, and gteate alliance. All things in a word (that are [Page] not for God, and in God) with the loue, and Affection to them, I doe for the present, and future, reiect, and cast awaye.

4. For the loue of God I doe freely renonnce all maner of affection to the occasions of sinns, or imperfections: soe that willingly I would vtterlye flye from them, be they of what kind they will. And will endeauour to auoid all such occasions as farre as well I maye, and what I cannot (such beinge the necessitie of our liues that wee cannot auoid all maner of occasions) I will with the Grace of God be as warie in them as my frailtie will permitt mee, and withdraw my selfe from those occasions soe soone as well I maye.

5. I doe for the loue of God renounce all proprietie I haue or may haue in any Kind of Office, Dignitie, or imployment. And am, and will be euer readye to resigne, and yeild itt vp, when it shall please God: and in the meane tyme shall hold my selfe [Page] in itt out of Obedience to God, and for his seruice; and not for myne owne turne, Honour, or interest.

6. For the Loue of God I doe renounce all manner of proprietye to spirituall Exercises (be they neuer soe pleasinge to mee) soe that there is, or shall be noe Exercise soe sweete, or pleasinge which I would not giue ouer, if I knew it were Gods will that I should doe itt.

7. Neither is there any Kind of Exercise soe vngratefull, or paynefull to my nature: but I would embrace it. If I knew, or thought itt to be Gods will that I should; or otherwise could find it to be profitable to mee.

8. In the meane tyme I will for the loue of God serue him in such kind of Exercises, as my poore knowledge shall informe mee to be most for his Honour, and seruice: and my owne soules good.

9. I resigne my selfe to vndergoe all manner of temptations be they corporall, [Page] or spirituall: as Blasphemies, dispaire, or any other manner of Temptation wherewith it would please God to exercise, and proue mee: and will abide in them as longe as hee shall please that they continue, be it for neuer soe many yeares, yea though it were for my whole life tyme.

10. And I purpose with the Aid of his Grace not to be carried by any of of those temptations to offend his Maiestie. But euer to adhere, and abide faithfull to him.

It is continued.

THE IX. EXERCISE.

1. AND if I should happen vppon any of these temptations to fall, or proue defectiue: (as who is not fraile) I will notwithstande by the Grace of God soe soone as I can rise vp agayne, reforme what hath beene amisse; and for the [Page] future tyme looke better to my selfe, continuinge in resistance to those temptations, soe longe as they continue.

2. Nor will I seeke to driue them away, or lessen the payne of them, but only as it shall be the will of God, and not accordinge to the will of my nature, that is apt to free, or ease herselfe of all temptatiōs meerely out of slouth, and vnwillingnesse to vndergoe the sharpe and paynefull remedies prouided by God for my soules good, by the meanes of these temptations.

3. I alsoe resigne mee willingly to embrace, and entertayne such defects or blemishes (soe they be noe sinns) as are in mee by nature, or by chance, in bodie, or in soule; and by which I am lesse esteemed by others, soe farre as any such defects, or blemishes are in mee, as Dullnesse, or slownesse of witt, or Iudgement; disabilitie to expresse my mind by word, or writinge; ignorance, or [Page] vnskilfulnesse in such Kind of things, as others of my callinge vsuallye can doe; rawnesse, harshnesse, lownesse, or vnpleasantnesse of voyce; Blemishes, or defects in face or fauour, or in any other part of the bodie, or in stature: or in any other reall or seeminge defect in soule, or bodye. Or in beinge descended of poore, or lesse noble parents, or hauinge poore or obscure kindred, or Friends. In these, and all other such like points I resigne my selfe to God; and I doe, and will still accept of my Coudition such as it is, or may be: And doe not desire any betteringe, lesseninge, or alteringe of itt. But that it may continue, and be published to all others, for my mortification, and humilitie.

4. I resigne my selfe all the tyme of my life (proue it neuer soe longe) for the Honour of God, and his deuine pleasure, to labour all that I can both corporallye, and spiritually for gayneinge of perfection (that is, the perfect loue of God) albeit I neuer [Page] reach vnto itt, or neere vnto itt. Therin, and in all other things resigninge, and wholy submittinge my selfe to what the Maiesty, Goodnesse, and Wisedome of God shall please to determine about mee.

5. I resigne my selfe as to all proprietie, and affections to bookes, and instructions printed, and written [...] which I either haue had, now haue, or heereafter may haue. And doe resigne my selfe to be depriued of them, when, and by such meanes, as shall please God to depriue mee of them. And for the loue of God I doe for the present, and for the future renounce, and giue ouer all Affection to them.

6. The like I doe for all those things that I haue for the vse of my bodye, or Exercise of deuotion, as chamber, beddinge, cassocke, or any other cloathinge, and all other things appertaninge to the bodye.

7. Beads Reliques, Reliquaries, Agnus Dei, with their siluer, gold, [Page] or other pretious cases; pictures medalls, and whatsoeuer other materiall things appertayninge to Deuotion; or that may be a recreation, solace, or pleasure to the mind.

THE X. EXERCISE.

1. I Doe most willingly resigne my selfe to be depriued of all instructors (I meane men, or weomen, that may, or doe instruct mee) and of all Confessors both in Generall, and particular, purposinge with the Grace of God euer to serue him the best I can accordinge to the naturall talents which I haue, as alsoe accordinge to the supernaturall talents, and Graces that hee shall bestow on mee hopinge in his goodnesse that hee will by one meane, or other supplie mee with all knowledge that shall be necessarie for my soule: albeit I be depriued of all those ordinarie helps of bookes, instructors, [Page] and confessors.

2. I resigne my selfe to haue my superiors, and all others whom my nature would haue to be most friendly vnto mee; to be in all things crosse, and contrarie vnto mee; yea, and to persecute mee soe farre as the prouidence of God shall permitt, purposinge through his Grace, and for his loue to endure all.

3. Since the tongue is an occasion of many sinns, and imperfections, I doe for the loue of God renounce all affection to the vse, and Exercise of the tongue, and to all manner of talkinge, and discoursinge soe that if it might please God I would be contented for his loue to be made dumbe, and to haue noe tongue at all, soe that I could not speake.

4. Because neuerthelesse the necessitie of his life will not admitt such mortification of absolute dumnesse in practise; but that I must often speake either for myne owne need, or for Charities sake, or for my own [...] [Page] recreatio [...], or for some other iu [...]t occasion, I purpose with the grace of God that all my words, and talkings shall not be out of Affection to talkinge, but out of a reasonable necessitie with a religious warinesse that I offend not in the matter, or manner of my speakinge; giuinge ouer soe soone as conueniently I may; euer affectinge (at least in my superior will, if not in my nature, or sensualitie) to haue noe vse of my tongue at all, nor wishinge to haue need, or iust oc [...]asion for it, saue only for praysinge, & Honoring [...] God. Soe that by this meanes my errors, & escapes by occasion of talkinge doe not proceed out of affectiō to talkinge itselfe: but that the talke itselfe be neces [...]tated; and the which wee could not well forbeare.

5. For the loue, and Honour of God; I doe renounce all manner of desire of Honour, and Honorable places; dignities, and Offi [...]es that are o [...] Authoritie, command, or Directio [...] [Page] or whatsoeuer may breed mee estimation with others, and thereby feed my prowd nature.

6. And in steed thereof I will vndergoe any office, place, or imployment that my nature doth scorne, and abhorre; if that obedience, charitie, or the will of God doe impose itt on mee.

7. For the loue of God I doe renounce all vayne complyinge, conuersation, and correspondance with the world by letters, tokens, messages, or otherwise. And all seekings to please the world, with which in affection I desire to haue noe more to doe, then if I were really dead, and buried; desiringe only to serue, and please God. Yea I desire soe much to be forgotten by the world, that it may not remember, or know tha [...] there is, or euer was any such creature as I am; or as if I had neuer at all beene borne.

8. For the loue of God I renounce all inordinate affection to my parents [Page] Friends, and kindred: as if I were another Melchisedec, whose parents and kindred were vtterly vnknowne both to himselfe, and to all others. And doe resigne my selfe to be neglected, and forsaken by them all; yea, and to haue them (without any iust occasion giuen by mee) auerted from mee; soe that they abhorre to heare mee named, nor can endure soe much [...] as to thinke of mee.

9. For the loue of God I renounce all affection to meates, and drinkes as to any pleasure, or delight that I willingly intend in them; and doe rather (if it might please God to graunt itt vnto mee) choose for the mortification of my sensual [...]tie, that I might neuer need to eate, or drinke at all; but be deliuered from the necessitie of itt. And in such case would I desire to liue soe longe as it shall please God that I abide in th [...] lise. I meane without eatinge, or drinkinge: and without need to eate, or drinke, or to take any thinge that [Page] may be pleasinge to my Bodye, or nature.

10. But since it cannot be soe but that I needs must eate, and drinke, I will doe it for the loue, and seruice of God, and not meerely, or at all for my owne will, and pleasure.

It is continued.

THE XI. EXERCISE [...]

1 [...] IN the like manner I resigne my selfe (as to the affection) for sleepinge, Recreation, and all other corporall refreshments, and solaces; to take them only for God; and not for myne owne will, or satisfaction. And to be willing altogether to forbeare them, if that it could stand with the will of God accordinge to true discretion.

2. I doe renounce all manner of Affection to created things be they corporall, or spirituall as to any affection I heare them for their owne [Page] sakes meerely de [...]iringe, and intendinge that all kind of created things spirituall, and corporall, and all that is not God, may be loued by mee for God, and in God, and not otherwise.

3. In particular I renounce all Affection to sensible g [...]st, and Deuotion; to spirituall lights, to facilitie in Prayinge; to eleuated contemplations both Actiue, and Passiue, Rapts, and extases, Visions, Apparitions, Extraordinarie Illuminations, Reuelations, knowledges of the de [...]ine secrets, the beholdinge, and conuersinge with Glorious Angells, Saints, or other good Spirits. And to all other extraordinarie guifts, and fauors. I say I doe resigne all affection to them; soe that if I chance to haue them; yet by the Grace of God will I haue no [...] adheringe Affection to them, but referre it to the goodnesse, and freewill of God to giue, or not to giue what Hee pleaseth [...].

4. And with the Grace of God, I will neuer [...]st in any guift of God, [Page] not in any created thinge be it neuer soe noble; but only shall make vse of itt, soe farre as it may be of vse for to passe further into that which is increated, illimited, and infinitt: which is God himselfe the Creatour, and Giuer: who is infinitly aboue all these, and other whatsoeuer guifts, Graces, and Creatures. And in him only will I place, and make my finall Rest, loue, and intention. Though I know well I shall not attayne vnto him, as Hee is in his true essence, while I [...]m in this l [...]fe.

5. And therefore I purpose with his Grace euer to labour more, and more to approach vnto him, & neuer to giue ouer: knowinge well that I shall not perfectly come by him in this life. (It beinge reserued for the future) but yet with continuall labour I may with his grace walkinge only in the light of faith draw neerer, and liker vnto Him, and more please his deuine eyes, which I desire, and intend seriously euer to doe.

[Page]6. I resigne my selfe for the loue of God to be depriued of al bodily necessaries, and to be as naked therin as when I was borne. And as for such necessaries as God shall afford mee for the maintayninge of my corporall life; I doe, and will likwise resigne all loue, and affection euen to those necessaries.

7. For the loue of God I resigne my selfe to be by all that doe know, or heereafter shall know mee esteemed the most abiect, vnworthy, base, ignorant, foolish, wittlesse, and most contemp [...]ible of all humayne creatures: And therefore not only incapable of all Office, and imployment; but alsoe vnworthy to be admitted into the company, or conuersation of any Others though of neuer soe meane condition.

8. For the loue of God I doe resigne my selfe to be contented with the naturall, and supernaturall guifts, and talents that I haue, or shall haue wishinge noe more of them then it shall [Page] please God to giue mee, or continue in mee, which I will employ in his seruice while I haue them, and will not repine, or murmure [...]o be depriued of them.

9, I am resigned, and contented to vndergoe all such mortifications, Obediences, and difficulties whatsoeuer, which my superior mediate, or immediate shall deliberately require of mee to be vndergone, or performed.

10. I am resigned after this life to abide in Purgatorie in horrible paynes, and torments, and for soe longe tyme, as it shall be the will of God, and to remayne there euen to the end of the world; if it shall soe please God to ordayne of mee.

THE XII. EXERCISE.

1. I Am resigned not to know what will become o [...] mee heereafter [...]i [...]her for bodye, or soule: but [Page] therin to referre my selfe to the priuate, and secret Iudgement of God. And to be resigned, and contented that God doe reserue, and conceal [...] to himselfe those his knowledges, & iudgements about mee.

2. And in particular not to know where, in what companye, with what assistance, and in what manner, of what kind of sicknesse, and whither suddenly, or of a: longe sicknesse, or in what case as to the state of my soule I shall dye; as whither my soule shall goe to Heauen, or to Hell, or to Purgatori [...]. In all these cases I am to resigne my selfe, and to be con [...]nted that God only doth know what will become of mee, and my [...] to be Ignorant of itt.

3. Neuerthelesse (as to my soule) I hope, and with the Grace of God [...]uer will hope (because hee is good, and commands mee to hope) that I shall be a saued soule; and shall one day sooner, or later enioye Him in Heauen for all Eternitie.

[Page]4. For the loue I beare vnto God, & purely for the loue and excellencie that is in him, I resigne my selfe to serue him all the dayes of my life with all my soule, and bodye: without any reguard to a reward for soe doinge. In soe much as if there were neither Heauen, or hell, or Purgatorie, or any Reward, or punishment, in this life, or the next. Yet would I serue him in the best maner I could, and this only in reguard that his Goodnesse, and Other His excellencies doe deserue infinitly greater loues, and seruices then I, yea or all the Angels, and Saincts, and other creatures whatsoeuer are able to do [...], or performe for him.

5. For the loue of God in whose sight I am, and vpon whom all my beinge depends. I resigne my selfe vnto him with all that I haue or can doe, or suffer in soule, Bodie, Fame, Friends, or externall goods: for tyme, and eternitie. Soe that I doe reserue to my selfe noe manner of will: but [Page] in all things doe make the will of God to be my will vtterlye neglectinge my owne will; as if I had none at all God by this meanes wholye reigninge in mee, and doinge by mee, with mee, and about mee (as beinge but his instruement) whatsoeuer shall please him. And nothinge as for, or to my selfe; or any end of myne owne.

An Act for a timerous, or scrupulous Conscience.

6. For the loue I beare vnto God, I renounce, and giue ouer all manner of selfe will, and selfe conceit, or opinion in all matters generallye; and particularly in this; that I will henceforth stand to, and practise such aduise, and direction as hath beene giuen mee by such as I haue reason to giue creditt vnto in spirituall matters, about the sayinge of my Office, or about Confessions, or about iudginge what is sinne, and what not; and what I am to iudge to be mortall, and what not. Neither will I in [Page] any point varie from such aduise, or directions: But will tye myselfe (out of the loue, and obedience I owe to God) to [...]and to such aduises as haue beene, or shall be giuen vnto mee, [...]ither about the matter, manner, or frequencie of Confession; or about the iteratinge, or sayinge of my offi [...]e, or any part thereof, or about the Attention vnto it; or about iudginge what to be s [...]nn [...], and [...]hat not: and what to b [...] morrall, and what not. Or about any, other thinge that shall concerne my Confession, or sayinge my Office, or otherwise con [...]erni [...] ge my soule, and conscience.

[...]. I [...]es [...]gne my selfe to vnd [...]rg [...]e, and perform [...] whatsoeu [...]r my sup [...] [...]io [...], shall deli [...]era [...]lye, and Abso [...]utely [...] req [...]i [...]e of m [...], [...]lb [...]i [...] neu [...]r [...]oe [...]pugn [...]nt [...]o [...]yn [...] ow [...] naturall will or [...] And though it s [...]m [...] [...]ue [...] [...]oe r [...]pugnant to my natu [...]all rea [...]on, a [...]d iudg [...]ment [...] and [...]me to be [...]ayne, and impertinent, or ag [...]st re [...]s [...]n [...] [...] pro [...] very p [...] nefull [Page] to my bodye, or preiudiciou [...] to my Fame, and honour; yea, and though it seeme a thinge impossible to be done, yet will I attempt it, and endeauour to doe it the best [...] can. Prouided alwayes there be nothinge commanded mee (as without doubt I hope, there neuer will be) against the Lawes of God, and His Church.

9. I likewise resigne my selfe willinglye to vndergoe any pennance publike, or priuate that shall be enioyned mee by my superior immediate, or mediate; yea though such a pennance be neuer soe greate a [...]onfusion, or shame vnto mee; or stayne [...]o my honour, or credi [...]t; and [...]hough I be neuer soe innocent in the supposed crime for the which the p [...]an [...]e is imposed; and that [...]ll Others doe e [...]eem [...], and iudge me [...] guiltie of the crime though ind [...]ed I am n [...]t.

10. I resigne my selfe soe [...]arre to ouercome the [...]a [...]hfullnesse, or other diffic [...]l [...] [...]ha [...] i [...], o [...] shall [...]e in mee, [Page] for the discoueringe of my secret bodilye necessities, or other secrets of my interior:Especially to doe this in matter of Confession. That I will when there shall be cause for it therin mortifye my selfe, and will with the Grace of God open my case to my superior, or Ghostly Father accordinge to the nature of my cases, and as it shall require, albeit my naturall will haue neuer soe greate an auersion from such my discouerie of my necessities, or of my interiour state.

THE XIII. EXERCISE.

1. I Resigne my selfe that when Charitie, Obedience, discretion, or necessitie shall require it: I will visitt, and helpe any One lyinge sicke though of the plague, or any other, infectious, odious, or horrid disease; and will attend serue, and comfort them accordinge to my abilitie without flinchinge any way; and therin will reguard neither life, nor [Page] health: nor will auoid itt for any horrour, or loathsomenesse that my nature shall find, or co [...]ceiue in the disease, or imployment. Yet it is not the will of God that I should without cause desperately put my selfe into the said imployment, but it must be done accordinge to the Rule of Discretion, and that good may come by it to the partye that is infected, or otherwise sicke.

2. In like manner I resigne my selfe to attend, serue, and watch with those that be sicke, or need helpe accordinge to their necessitie, and as Charitie, Obedience, and discretion shall require of mee.

3. I resigne my selfe to vndergoe, and put in execution all manner of remedies that shall be deliberatelye aduised mee by the physitian with the consent of my Superiors, for the betteringe of my health, or sauinge of my life: be those remedies neuer soe harsh, bitter, paynefull, or odious to my nature. As the takinge of mo [...] [Page] bitter Potions, cuttinge of some of my limmes, or any other paynefull remedie, ordayned and prescribed vnto mee.

4. I am resigned to vndergoe the molestations of little but paynefully [...]inchinge, bitinge, and troublesome creatures; as fleas, lice, eimises, and other such like v [...]rmine soe farre as God will haue mee to be exercised by them, and that I cannot rid my selfe from them. Yea though they should soe far [...]e pr [...]uayle ouer mee as to bereaue mee of my life. [...]as they haue done to diuers] I will, and doe s [...] [...]he loue of God therin re [...]gne my selfe to his will, and prouiden [...] [...]eerin.

[...]. I resigne my selfe, when Obedience, Charitie, or necess [...]tie shall [...]quire it; to goe to any Howse, roome, or place: and lodg [...], and dwell [...]here notwithstanding the feare of Deuills, Hobgobblings, or othe [...] had Spirit [...] that are said to be there, [...] will (in th [...] [Page] name of God, and when it shall be his will] resort, and abide in such a place: albeit I should there really see a 1000. of those euill, and malitious Spirits; yea, and though God would permitt them to beate, buffet, scratch and torment my Bodie, as hee permitted them to doe to the Bodies of S. Anthonie, and other Saincts for their Exercise. For I know well that all the Malice of the Diuell will not be able to hurt my soule, soe longe as I continue my good will, and loue to God, which the diuell cannot take away by molestinge of my Bodie, but hee doth thereby giue mee more, and better occasion to vnite my soule to God, the which beinge done, it little importeth what hee doth to my bodye, which [what harme soeuer hee doe in this life] I beleiue, and am assured will be well restored to mee at the generall day of Iudgement, and in perfect health, as I hope alsoe for the saluation, and perpetu [...]ll felicitie of my soule.

[Page]6. And therefore, and in like manner I doe resigne my selfe that if God will permitt, and haue my bodie to be possessed by the Diuell, or by millions of Deuills, and to be vexed, and tormented by them: or to haue witchcraft preuayle on my bodye, & to vexe, and torment mee, I shall take it patientlye, and resignedly as from the hand of God, and be contented that his, and myne enimies those Deuills doe pe [...]forme their malice towards my Bodye, my soule beinge still vntouched by them ouer which they shall haue noe more powre then my Frewill shall giue way to, which by the Grace of God shall be in nothinge at all. And some Saincts there haue beene who for their Exercise, & humiliatiō haue desired of God that they might in their bodies be possessed by the Deuill, and haue thervppon come to be possessed.

7. For the loue I beare vnto God I doe renounce all desire to any manner [Page] of Office, or imployment that is of Authoritie, or Dignitie, or in any sort gratefull to my nature, or sensualitie, and doe purpose with the helpe of his Grace, for the keepinge my selfe in humilitie, and for auoydinge of occasions of distractions not only not to desire, or goe about directly, or indirectly to procure the haueinge of any such Office, or imployment.

8. But alsoe by all the meanes that may be pleasinge to God to pre [...]ent the hauinge of them.

9. And beinge offered vnto mee to refuse them vt [...]erlye, soe farre as I may without displeasinge God.

It is continued.

THE XIV. EXERCISE.

1. AND further I will endeauour, and procure (soe farre, as shall stand with the pleasure of God) that any other (rather then my selfe) though hee be my iunior, [Page] o [...] of talents neuer soe inferior to myne: shall haue the office, if hee shall be iudged fitt, and sufficient for the place: yea though hee be one, whom in my nature I haue least affection for, or one who is most auerted from mee, and is like to be most contradictori [...], and troublesome to mee. And of this mind with the Grace of God I purpose to be while I liu [...] though I liue neuer soe longe. And shall by the grace of God be contented if not reioyce, that I am, and shall be held insufficient, and vnworthy of any office, or employment of worth, or creditt.

2. And on the otherside there is not, or shall be any Office, or employment soe meane, base, contemptible, paynefull, or otherwise vngratefull, but that I will accept of it, if it be the will of God, and abide i [...] it soe longe as it shall please God out of pure obedience to His holy will, though the Office, or imployment were to continue all my life [...]yme; & [Page] that I liue, and dye the most abie [...] neglected, and contemptible person not only of all the howse, but euen of all others that are in the whole world.

This present matter of Resignation is very necessarie to be vsed in Prayer but more necessarie to be stood vnto in practice when the occasion happens, Read consider, & practise. The virtue of prayer is Practise out of prayer. This is the rule of Rules, and the only aduise. as [...]ften it doth. For God seeinge the soule to haue ouer much pride, and to want that humilitie hee would haue in her, will not perhaps haue her to be chosen to such an office, or place of Authoritie, or dignitie which hee foreseeth would increase pride in He [...], at least would not worke in her that Humilitie which were requisit for her. And therefore hee prouides out of his greate loue to her, that some other who perhaps seemes to be much inferior in Worth, a [...] talents; to be chosen to itt. And oftentymes God for her further Humiliation in lei [...] of the higher place doth cause her to be chosen to some Other l [...]w, or base place: which shee in her nature[Page]contemneth. And a soule that meanes, or desires to be good doth obserue the deuine Ordinances, and dispositions about her, and doth thervnto conforme, and subiect herselfe though extreamely perchance against the Inclination of her nature. But a soule that neither is humble, nor desires to be humble, but would exalt herselfe aboue, and against Gods [...]ill, by contradictinge his deuine Prouidence, doth gro [...] and become willfull, impatient, and takes occasion by itt of much harme, yea perhaps of vtter ruine, and Fall. As it appeareth by almost in [...]init Examples that heeretofore haue falne out, and doe yet dayly fall out. For this hath beene the very cause of Apostatisinge of all Arch-hereti [...]es, as Luther, Be [...]nardinus [...] Ochinus, and Others. And in verie deed if you obserue itt, you shall find euen at this day (and as it hath, soe euer it will be) the causes, and rootes of all the stirrs, factions, and contests that are in all Relig [...]ous Conuents doe most commonly, if not al [...]ayes arise out[Page]of Pride, Ambition, & Irresignation in the point of Offices, and places now last mentioned. Which is that either wee couet places of Honour, or Credit for our selues, or for our Friends; who beinge in the Places would fauour vs: or else wee repine at the puttinge in of those whom our nature doth not affect for the place. Lett vs therefore with the Grace of God ouercome ourselues in itt; and stand vnto the most louinge Prouidence of God: for our humiliation, and finall Perfection in his loue which is the proper cause, and end, of our beinge Religious, or our vndertakinge a Spirituall course of life: The true end of our vndertakinge a Religious life. And if wee doe not heerin seeke to subdue our selues, but yeild to Ambition, wee doe heereby resemble, and serue the most ambitious Lucifer, & shall witho [...] adhaerents be pertakers with him, and his adh [...]rents [...] in his vnspea [...]able euerlastinge torments, from which God of his goodnesse preserue vs. Amen.

3. I resigne my selfe to vndergoe not only such Crosses, and Difficulties [Page] as shall fall vppon myne owne person (of which kind are all the precedant acts of Resignations) but alsoe all such calamities, Crosses, Pestilence, famine, scandal, infamies, des [...]lations, deuas [...]ations, disgraces, pouertye, and Other Afflictions of what kind soeuer th [...] Deuine Prouidence shall by any meanes permitt to fall on this communi [...]ie, or vppon any particular member or members thereof. And I purpose with the grace of God euer to serue, and adhere to him euen in the midst of those calamities, or troublesome alterations.

4. In like manner I resigne my selfe vppon all publicke scandals giuen by others, and vppon all publicke calamities falne on the whole Church, or any member of it, or vppon any particular Countrey, and namely vppon our owne, or vppon the citie or Countrey wherin this Monasterie, Colledge, or Howse is feared [...] and in all cases to continue my adhereinge loue, and good will to God, [Page] as if such accidents had not at all happened.

5. I resigne my selfe to dye when, and in what manner it shall please God; and in particular to liue in a howse (the like for any other Danger which hangs ouer my head) soe longe as God shall soe ordayne: that is very like to fall, and thereby oppresse, and kill mee, and that [...]oe suddaynely, that I shall not haue the tyme, or space to say, or thinke soe much as Lord haue mercie vppon mee. Or perhaps I shall be fast a sleepe when it shall fall vppon mee, and oppresse mee ere I be awake. Or peraduenture the fall will not suddenly bereaue mee of my life, but will bruise my bodye, or my limmes, and make mee liue in such intollerable payne that death would be a greate [...]ase, and pleasure to my nature. I resigne my selfe I say heerin, and the like; to the deuine will, and Prouidence in all such like cases. Still crauinge, and begginge of God that [Page] in whatsoeuer manner, tyme, or place my death may happen, that I may dye in his Holy Grace, and fauour for the saluation, and eternall weale of my soule.

6. Finally I render, and resigne my selfe to thee Alm [...] God (whose I am by Iustice, & frō whō this my beinge depends) with all that I am, haue, or can doe, or suffer in soule, and Body, Fame, or externall goods for tyme, and Eternitie. Soe that I doe reserue to my selfe noe will at all; but in all doe accept thy Will; vtterly forsakinge, neglectinge, & contemninge myne owne will; as if I had noe will at all. By which thou onlye deare God maye reigne in mee, doeinge with mee, and about mee: as beinge but an instruement of thyne: what thou best likest, and pleasest now, and euer more.

Fiat, Fiat. Amen, Amen.

[Page]

An Exercise of Deuotion to our Blissed Lady Mother of God.

1. HAILE sweete Mary: hayle most sacred Virgin; whō God before all ages did choose for his most Sacred Mother.

2. Thou art betwixt God, and man: that Blissed Mediatrix by whom the highest things are ioyned to the lowest.

3. Thou art the beginninge of life, the Gate, or entree of Grace, the safe Hauen of the world sufferinge shipwracke.

4. Obtayne for mee I beseech thee perfect pardon of my sinns, and the perfect Grace of the Holy Ghost.

5. That I maye diligentlye worship: chastlye, and feruentlye loue thy Sonne my Sauuiour, and thee the Mother of Mercie.

6. Hayle sweete Marie, whom, forshewed in sundrie figuratiue speeches, [Page] and promised in diuers Oracles of the Prophets; the Ancient Fathers did coue [...] most earne [...]tly.

7. O my Lady receiue mee for thy poore seruant: Adopt mee O Mother for thy Sonne!

8. Graunt that I may be numbred amonge them whom thou dost loue (whose names are written in thy Virginall breast) and whom thou dost teach, direct, helpe, cherish [...] and protect.

9. Hayle sweete Marie; whom God by a most Honorable Priuiledge did preserue from sinne.

10. And adorned with most singular Grace: and most excellent guifts.

11. O Glorious Virgin, ô Gratious Virgin, ô mo [...]t pure Virgin chosen amongst thowsands.

12. Do [...] not repell mee wicked sinner: doe not dispise, and reiect mee defiled with the filth of sinne.

13. But heare mee miserable wretch [...]ryinge vnto thee, comfort mee desiringe thee, and helpe mee trustinge in thee. Amen.

[Page]

An Exerc [...]se to the Holy Angells, and especiallye the Angell Guardian.

1. I Salute you ô Holy Spiritt [...], and with all myne Hart Congratulate your Happinesse who continuallye contemplate, and behold the Deuine Face, and Allsatiatinge goodnesse!

2. You ô Seraphin, Cherubim, and Thrones who are of the higher Ierarchie! you ô dominations, virtues and powers of the middle! you ô Princes, Archangells: and Ang [...]lls of the lowest! who continuallye singe Holy, Holye, Holye Lord God of Sabaoth.

3. Thou ô my Lord hast made these holy Spirits, Angells, for my Benefitt, and hast commanded them to keepe mee in all my wayes!

4. They doe therefore assist vs with greate care, and with watchfull endeauour [Page] at all tymes, and in all pla [...]es succouringe vs.

5. They present our sighs, and sobbs to thee ô Lord: they inflame our will, illuminate our vnderstandinge, and replenish our mind with holy thoughts.

6. They walke with vs in all our wayes, reioycinge at our virtues, and contristated at our vices.

7. Their loue is greate, and excessiue towards vs.

8. They helpe such as are takinge pains, they protect such as are at rest, they encourage such as fight, they crowne the conquerors: they reioyce with such as ioye, (I meane such as ioye in thee) and they suffer with such as suffer: (I meane such as are in sufferance for thee.)

9. Greate, and very greate is the Honour done, to man, to haue Angells to wayte on, and assist him.

10. O my Deare Angell Guardian gouerne, protect, and defend mee: illuminate, comfort, and direct mee [Page] now, and euer more.

11. O Blissed Angells be you euer blissed, and praysed for all, and euerie Fauour, and benefitt you haue most louingely, and powrefullye bestowed on mee, and vouchsafed mee; and one (on my owne experience) a most singular one.

12. Graunt ô Father of Heauen, and Earth that they may euer reioyce concerninge vs, [that is: by our practise of vertue] and that thou maist euer be praysed by them, and vs, and that both they, and wee maye be brought into one sheepefould, that together wee maye confesse to thy holy name; O Thou Cr [...]atsr of men, and Angells! Amen.

[Page]

AN EXERCISE OF Deuotion.

Towards our Holy Father, and Religious founder S. Bennet.

1. HAYLE most blissed, [...]and glorius Father: I congratulate with all my hart thy glorie, and grace with God.

2. I prayse likewise, and thanke the deuine goodnesse that made thee worthy [...], and brought thee to the same.

3. Bestowing [...] on thee, in this life very greate naturall, and supernaturall guifts, and graces by meanes whereof thou hast obtayned thy present most glorious, and happie condition.

4. In particular I prayse, and magnifie the same deuine goodnesse for that it gaue thee the grace in the very flowre, or prime of thy youth with [Page] a thristye mind to seeke after the sole felicitie of the future life.

5. And for that end to forsake all the vayne pleasures of this life, the solaces of thy Parents, kinred, and Countrey, the desire of humane sciences and learninge: and [generallye] all things that might not be needfull for thee towards attayninge the foresaid felicitie.

6. And I prayse, and magnifie the same deuine goodnesse for that by such callinge, and takinge of thee soe tymelye out of the world, and the snares of it: hee freed and secu [...]ed thee from worser habits, and multitudes of sinns which the world [if tho [...] hadst remayned longer in it] had bee [...]e apt to breed, and cause in thee.

7. I prayse, and magnifie the same deuine goodnesse for leadinge thee to a place of solitude, and there prouidinge for thee all corporall neces [...]aries towards his holy seruice, and thyne owne soules good.

[Page]8. And especiallye for that the same deuine goodnesse itselfe vouchsafed to become thy immediate Maister, and Director: inspiringe thee, and teachinge thee what to doe continuallye.

9. And gaue thee Grace, and strenth to performe, and accomplish the things necessarie, and expedient to the end Hee called thee to.

10. And namelye to liue in mortification of body, and will; And as it were in continuall prayer, and high Contemplation.

11. I prayse, and glorifie the same deuine Goodnesse for bestowinge on thee the most necessarie guift of perseuerance by which thou didst remayne constant in such perfect deuine seruice from thy first call to the verie period of thy life.

11. That comeinge to dye, euen ripe for a most holye death, thou didst as it were passe from life to life: as one tha [...] feeles not what corporall death meanes.

[Page]13. Soe that thy expiration was Aspiration accordinge to what S. Gregorie the great saith of thee. Vltimum Spiritum inter verba Orationis efflauit. To witt. His last breath was Prayer. Passinge forth of the faithfull Contemplation of this life, to the reall, and beatificke contemplation of the other.

1 [...]. I now cordiallye congratulate the perfect felicitie thou enioyest.

15. And since I am called by the deuine Grace (as I truly hope) to liue accordinge to thy holye Rule for my Saluation, and Perfection; vouchsafe thy Holy intercession for that end that I maye through Gods Grace liue accordinglye, and dye consummated, and perfect therin, and thereby for without his Grace I can doe nothinge.

16. And as the said S. Gregorie saith thou framedst thy Rule accordinge to thy holye life, sweete Iesus giue mee grace interiorlye, and exteriorlye to be a faithfull Imitator thereof.

[Page]17. That I may be led by the same Guide the Holy Ghost.

18. And Exercise true Spirituall Prayer the only meanes to all vertues.

19. That I may in all things abandon my selfe with all pu [...]itie of Intention.

20. And doe all good, and abstayne from all euill which interiorlye, and exteriorly may concerne mee.

21. Especially in all things occurringe, patientlye to suffer all iniuries, [...]d Crosses.

22. And that all maye be accomplished; God grant mee, as hee did to thee, the guift of perseuerance.

23. That I expiringe maye be admitted into the happy societie of thee, and thy faithfull followers. Which God graunt Father Sonne, and holye Ghost. Amen.

This Exercise to S. Bennet was the Deuotion of the Vener [...]ble Father [...]ake [...] before m [...]ntioned [...]o gi [...]e God th [...]n [...]kes for the happinesse of his Religious v [...]c [...]tion, which I haue [...]eere ins [...]r [...]ed,[Page]as beinge gratefull to those of the same profession, and not vngratefull to any deuout soule.

HAYLE IESVS. Or Acts vppon the life, and Passio [...] of our Sau [...]iour I [...]sus-Christ.

Which are indeed instar Omnium, & doe contayne in them Acts of all kind [...] of Prayer, as Contrition, Resignation, loue, or what elsesoeuer. As a deuout soule in her Mentall Exercises [...]therevpon may ea [...]ilye experience.

THE FIRST EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweet [...] Iesus, Prayse, honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ: who for [...]y s [...]e ha [...]t [Page] vouchsafed to come downe from the Royal seates, and from the mellisluous Boosome of thy Deuine Father into this valley of miserie; And to be conceiued, and incarnated, and made Man by the Holy Ghost in the most chast wombe of the most sacred Virgin Mary.

2. Choose I beseech thee my Hart for thy dwellinge place; Adorne itt, replenish it, with Spirituall guifts, and wholye possesse itt.

3. O that I were able by profound humilitie to inuite thee to itt: and with an ardent Affection to receiue thee, and after hauinge receiued thee, to retayne thee with mee!

4. O that I were soe fastned vnto thee that I might neuer depart, or turne away my mind from thee!

5. Hayle s [...]eete Iesus, Prayse, Honour. and Glory be to thee [...] Christ: Who wouldst that the Virgin Marie hauinge conceiued thee: should make hast to visi [...]t her Cosin Elizabeth, & didst inspire her, that shee should [Page] salute, and assist Her.

6. And thou hast vouchsafed ô Christ to lye hidd for nine months together in the most chast wombe of the sacred Virgin Mary.

7. Powre into my soule ô Iesus the Grace of perfect humilitie, and imprint it most deepelye in my Hart [...] that I may be found readye alwayes to serue, and obey thee.

8. Grant that my Hart maye loath all transitorie things, and may incessantly perceiue that thou dost pos [...]esse, and duell in itt.

9. Hayle sweet Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glory, be to thee ô Christ who hast vouchsafed to be borne of thy Virgin Mother, poore, and passible without any payne, or detriment to her Virginitie, in a poore stable.

10. Whom beinge borne shee humbly adored.

11. O that it were thy will to be continually borne in mee by a new feruour of Spirit!

[Page]12. And that I may be wholy burnt with the fire of thy loue.

13. O that thou wert the only comfort, desire, and sollace of my Hart!

14. O that I did seeke after thee Alone, t [...]inke on thee Alone, and loue thee Alone!

THE II. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweete Iesus, prayse, hono [...]r, and glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who beinge borne i [...] the depth of winter didst not refuse to be suaddled in poore cloaths, and weepinge to be laid in the manger, and as a little infant to sucke milke from thy Mothers breasts.

2. I adore thee most deare Redeemer, Kinge of Angells.

3. Hayle Prince of Peace, light of the Gentils, and most desired Sau [...]iour.

4. Graunt [...] ô Lord that I may alwayes stand in thy sight, truely humble, [Page] and truely poore in Spirit.

5. Graunt that for thy Holy namessake I may willingly endure all kind of Mortifications, and may loue nothinge in this world besides thee, nor wish to possesse any thinge but thee.

6. Hayle sweete Iesus, whom the celestiall legions of Angells did honour newly borne with ioyfull prayses: And the sheepheards deuoutly seekinge, and findinge; adored with admiration.

7. Graunt that I may ioyfully without tediousnesse perseuer in thy prayses, and seruice.

8. Hayle sweete Iesus, who wouldst vppon the eight day like other childeren be circumcised, and beinge yet an infant shedd thy pretious Blood.

9. And for our singular Comfort wouldst be [...]aled Iesus which signifieth a Sauuiour.

10. O that itt would, please thee to admitt mee beinge circumcised [Page] from all bad thoughts, words, and workes into the number of thy childeren.

11. Thou ô Lord art called Iesus, that is to say a Sauuiour; be thou therefore my Sauuiour, and saue mee.

12. Hayle s [...]eete Iesus, whom the sages with a deuout seekinge found by the direction of a starre, and haninge found most humblye adored.

13. Offeringe vnto thee guifts of gold, Frankincense, and Myrrhe.

14. Graunt ô Lord that with these blissed men I may alwayes seeke, and adore thee in Spirit, and Truth.

15. Graunt that I may offer dayly vnto thee the gold of bright shininge Charitie, the Frankincense of sweete smellinge Deuotion, and the Myrrhe of perfect Mortification.

16. Hayle sweete Iesus, who for our sakes wouldst be subiect to the Law, and to giue vs an example of Humilitie wouldst be carried to the Temple by thy Mother, and be redeemed with an offeringe ordayned for such as were poore.

[Page]17. Where iust Simeon, and Anne the Prophetesse reioycinge greately at thy presence gaue very glorious Testimony of thy Dignitye.

18. O that all Pride were vtterlye throwne downe in mee!

19. O that all desire of humaine Fauour, and itch of selfeloue, were cooled, and cured in mee!

THE III. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweete Iesus, prayse, honour, and glory be to thee ô Christ: Who stayinge in the Temple wert for the space of three dayes with greate greife sought by thy deuout Mother, and at lentgh with greate ioy found by Her sittinge in the midst of the Doctors hearinge them, and proposinge questions to them.

2. Would to God thou wouldst giue, and Communicate thy selfe in such sort vnto mee that I might neuer be [Page] se [...]arated from thee, not euer be dep [...]ued of thy comfort.

[...]. Hayle sweete Iesus, who for the space of thirtie yeares remayninge vnknowne hast vouchsafed to be reputed by the Iewes the sonne of Ioseph the Carpenter, and of his wife the blissed Virgin Marye.

4. Let thy Grace I beseech thee, plucke vp, and vtterlye roote out of the fund of my soule all pride, and Ambition.

5. O that I maye delight to be vnknowne, and to be esteemed vile, and Base!

6. Hayle sweete Iesus, who hast not disdained to come to the riuer of Iordan, and entringe into i [...]t, there to be baptized by thy seruant Iohn the Baptist.

7. I would through thy meritts I might become most cleane, and pure euen in this life.

8. Hayle sweete Iesus, who for ou [...] sakes abidinge amongst wild beasts in the desert, & fastinge forty dayes, [Page] and forty nights, and perseueringe in prayer hast permitted thy [...]elfe to be tempted by Satan.

9. And ouercominge Him hast beene honored with the ministerre, and seruice of Angells.

10. Giue mee Grace that I maye chastise, and subdue my flesh with all the vicious affections thereof.

11. Giue mee Grace that I may constantlye perseuer in Prayer, and other spirituall exercises.

12. Lett noe temptation I beseech thee defile mee, but rather let temptations purge mee, and ioyne, and vnite mee vnto thee.

13. Hayle sweete Iesus, who to the end thou mightst gather together the dispersed children of God hast vouchsafed to preach Pennance, to call Disciples, and out of them to choose twelue Apostles to be eminent preachers of thy Faith.

14. Draw mee after thee, and powrefully stirre vp my Hart to loue thee.

[Page]15. Grant that I may adhere to thee Alone. Amen.

THE IV. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweete Iesus, prayse, honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who for mee hast suffered many afflictions, Heate, Cold, Hunger, Thirst, Labours, and miseries.

2. Graunt that I may receiue from thy Hand cheerefully all Kind of Aduersitie.

3. Hayle sweete Iesus. Who thirstinge the conuersion of soules, hast passed whole nights in Prayer.

4. Hast beene wearied with trauellinge, hast passed from Countrie to Countrie, from Cittie to Cittie, from Towne to Towne, from Village to Village.

5. Lett thy loue make mee quicke, and readie to all good things that I be neuer slouthfull in thy seruice.

[Page]6. Graunt that euerie where I may haue zeale of thyne Honour, and imploye my selfe wholy in thy seruice.

7. Hayle sweet Iesus prayse, honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who conuersinge with men hast vouchsafed most willinglye to comfort them [...] & by many miracles most mercifullye to cure their Maladies, and diseases.

8. Giue mee a deuout hartfull of affection, and compassion: whereby I maye pittie other Mens afflictions: and maye haue as greate a feelinge of their miseries, as if they were myne owne.

9. Whereby alsoe I maye beare patientlye with all Mens imperfectiōs, and cheifelye to my abilitie succour them in their necessities.

10. Hayle sweete Iesus prayse, honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who hast not shunned the company of Publicans, and sinners, but hast afforded them thy most louinge Familiaritie, and readie pardons of sinns, to Mathew, Zacheus, Mary [Page] Magdelene, and to the weoman taken in Adulteri [...], and to the rest that were repentant.

1 [...]. Grant that I maye embrace all men with cheerefull loue, and Charitie.

12. May readilye forgiue those that offend mee.

13. May perfectlye loue those that hate mee.

1 [...]. Hayle sweete Iesus, who for my soules sake hast su [...]ered many iniuries, many Blasphemies, many reproaches, and infinitt abuses of those on whom thou hadst bestowed many Benefitts.

15. Giue mee a Hart truely innocent, and simple: that I may sincearely loue myne enimies, and vnfainedlye pittie them.

16. And Rendringe good for euill may through perfect charitie, and meeke patience perfectlye please thee. Amen.

[Page]

THE V. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, prayse, honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who cominge to Ierusalem, in a meeke, and gentle manner did [...]t [...]ide vppon an Asse: and amidst, the prayses which were sunge by the people that came to meete thee, didst powre forth teares bewaylinge the [...]uine of the Citie, and destruction of those vngratefull soules.

2. O that I might neuer be delighted with the prayses, and Fauours of Men!

3. But alwayes be profitablye imployed in internall teares of compunction, and Deuotion.

4. Hayle sweete Iesus, whom Iudas the trecherous Disciple sold for a little Money to the Iewes who did persecute thee, and conspire thy death.

5. Roote out of my Hart all euill desires of transitorie things.

[Page]6. Graunt that I maye neuer preferre any thinge before thee.

7. Hayle sweete Iesus, prayse. honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who in Ierusalem accordinge to the Law didst eate the Paschall Lambe which thy Disciples, and giuinge them an Example of Humilitie, and Holye Charitie kneelinge vppon the ground didst wash their feete, and hauinge washed them didst wipe them with a towle.

8. Would to God this example might peirce my Hart, and vtterlye throw downe in mee all pride, and loftinesse.

9. Giue mee ô Lord a most profound Humilitie by which I may without difficultie, cast my selfe at all mens feete.

10. Hayle sweete Iesus, who with an vnspeakable Charitie hast instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist, And with a wonderfull liberalitie hast in it, giuen thy selfe to vs.

11. Stirre vp in mee a Desire, and [Page] enkindle in the intymme of my soule a most vehement hunger of this most Venerable Sacrament [...]

12. Grant that when I come to that Table of life, I may with a chast Affection, singular humilitie, and perfect puritie of Hart receiue thee.

13. Hayle sweete Iesus, who beinge about to leaue this world didst exhort, and comfort with words full of vnspeakable sweetenesse thy elect Disciples, and with most ardent prayer didst recommend them to thy Father.

14. Giuinge testimony thereby how tenderlye thou louedst them, and vs alsoe who were to receiue thy faith by them.

15. Grant that thy word maye be trulye pleasinge to mee, and sweeter then the Honnie, and the Honnie combe to my soule.

16. O that the Spirit of that fierie Exhortation might enter into my Hart, whereby I might wholye be [...]ransformed into loue! Amen.

[Page]

THE VI. EXERCISE [...]

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, prayse, Honor, and Glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who goinge forth with thy Disciples beyond the riuer Cedron didst enter into a garden where thou forsawest thou shouldst be taken.

2. O that I could vtterlye forsake my owne will, and alwayes loue, and follow thyne!

3. O that (for thy Honour, and for the [...]aluation of my Bretheren) I could with an vndanted mind vndergoe any aduersitie whatsoeuer!

4. Yea that I might not feare (if it pleased God) to expose my life for them.

5. Hayle sweete Iesus, who immediatelye before thy Passion didst beginne to feare, to greiue, and be sad; takinge vppon thy [...]el [...]e our weaknesse.

6. That by this thy infirmitie thou [Page] mighst comfort, and strenthen those that tr [...]mble at the expectation of Death.

7. Preserue mee I beseech thee aswell from vicious sadnesse, as from foolish ioye.

8. Grant that all the greife I haue hitherto sustained may redound to thy Glory, and the remission of my sinns.

9. Hayle sweete Iesus, who fallinge vppon the ground prayedst vnto thy Father, and humblye offeredst vp thy selfe wholye vnto Him sayinge Father thy will be done.

10. Grant that in all necessities, and Tribulations I maye haue recourse vnto thee by Prayer.

11. And that I may giue, and resigne my selfe wholye to thy Will.

12. That I may with a quiet mind receiue all things as from thy hands.

13. Hayle sweete Iesus, who beinge touched with a compassionate Affection towards thy beloued Disciples didst preferre their sorrow before thy Greife.

[Page]14. And interruptinge thy Prayer (to which thou was most Attentiue) cominge the third tyme vnto them didst raise vp their deiected minds, and drowsie Spirits to the Exercise of Prayer.

15. Graunt that in all my Workes, & Exercises I maye flie all vicious sluggishnesse.

15. Grant that with a vigilant mind, I may cheerefully serue thee.

17. That I maye euer for thy sake on all Occasions forsake my selfe, & preferre the good of my neighbour before my priuate deuotions. Amen.

THE VII. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who beinge in an Agonie didst pray very longe.

2. And beinge Creator of Heauen, and Earth; the Kinge of Kings, and Lord of Angells didst not disdayne [Page] to be comforted by an Angell.

3. Grant in all aduersitie, & desolation; in all tribulation, and Affliction, that I may seeke comfort from thee onlye.

4. And that I maye find helpe, and assistance at thy hands.

5. O that I could in all Euents wholie relie on thee!

6. And leaue my selfe wholye to thy fatherlie care.

7. Hayle sweete Iesus, who by reason of thy greatnesse, and vehemencie of greife hadst thy Body moistned all ouer with a bloodye sweate.

8. O that all the parts of my interior Man would sweate out holy teares of Contrition!

9. Hayle sweete Iesus, who of thy owne accord offredst thy selfe to be taken by Iudas the Traitor, & other thyne enimies thirstinge after thy Blood, and desiringe thy death.

10. Graunt that for the honour of of thy name I maye not flye aduersities.

[Page]11. But maye cheerefullye goe to meete them.

1 [...]. And ioyfullie receiue them, as pretious tokens sent from thee.

13. And humblie, and constantlie endure them, as long [...] as it shall please thee.

14. Hayle sweete Iesus, who didst louingli [...] kisse the traitor Iudas cominge deceitefullye to thee.

15. Shewinge by the calmenesse of thy countenance, and sweetenesse of thy words, that thou didst loue him.

16. Grant I may shew my selfe lo [...] inge, and mild to All myne enimies.

17. That I maye pardon them from my hart, howsoeuer they shall offend mee.

18. And tollerate, and loue them, as the Ministers of thy will, and promoters of my Saluation.

19. Hayle sweete Iesus, who didst permitt thyne enimies most furiously to lay th [...]ir Sacrilegous hands vppon thee.

[Page]20. And beinge cruellye bound by them, didst not reuenge, but mildly endure the reproaches, Blasphemies, and iniuries wherewith they did most wickedly affront thee.

21. O that beinge freed from the bonds of vices I may be fast tied to thee, with she sweete chaines of Loue!

22. O that thou wouldst be [...]tow vppon mee the grace of true patience. Amen.

THE VIII. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who did restore, and heale the eare of Malchas one of thy furious Persecutors cutt of by Peeter thy cheife Disciple.

2. That rendringe good for euil [...], the riches of thy mercie, and mildnesse might shine forth to vs.

3. Grant I beseech thee that the desire [Page] of Reuenge maye neuer hau place in my hart.

4. Grant that I maye beare intimate compassion, and Affection towards all such as offend mee.

5. Hayle sweete Iesus, who like a Lambe amongst rauenous Wolues didst remayne in the hand of reprobates.

6. Thy Disciples, & all friends runninge awaye, and forsakeinge thee.

7. Strenthen my too too greate weakenesse, and make sted-fast my too too greate Inconstancie, with the most stronge support of thy Grace.

8. Hayle sweete Iesus, who sufferedst thy selfe to be led bound as a Malefactor, and theife by a troope of soldiers vnto Annas, and to be presented before him.

9. O vnspeakeable mildnesse of my Redeemer!

10. Behold whilst thou art taken; whilst thou art drawne, whilst thou art haled: Thou dost not complaine, [Page] Thou dost not murmure, thou makest noe resistance.

11. Grant ô Lord that these examples of thy virtues maye shine in mee to my Good, and thy euerlastinge Glorie.

1 [...]. Haeyle sweete Iesus, Kinge of heauen, and earth: who standinge humbly like a base, and abiect person before the prowd Bishop didst with great mode [...]tie receiue a cruell blow giuen thee vppon the face by one of his seruants.

13. Suppresse I beseech thee in mee all Motions of Anger, and wrath; dull all the stings of Indignation, and extinguish all desire of reuenge.

14. That euen prouoked with iniuries, I may not be troubled.

15. I maye not striue, or make any Tumult.

16. But sufferinge all things with a meeke, and patient mind, I maye render good for euill, and euer be readie to Fauour those, who most Crosse, and molest mee. Amen.

[Page]

THE IX. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glory be to thee [...] Christ. Who didst suffer thy selfe to be shamefullie ledd bound to Caïphas that thou mighst restore vs to true Libertie, freeinge vs from the bonds of euerlastinge Death.

2. Graunt that in the very midst of Derisions, and contumelies; I may giue thee thankes with all my hart.

3. And that by them I may be aduanced, and encreased in thy loue.

4. Hayle sweete Iesus, whom Peeter the cheife of thy Apostles thrice denied, and yet thou most mercifullie lookedst vppon him, and prouokedst Him to repentance, and holye teares for his offence.

5. O that it might please thee in like manner to looke vppon mee with that louely eye of thy Mercie.

6. That with due teares of Repentance, [Page] I may bewayle my sinns past.

7. And hauinge bewayled them, may not heereafter any more returne to them agayne.

8. Hayle sweete Iefus, who with a pleasinge countenance, and modest looke standinge before the Bishops, and the elders of the people of the Iewes didst not disdaine to be falselie accused, and suffer many iniuries.

9. Grant that I maye neuer vtter any falsitie, or calumniate any Man.

10. But maye suffer such calumnies as are laid against mee, with greate tranquilitie of hart.

11. And referringe all difficulties to thee, with silence I maye expect thy Grace, and comfort.

12. Hayle sweete Iesus; who whilst thou madst profession of the Truth affirminge thy selfe to be sonne of God, adiured by Caïphas in the name of God; yet didst thou not disdayne to be esteemed a blasphemer by the said Caïphas, and his assistants.

13. Grant in all places, and before [Page] all men I may stand to the Truth, and in awe of the presence of thy Diuinity, and Maiestie; not to feare the censures, and Iudgements of Men.

14. Hayle sweete Iesus; who by the wicked Iewes wast proclaymed guiltie of Death, and without cause condemned.

15. That by thy vniust condemnation thou mighst deliuer vs form the guilt of our sinns wherewith wee were iustly attainted.

16. Graunt that I maye reiect all sinister, and rash suspicions.

17. That I may suffer without any bitternesse of hart all such wrongfull detractions, and wicked iudgements as others shall deuise against mee.

18. And that on all occasions I maye retayne by the helpe of thy Grace a quiet, and vntroubled mind.

[Page]

THE X. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie be to thee o Christ: Who for my sake wast made the disgrace, and scorne of men and the out cast of the people.

2. And didst not turne away thy sacred face (which the Angells desire to behold) from the filthy spittle of thy Aduersaries.

3. Grant that I may imitate thy meeknesse, and patience.

4. Hayle sweete Iesus, who didst vouchsafe to be most cruellye beatē, and buffeted, and most vnworthilie reproached, and reuiled for my sake.

5. Grant I beseech thee, that I maye neuer refuse to be dis [...]ised, and to be reputed base, and vile.

6. And accordinge to thy permission be contented to be exercised with all kind of iniuries.

7. That I maye receiue them not as [Page] from men; but from the hand of thy fatherlye mercie.

8. Hayle sweete Iesus, who didst permitt thy selfe to be mocked, and scoffed; and thy louely face (which to behold is the cheifest happinesse) for thy greater deri [...]on to be blindfolded.

9. Grant that the vayle of ignorance beinge taken a way I maye be endued with the knowledge of thy Will.

10. Imprint in my hart a continuall remembrance of thee.

11. Hayle sweete Iesus, who for my sake wert diuersly afflicted by the Iewes for a whole night together.

12. Thou knowest ô Lord how hard a thinge it is for mee to suffer though neuer soe small a matter.

13. Out of thy Mercie therefore assist my frailetie, and graunt that I maye not cowardlie fall, or faint at the cominge of any aduersitie.

14. Hayle sweete Iesus, who didst permitt thy selfe (beinge mocked, & [Page] bound) to be led [...]o the Prophane Tribunall of Pilate the Iudge, and in a disdaynefull manner to be presented before him; thou thy selfe beinge the iudge of the liuinge, and the dead.

15. Grant that I maye be trulye subiect to my Superiors, and all Powres ouer mee ordained by thee.

16. That I maye obey my Equalls, and loue, and honour all Men.

17. Grant that I maye not feare other mens Iudgments of mee, but may receiue them with a readie, and meeke mind. Amen.

THE XI. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie be to thee o Christ: Kinge of heauen, and Earth: who didst affirme that thy Kingdome was not of this world; that by this thy profession thou mighst auert our harts from the Loue of this present life.

[Page]2. Graunt I beseech thee that in Affection I may renounce all worldly, and transitorie things; lett my hart desire nothinge that is subiect to corruption.

3. But lett it loue thee only, the true, and euerlastinge good.

4. Hayle sweete Iesus, who standinge before Pilate didst humbly hold thy Peace, whilst the Iewes did wrongfullie accuse, and calumniate thee.

5. Grant ô Lord that I may neuer be troubled at other mens slaunderinge mee.

6. But that I maye with silence ouercome all iniuries.

7. Giue mee the perfect Grace of hum [...]litie by which I maye neither desire to be praysed, or refuse to be contemned.

8. Hayle sweete Iesus [...] Prayse, Honour, and Glorie be to thee o Christ. Lambe without spott against whom the wicked Scribes, and Pharisees did rage with a most obstinate hatred.

[Page]9. For though Pilate gaue Testimonie that hee found in thee noe cause deseruinge Death, yet they would not be appeased from seekinge after thy Death.

10. Grant that I maye imitate thy Innocencie, and Patience.

11. That I maye both liue well, and liuinge well be contented to be euill spoken of, and mispired.

11. Hayle sweete Iesus, who with greate exclamations, and much noise of people like a most hainous malefactor wast drawne from Tribunall to Tribunall; from Pilate, to Herod: through the midst of the Cittie.

13. Grant that I be not deiected with any iniuries of myne enemies.

14. And that I be not much ashamed of Contempt.

15. To the end that by thy gratious assistance I maye possesse my soule in Patience.

16. Hayle sweete Iesus; who beinge asked Vaine Questions by Herod, & [Page] in sundrie things falsely accused by the high Priests, and Scribes, didst humbly, and prudentlie hold thy peace.

17. Giue mee that restraint of tongue, which maye be acceptable to thee.

18. That I may loue to speake well, and thinke rightly of all Men. Amen.

THE XII. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie b [...]o thee o Christ: Who by thy silence condemninge Herods vaine desire wouldst not without good cause, and for a good end delight his curious eies by workinge a Miracle. And didst thereby giue vs a lesson to auoid ostentation in the presence of greate men.

2. Powre into my soule thy Spirit of profound humilitie.

3. Mortifie, and extinguish in mee [Page] all ticklinge of vayne Glorie.

4. Grant that I maie not seeke to gaine the praises of Men; but to doe all purelie for thyne only Honour, & Glorie.

5. Hayle sweete Iesus, who didst not disdaine to be scoffed at by Herode, and his whole Army, and to be clothed in a white Garment like a foole, or a mad man.

6. Graunt that I maie rather choose to be reputed base, and abiect with thee then Glorious with the world.

7. That I may esteeme it better, and more worthy to suffer disgrace for thy loue; then to shine in the vaine honour of the world.

8. Grant that knowinge throughlie mine owne iniquitie, and myne owne vnworthynesse; I maye grow base in mine owne conceit; and despise reprehend, and bewayle my selfe.

9. Hayle sweete Iesus, who beinge compared with the notorious theife [...]arrabas wast iudged more wicked, and more worthy of Death then hee.

[Page]10. The Murtherer is set at libertie [...] and the enuious Iewes demand thy death, who art the Author of life.

11. Thou art indeed that liuinge stone, reiected by Man, but chosen by God.

12. O that I maye preferre nothinge before thee, or change thee for any Thinge!

13. O that I could esteeme all things as dunge, and filth; to the end I maye gayne, and esteeme thee!

14. Grant ô Lord that the blott of enuie may neuer staine my soule.

1 [...]. Hayle sweete Iesus, who beinge stripped naked in the pallace, and bound to a pillar didst suffer thy most naked, and immaculate flesh to be rent with most cruell scourges; that with thy soares thou mighst heale out wounds.

16. O amiable Iesus; I make choice [...]f thee couered with stripes for the spowse of my soule!

17. Desiringe to be inflamed, and burned with the Fyre of thy most sweete loue [...]

[Page]18. Strippe my hart naked I beseech thee from all indecent cogitations.

19. Grant that I maye now patiently suffer the scourges of thy Fatherly correction. Amen.

THE XIII. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie be to thee [...] Christ: vppon whom all discharged vnspeakeable iniuries, and contumelies.

2. For they clothed thee Kinge of Glorie with a purple garment for thy greater affront.

3. They fastned vppon thy deuine head a crowne of thornes.

4. They putt into thy hands a scepter of reed, and kneelinge downe in a scornefull manner saluted thee sayinge: Hayle kinge of the Iewes.

5. Plant I beseech thee in my hart the memorie of thy Passion.

6. Lett scornes for thy sake, be my [Page] Glorie, and iniuries, and affronts my Crowne.

7. Hayle sueete Iesus, who didst not refuse for my sake to be beaten with a reed, to be buffeted, to be spitt vppon, and to be the obiect of all kind of derisions.

8. I beseech thee by thy wounds, by thy Blood, by thy Disgraces, and by all the greife, and sorrow which thou sufferedst for mee, to endue my soule with all thy patience, and those Graces.

9. That thou wilt conuert mee, and all I haue to thyne euerlastinge praise, and Glorie.

10. Hayle sueete Iesus, Who beinge defiled with spittle, rent, and disfigured with stripes, bound, and wholie miserable, wast brought forth as a spectacle to the enraged people wearinge a crowne of Thornes, and a robe of purple.

11. Graunt that with my hart I maie vtterlie tread vnder foote, spitt vppon, and haue in detestation all [Page] ambition, ostentation, worldly pompe, and vanitie, and all earthlie dignitie.

12. That by profo [...]nd humilit [...]e, and true contempt of my selfe, I may incessantlie [...]unne towards the Glory of thy heauenlie felicitie.

13. Hayle su [...]ete Iesus, Who beinge declared Innocent by Pilate the Iudge, didst not refuse to heare the furious outcries of the Iewes, by which they demanded that thou shouldst be crucified.

14. Grant that I may liue innocently, and not be troubled by reason of Other mens euill will towards mee.

15. Giue mee this Grace that I maie neither backbite other Men, or willinglie giue [...]are to those that doe it.

16. But that still I may haue a good opinion of others, and beare other mens imperfections with a true compassion.

17. And loue all men for God, and in God with a pure, sinceare, and [Page] cordiall affection. Amen.

The XIV. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sueete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie be to thee o Christ: Who didst permitt thy selfe in the presence of thy people to be vniustlie condemned to the most ignominious Death of the Crosse.

2. That thou mighst free vs from the sentence of eternall Death.

3. Grant that I may seeke thy honour, and rather choose to be exercised with thee in Aduersitie then by forsakinge thee to enioye the commodities of this life.

4. Hayle sueete Iesus, who beinge deliuered ouer to the pleasure of those who did persecute thee, didst suffer greate payne by puttinge of the purple garment which did sticke vnto thy soares, and puttinge on thyne owne againe.

5. Grant that after I haue putt of the [Page] garment of my Bodie, and am vested with the robe of perfect brightnesse I maye appeare adorned with thy meritts.

6. Hayle s [...]eete Iesus, Who with many disgraces, and iniuries offered thee didst carrie thy Crosse on with greate payne vppon thy sacred, and torne sholdiers.

7. And beinge weary, and breathlesse didst languish vnder the burden.

8 [...] Grant that with feruent Deuotion I may embrace the Crosse of myne owne Abnegation.

9. And with an ardent charitie imitate the Examples of thy virtues.

10. And may humbly follow thee vnto Death.

11. Hayle sueete Iesus, Who in that lamentable iorney in which thou went to thy death, didst meekely admonish the Weomen that did bewayle thee, to bewayle themselues, and their childeren.

12. Giue mee accegtable teares of [Page] Compunction with which I ma [...] truely bewaile my sinns, and mine owne ingratitude.

13. Giue mee Teares of deuout compunction, and of holie loue which may melt my hard hart, and make it gratefull vnto thee.

14. That I maye loue thee alone, and rest in thee only.

15. Hayle sweete Iesus, Who beinge led out with two theeues, didst not refuse to be driuen forward, to be vrged, and hastened, and in many other sundrie manners to be afflicted.

16. Draw mee after thee, and lett mee cheerefullye follow thee.

17. Grant that I maie reioice in thee Alone.

18. Giue mee grace to loue thee, and render Loue for Loue.

[Page]

THE XV. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweete Iesus, Prayse, honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ: Who hauinge thy sholders bruised with the weight of the Crosse, didst at lenth arriue wearie at the place of execution.

2. Where Wine mingled with Gall was offered thee to refresh thy languishinge forces.

3. O that thou wouldst extinguish in mee the allurements of Gluttonie, and the Concupiscences of that flesh!

4. And cause in mee an auersion, & horrour from all impure, and vnlawfull delight.

5. And that I may eate, and drinke soberly to the glorie of thy name.

6. That I maye hunger, and thirst after thee alone.

7. And in thee place my delight, & ioye.

8. Hayle sweete Iesus, Who didst [Page] not disdaine to be stripped naked vppon Mount Caluarie in the sight of the people.

9. And to suffer a most bitter paine by thy soares renewed with the pullinge of thy cloaths.

10. Graunt that I maye loue pouertie of Spiritt, and neuer be troubled for any worldly want.

11. Grant that by thy example I may endure, and suffer any corporall necessities, or calamities whatsoeuer [...]

12. Hayle sweete Iesus, Who beinge naked didst not refuse to be rudely stretched out vppon the Wood of the Crosse, and cruellie fastned with nailes vnto the same.

13. In this manner didst thou suffer thyne innocent hands, and delicate feete to be most greiuously wounded, and all thy sacred ioints to cracke, and be put out of ioint.

14. Grant mee ô Lord that with a faithfull, and gratefull mind I maye consider this thy vnspeakeable Charitie with which of thyne owne accord [Page] thou didst stretch forth thyne armes, and willingly offered thy hands, and feete to be peirced.

15. Vouchsafe ô Lord to enlardge, and extend my hart with the perfect loue of thee.

16. Peirce it, and fasten itt vnto thy selfe with the most sueete naile of Charitie.

17. And all my senses, cogitations, and affections inclose only in thee. Amen.

THE XVI. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweete Iesus, prayse, honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ: Who didst hange (thy hands, & feete beinge peirced) three howres vppon the shamefull wood of the Crosse, and sheddinge in greate aboundance thy pretious Blood didst of thyne owne accord endure vnspeakeable torments through out thy whole Bodie.

[Page]2. Lift vp I prey thee vppon the wood of thy Crosse my miserable soule grouelinge on the ground.

3. O healthfull Blood! ô reuiuinge Blood!

4. O that thou wouldst purge, and througlie heale mee beinge washed with this thy pretious Blood!

5. O that thou would offer this thy Blood to thy father for a perfect satisfaction of all myne iniquities!

6. Grant I beseech thee that myne inward Man maye with ardent Affection mentally receiue, and licke the liuely dropps of thy pretious Blood, and maye truely tast how sue [...]te thy Spiritt is.

7. Hayle sweete Iesus: Who hanginge vppon the Crosse in the midst betwixt two notorious theiues wast reputed with the wicked.

8. That by thy incomprehensible humilitie, and Patience, thou mights amend, and withall satisfie for myne immense impatient Pride.

9. Lift vp I beseech thee my Spirit [Page] aloft that from aboue I maye dispise all things transitorie.

10. That I maye only admire thee my God Crucified for mee.

1 [...]. Lett mee thinke, speake, and dreame of thee.

12. Hayle sweete Iesus, Who wast soe good, euen to those that were soe wicked; that for the verie same parties who did crucifie thee thou didst praye vnto thy father, sayinge Father forgiue them, for they know not what they doe.

13. Giue mee I beseech thee the grace of true meekenesse, and Patience, by which I maye accordinge to thy Commandement, and example loue myne enemies.

1 [...]. And doe good to those that hate mee.

15. I hartilie pray vnto thee, for those that hurt, and persecute mee.

16. Hayle sweete Iesus, who wouldst that the Title written in Hebrew, Greeke, and Latine (as it were the Trophie of thy Victorie) should be [Page] fastned to the Crosse: that wee beholdinge it, might couragiously fight against our inuisible enemies.

17. Protect mee vnder this Title against the wiles, and deceits of the Diuell.

18. Teach mee vnder this Title to ouercome all Temptations, and to subdue all uices.

19. That hauinge by Grace conquered them, I maye freelie prayse, and Glorifie thy holy name. Amen.

THE XVII. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sueete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie be to thee o Christ. Whose garments the souldiers hauinge deuided amongst themselues did leaue thy coate which was without seame (and signifieth the vnitie of the Church) vndeuided.

2. Powre downe into my hart, I beseech thee the Spiritt of Peace, and Vnion.

[Page]3. That I may neuer through my fault, deride, or trouble the concord, and vnion of my Bretheren.

4. But that I maye alwayes endeauour to repaire diuisions, and pacifie troubles.

5. Hayle sweete Iesus, Who sufferinge vppon the Altar of the Crosse incomprehensible torments, and ineffable lanquishes; wast shamefully reproached, and scorned by the Iewes, who vomited out of their wicked Mouths sundrie Blasphemies against thee.

6. Grant ô Lord that beinge mindfull of thy humilitie, and Patience, & mildnesse, I maye quietlie, and cheerefully suffer, paynes, disgraces, Persecutions, infamie, and contempt of my selfe.

7. And may remayne with thee nayled to the Crosse euen to the end.

8. Let noe violence of temptation, noe stormes of Aduersities, noe tempest of contumelies hinder mee from effectinge my good purposes.

[Page]9. Lett not Death, or life, or things present, nor to come, nor any creature separate mee from thy loue.

10. Hayle sweete Iesus, who didst tollerate one of the Theiues to vpbraid thee: and didst most mercifullye, and bountifullie promise the Glorie of Paradise to the other who did humblie acknowledge his owne iniustice, and with a deuout faith did confesse thee to be his kinge, and God.

11. Behold mee I beseech thee with those eyes of mercie which thou didst cast vppon the Theife repentant for his sinns.

12. O that by thy Holy Helpe, and Grace I maye lead a life soe innocent that I maye soe faithfullye serue thee, and purelye loue thee!

13. That at the end of my life I may deserue to heare from thee (most mercifull Redeemer) that most desisired voyce. This Day thou shalt be with mee in Paradise.

14. Hayle sweete Iesus: Who from [Page] the Crosse beholdinge thy most sweete Mother full of greife, and teares with inward compassion didst commēd Her to Thy Disciple Iohn, and agayne Iohn to Her, and vs all in Iohn vnto thy said Mother.

15. Grant that I maye Loue, and Honour Her with a most chast, and ardent affection.

1 [...]. That hauinge Her for my Mother I may deserue alsoe to be acknowledged by Her for her sonne.

17. Grant that in all necessities, and especially at the howre of my death I may find Her present assistance. Amen.

THE XVIII. EXERCISE.

1. HAyle sweete Iesus, Prayse, Honour, and Glorie he to thee o Christ: Who in a most pittifull manner hanginge vppon the Crosse with wide gapinge wounds, didst professe thy selfe to be destitute of all all comfort.

[Page]2. Grant that with a firme confidence I maye alwayes haue recourse to thee my most mercifull Father in all aduersities, Temptations, and Desolations.

3. And wholy distrustinge my selfe, I maye trust in thee alone.

4. And committ, and resigne my selfe entirely to thee.

5. Wound the intymme of my soule with the remembrance of thy wounds.

6. Imprint, and caracter them in my Hart, and make my mind euen drunke with thy sacred Blood.

7. That I may attend to thee; and thee only seeke, find, hold, and possesse.

8. Hayle sweete Iesus: Who pantinge vppon the Cros [...]e thy Bodye beinge drawne drie for want of Blood becamst very thirstie, and didst burne with an vnspeakeable desire of our Saluation.

9. Grant that I maye most ardently thirst after thyne Honour, and the [Page] Saluation of our soules.

10. And may with courage employe myselfe in this affaire.

11. Grant that I may not be hindered, or entangled by any transitorie thinge.

12. Hayle sweete Ies [...]s, who wouldst that a spunge dipt in vineger, and gall should be offered thee to drinke thirstie euen to death: that by tastinge thereof thou mighst satisfie for our gluttonie, and leaue vs an example of pouertie.

13. Giue mee grace to dispise vnlawfull pleasures, and delights; and to auoid all excesse in meate, and drinke.

14. Alsoe to vse those things moderately which thou giuest for the sustentation of the Bodie.

15. Pacifie the inordinatenesse of my desires that whatsoeuer doth please thee, may please mee: and whatsoeuer displeaseth thee, may be displeasinge alsoe to mee.

16. Hayle sweete Iesus: most enamoured [Page] of Mankind who duly performinge the Worke of our Redemption didst offer vp thy selfe vppon the Altar of the Crosse: an Holy Sacrifice for the expiation of the sinns of all Men.

17. Be thou I beseech thee, the scope of all my thoughts, Words, and Workes.

18. That in all things I maye With a right, and simple intention seeke thy honour.

19. Grant I maye neuer grow cold, or Faint in thy seruice.

20. But that the feruour of Spirit may be renewed in mee, and that I may be dayly more, and more inflamed to praise, and loue th [...]. Amen.

THE XIX. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweete Iesus, prayse, hon [...]ur, and glorie [...]e to o Christ. Who of thyne owne accord didst embrace Death; and recom [...]endinge [Page] thyselfe to thy Heauenly Father bowinge downe thy venerable Head yeildest vp thy Spirit.

2. Truly thus giuinge thy life vp for thy sheepe, thou hast shewed thy selfe to be a good shepheard.

3. Thou didst dye, ô the only begotten sonne of God! Thou dyedst ô my beloued Sauuiour, that I might liue for euer!

4. O How greate Hope, How greate confidence haue I reposed in thy Death, and in thy Blood!

5. I Glorifie, and prayse thy Holie name acknowledginge my infinit obligations to Thee.

6. O good Iesus for thy bitter death, and Passion: giue mee Grace, and Pardon!

7. Giue vnto the faithfull departed Rest, and life euerlastinge.

8. Hayle sweete Iesus, at whose death the [...]unne withdrew his light, the vaile of the Temple rent in sunder, and the Monuments opened.

9. O Sunne of Iustice permitt not I [Page] beseech thee, that the beames of thy grace at any tyme forsake mee.

10. But lett them continuallie enlighten the inner parts of my soule.

11. Withdrawe wholie from mee the vaile of Hypocrisie.

12. Shake the earth of my soule with wholesome repentance.

13. Rent my stonie hart.

14. That beinge wholie renewed, I maye contemne all things transitorie, and loue onlie that which is eternall.

15. Hayle sweete Iesus; Who wouldst that thy side should be opened with a soldiers launce.

16. And out of itt poure out blood, and water to reuiue, and wash our soules.

17. Thou wouldst ô my best beloued, that thy mellifluous Hart should be wounded for mee.

18. O that it might please thee to make a most deepe wound in my Hart with the launce of thy Loue!

19. And vnite itt to thy most sacred Hart.

20. In such manner that I maye haue [Page] [...]oe powre to will any thinge bu [...] that which thou wilt.

21. Bringe in ô my Lord, bringe in my soule through the wound of thy side into the Boosome of thy Charitie, and the treasure-howse of thy Diuinitie.

22. That I maye ioyfullie glorifie thee my God Crucified, and dead for mee. Amen.

THE XX. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweete Iesus, prayse, honour, and glory be to thee ô Christ: Grant that all other visible things maye be blotted out of my memorie, and that I maye freelie applie my selfe to thee Alone.

2. Behold with as much Deuotion as possibly I can, I salute the fiue principall wounds of thy most blissed bodye.

3. Hayle ruddye, glorious, and mellifluous Wounds of my Redeemer, of my Kinge.

[Page]4. Hayle glorious seales of my Reconciliation, and Saluation.

5. I humblye desire to abide, and be hid in you, and soe by that meanes be secure from all euill.

6. Hayle sweete Iesus, who being [...] with greate lamentation of thy friēd [...] taken downe frō the Crosse woulds [...] be annointed with pretious ointments, wrapt in a windinge sheete, and buried where noe man was buried before.

7. [...]urie I beseech thee all my senses, all my forces, and all myne affections in thee.

8. That beinge ioyned to thee through efficatious loue, I maye become as it were stupid, and vnsensible in respect of all other things.

9. Hayle sweete Iesus. Who hast vanguished the powre of the Diuell, & powrefullie, and louingly in soule descendinge into Hell didst make ioyefull with thy presence the fathers there detained.

10. And didst translate them thence [Page] [...] thy Glorious Ascension to the delightfull Guarden of the Celestiall Paradise, and to the cleare Vision of God.

11. Lett the virtue of thy Passion, & of thy Blood descend now I beseech thee into Purgatorie vppon the soules of my parents, knisfolkes, friends, benefactors, and all the faithfull departed.

12. That beinge deliuered from paynes they maye be receiued into the Boosome of Eternall Rest.

13. Hayle sweete Iesus: Who like a conqueror with glorious Triumph didst arise out of thy closed sepulchre

14. And reuested with thy louelie countenance didst replenish thy friends with new ioye, and gladnesse.

15. Grant ô Lord that leauinge the olds paths of my vicious conuersatiō, I maye walke in the newnesse of life.

16. And seeke, and Sauour those things which are aboue in Heauen, & not those things which are heere vppon earth.

[Page]17. To the end that when thou my life shall appeare at the last Daye, [...] maye appeare with thee in Glorie. Amen.

THE XXI. EXERCISE.

1. HAYLE sweete Ie [...]us, prayse, honour, and glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who fortie dayes after thy Resurrection beinge expired didst gloriouslie Ascend into Heauen in the sight of thy Disciples, where thou sittest on the right hand of thy Father, blissed for euer.

2. O that my soule might alwayes languish on earth, and ascend, and aspire towards Heauen!

3. Mai [...] hunger, and thirst alwayes after thee.

4. Hayle sweete Iesus: Who didst giue thy Holie Ghost to thy elect Disciples perseueringe together with one mind in Prayer.

5. And didst send them to teach all [Page] Nations through out the whole world.

6. Cleanse I beseech thee the interiour of my Hart.

7. Giue mee true puritie, and constancie of mind that the Holie Ghost maye find a gratefull Habitation in my soule.

8. And maye replenish mee with [...] the speciall guifts of His Grace.

9. Maye comfort, strenthen, fill, gouerne, and possesse mee.

10. Hayle sweete Iesus; Who cominge as a Iudge at the last Day wilt render vnto euerie one accordinge to his Workes: either punishment, or Reward.

11. O my most mercifull Lord God grant that accordinge to thy Will I maye soe innocentlie passe the course of this miserable life.

12. That my soule departinge, out of the Prison of my bodie, I maye be vested with thy merits, and virtues.

13. And be receiued into thy euerlastinge ioye;

[Page]14. And With all the Saints, I maye blisse and prayse thee for euer.

15. Hayle sweete Iesus, Whom I haue most grieuouslye offended all the dayes of my life.

16. Ala [...]! I haue neuer ceased to be vngratefull to thee, resistinge thy Grace in diuers maners, and alwayes addinge new faults vnto my [...]ormer.

17. Behold ô my sweete Refuge, behold mee the outcast of all Creatures, bringinge with mee nothinge but bundles of sinnes.

18. I prostrate my selfe at the feete of thy mercie, and humblye implore pardon, and remission.

19. Pardon I beseech thee, and saue mee for thy names sa [...]e.

20. For I belieue, and am assured that noe sinns are soe greiuous, and heinous, but by the meri [...]s of thy most sacred Passion maye be forgiuen, and washed a waye. Amen.

These Exercises, and All Others may, and ought to be e [...]larg [...]d, and dilated accordinge to euer [...]e ones Gr [...]ce.[Page]and Guift: which is the only infallible Guide, and rule of our Prayer, and noe sett, written, or printed forme whatsoeuer; as the directions particularly, and pertinently teach vs.

A Dittie to the same subiect.

IN sorrow deepe, I wa [...]e, I sleep [...] with griefe my Hart opprest;

My Watry eyes like winter skies bedew my mournefull breast.

For when I see my loue for mee, in flames of loue to burne.

My Lord, my Loue, my God aboue, and why should I not mourne?

With feete, and hands transfixed hee stands vppon a fatall beame;

And from his side a wound most wide powres out a bloddie streame.

A peircinge Crowne his head pulls downe, his face quite wanne doth turne.

Hee for my sake these paines did take, and why should I not mourne?

While i [...] this paine, he [...] did remaine, [Page] his drinke was mixt wiih Gall.

His Corps lay bare, his Cloths they share, each as by lott did fall.

His Foes about, did laugh, and flowt, and at his vertues spurne.

Thus was his breath shutt vp by death, and why should I not Mourne?

The Earth did quake, the rockes did shake, and rented all in sunder.

The Corps from Graues, and hollow Caues, Arose to see this Wonder.

The sunne soe bright forsooke his light, and all most wanne did turne.

Thus heauen, and earth laments his death, and why should I not mourne?

Loe when I see vppon a Tree his breathlesse Body lye.

I greiue, I groane, I sigh, I moane, I payne, I Faint; I dye.

For thee Alone: my life beinge gone, vntill thou ba [...]ke returne.

In endlesse greife without reliefe, Ile neuer cease to mourne.

FINIS.

THE TOPP OF THE HEAVENLIE LADDER OR THE HIGHEST STEPPE of Prayer, and Perfection. And the progresse, and complement of the fore [...]aid Practises, and Deuotions.

[Page]

My Throne in a Pillar of Clowde.

Eccl. 24. 7.

A life hidden with Christ in God.

Coloss. 3. 3.

[Page]

TRVE HAPPINESSE IN A Monasticall life.

Thy forces straind, 'boue ela rayse,

Yet nere condignly canst thou praise

A State Monastical.

Which if it be with learninge stated,

And to studies dedicated,

Lord! how beneficiall?

But if it want this ornament

And eeke the Grace from Heauen sent,

Sad! O sad imprisonment!

Lett fierie Mars blow vp the scot,

Or lett the Britans goe to th'pott;

The Col meane tyme reguards it not.

Or lett some feirce, & forraine Hoast,

The Spaniard, sweed, or Dane accost,

Or, on the French men rush.

Let Heauen, and Earth together fall;

And crush the worlds inconstāt Ball.

Yet Monkes are out ô th'Brush.

Hee shall sit solitarie, and hold his peace, because hee hath lifted himselfe aboue himselfe. Lam. 3. 28.

[...]

[Page] arrogatinge humane precepts, and inuentions of meere Men. This Man of God I say hauinge written such a Discreete Rule concludes it in this manner. Whosoeuer therefore thou art, who hastens to the heauenlye Countrie obserue this least Rule of Beginninge: And then at lenth by the helpe [...] of God thou shalt come to those high perfections of doctrine, and virtues of which wee haue before spoken. To such as fulfill these things the kingdome of God shall lie open. Amen.

Accordinge to the conclusion of this Holy Man I must trulye declare these Exercises not to be perfect Prayer, but only the meanes therevnto; or the least Rule of beginninge; if rightly exercised, and practised accordinge to the Directions, and will bringe vs to that ineffable, and all sanctifyinge Prayer of which the Apostle speaketh in the 8. to the Romans, and 26. in these words. The Spirit asketh for vs with vnspeakable [Page]groanings. This Prayer is the Hight of Perfection, and virtue, and the very quintessence of all. Not to be expressed, not to be vnderstood, which none can know, but hee that hath itt, A [...]oc. 2. 17. a meere gratious guift of God, none can exercise this Prayer, none can haue any glimpse of it, but those to whom God freely giues it. In vayne therefor doe they labour, who labour for it through their owne industrie; & high arrogancie it is for any to presume that they can conceiue how it is done, or offer to teach Others how to doe it. All that can be said of itt, is as the Deuine Clowd of vnknowinge expresses in these few words sayinge. It is a tendance to God in the darke clowd of vnknowinge (that is Deuine Faith) & blind feelings of Loue. (That is deuine Charitie.) If you aske mee what this is? I know not, and they shall know, and only they to whom God giues itt. Howsoeuer for those that hasten to this Heauenly Countrey, to this Ierusalem, [Page] and sight of God in this pure Prayer. I shall sett them in the way the best I can by the Example of a pilgrime goinge to Ierusalem in the 21. 22. & 23. Chapters of that excellent Booke called the Scale of perfection. To which in a distinct Caracter I shall add that which may perchance facilitate the findinge out of the Way, and the true meaninge of itt.

The Spirituall Pilgrime goinge to

Ierusalem, or the sight of God.

There is noe Other way for our soules to tend to God, but by the Spirituall [...]aces, or ascents, or [...]spirings of the Mind; or to see Him in this life but in the darke Clowde of faith: noe other sight can wee haue of him: and it is all delightfull, and all sufficient for this life, if truely enioyed.

THE XXI. CHAPTER. An Entrye, and good beginninge of a Spirituall iorney, shewinge how the soule is to be haue herselfe interiorlye, [Page] and exteriorlye accordinge to the Example of a pilgrime goinge to Ierusalem.

THough this, and the ensuinge Chapters seeme to haue, and soe indeed haue dependance of the precedent, and subsequent Chapters: yet notwithstandinge they are cleare, full, and independant, as to the cleare, and playne shewinge the way to the pilgrime, how to goe to Ierusalem. Which is all I ayme att: and therefore very sufficient for my Turne, and purpose, and more I would not desire: Thus therefore it begins.

Neuerthelesse because thou couetest to know some manner of workinge, and proceeding: By the which thou maist the sooner and more [...]ecurelye attayne to the said reforminge I shall for thy satisfaction, and soules Good in that point by the Grace of God, and our Lord Iesus sett forth, and shew vnto thee the shorteft, and readiest helpe that I know for the said end.

[Page] Mee thinks this Author aymes iust at the same thinge I doe by the Exercises; to witt, perfect Prayer which he calls Reforminge. And therefore comes now in this, & the ensuinge Chapters, the next way to it, or rather indeed to the practise of itt. If God heervppon giue itt.

And that I shall doe by an example of a good pilgrime after this manner. There was a man that would goe on pilgrimage to Ierusalem: and because hee knew not the waye; hee went to another Man whom Hee had vnderstood to be well acquainted with the way, and asked Him whither hee might haue any hope of beinge able to reach to that Cittie that was soe farre off; and was soe perillous a iorney, as hee had heard it to be.

The common, and most ordinarie waye that God taketh to putt vs in this course of ineffable. Prayer is by the meanes of an experienced instructor [...] who brings vs to it, but God enables, and instructs vs how to walke, and [Page]worke, and perseuer in itt, yea some [...]ymes immediately leades vs himselfe to itt, and makes vs walke in itt.

That other man ansuered Him that Hee could not reach thither without much labour, and many sufferings. For the waye (said hee) is longe, and perillous; and full of Villanous theiues, and many other greate lettings, & hinderances there be that fall out to a man in his goinge thitherwards, as alsoe the wayes in many place are very craggie, and paynefull, and some tymes hard to find. And many men trauaylinge thitherward are oftentymes killed, or robbed of all they haue, and in conclusion are hindred, and disabled to reach to the place whither they soe desired to reach. Neuerthelesse there is one waye, the which who soe taketh it; I will vndertake that hee shall come to that cittie of Ierusalem; and shall neuer be s [...]aine, or dye for want, or otherwise loose his life. Hee shall indeed be robbed, and well beaten, [Page] and shall suffer much scarsitie, and many difficulties in the iorney, but for all that his life shall be safe.

The tediousness [...] of the way, beatinges, robbings, and the like are bu [...] necessarie Mortifications which must be suffered, and born [...] with all.

Then said the pilgrime soe that I maye haue my life safe, and at length ariue to the place that I desire to arriue vnto, I care not what paine, trouble, or mischeife I suffer in goinge. And therefore tell mee and aduise mee what you thinke necessarie for mee to doe, or suffer in the iorney, and I promise you for certaine that I will follow your Counsell. That other man answered, and said. Loe; I will sett thee in the right way, and see that thou well beare in mind, and fullfill in deed what I shall now tell thee. Whatsoeuer [...]hou seest, hearest, or feelest that would staye thee, lett thee, or hinder thee in thy waie; doe not willinglie consent vnto it, abide not willinglye with itt, tarrie [Page] not with itt, behold it not, or willinglie gaze at it; or loue, or like it: feare it, or be affrighted by it, but still goe forward holdinge on thy waye. And euer thinke, and saye to thy selfe that thou wouldst faine be at Ierusalem. For that thou couetest that thou desirest, and nought else, but that. And if men robbe thee, scorne thee, and laugh at thee, neglect, and dispise thee; doe not thou striue against such their doinge, if thou meane to haue thy life safe, but content thee with the harme thou hast had, and hold on thy waye, as if all were nothinge, least thou r [...]ceiue more harme. Alsoe if men would seeke to tarrie, or staye thee by tellinge thee tales, and feedinge thee with lies, inuentions, or conceits to draw thee to merriment, and to forsake, or prolonge thy pilgrimage, giue th [...] but a deafe eare, and answere not agayne, and saye nothinge else but thou wouldst fayne be at Ierusalem. Add [...] if men proferre thee guifts, and [Page] would make thee rich with worldlye substance, doe not reguard or listen to their profers, or persuasions, but euer thinke on Ierusalem. And if thou wilt hold this course, and this waye, and doe as I haue said: I vndertake for thy life that thou shalt not be slaine, but shalt at length come to the place, which thou soe much couetest. And now to applie the said similitude of the pilgrime spirituallie and to our purpose. I saye that Ierusalem, is as much as to saye, a sight of Peace, and betokeneth Contemplation with perfect loue. For Contemplation is nothinge else but a sight of God which is true peace.

This Ierusalem, this Contemplation, this sight of God, this sight of Peace. Is the same thinge which is tearmed by others a feelinge of God in the darke Clowd of faith, Rom. 8. 2. Apoc. 2. 17. and pure charitie or perfect Prayer when the Spirit asketh for vs. Or the hiddenmanna, or the white counter in which a new name is written that noe Man knoweth, but hee [Page]that receiueth it. It is an Holy Idlenesse soe called because one seemes to doe nothinge; yet in very deed a most secret inperceptible, efficatious actiuitie. This is that which wee know not whence it comes, or whither it goeth. In a word. It is the Good, and perfect guift of God descendinge from the father of lights. Io. 3.8 [...] Iam. 1. 17. A gratious guift by which wee sweetelie, and intimmelie aspire to God. A pure cleane thought by which God seemes to be All, and all things else Nothinge. This is virtually all virtues; morall, and Theologicall; induinge the soule with infinitt blessings exteriorlie, and interiorlie. This is that which the simplest soule liuinge maye exercise, and become happie, and wise by it. And the learnedst clearke, and sublimist witt can doe noe more if assisted by God, and indued with the Spirit; and otherwise his learninge, or witt auayleth nothinge. Wisd. 10.21. This is that which makes the tongues of infants eloquent. This teacheth more in the twinklinge of an eye, then the schooles can[Page]teach in a thowsand yeares.

If therefore thou couet for to come to this blissed sight of true Peace, and to be a true pilgrime to Ierusalem, albeit, it be soe, that I was neuer there, yet shall I soe farre forth as I can sett thee in the high waye thitherward. Now then if thou desire to make good iorneyes, & to hold a secure waye, it behooneth thee to hold these two virtues in thy soule, or in thy desires, and these two virtues are Humilitie, and loue.

By Humilitie is vnderstood the ground wor [...]e, and foundation of all, with the reall practise of all necessarie mortification, by which wee come to be trulie dead to our selues, and all things whatsoeuer. Soe that wee may truly say, wee are nothing, [...]ee haue nothinge, & couet nothinge. Loue is all Kind of Prayer by which our soule tends towards God as her only All, and sa [...]iatinge end. Be it vocall, mentall, or [...]hat Kind soeuer by which this fire of Loue is nouri [...]hed [...] and enkindled.

[Page]And therevppon thou shalt often say to thyselfe in thy mind. I am nothinge, I haue nothinge, I Couet nothinge, but one. Thou shalt haue the meaninge, or effect of these words in thyne intent, & in habit in thy soule perpetuallie though thou haue them not alwayes expresselye in thy soule, or mind. For it is impossible thou shouldst haue them actuallye: for sometymes thou must sleepe, and be distracted about other necessarie affaires, & canst not actually haue the said good desires in thee, but yet hast thou thē virtually, and habitually, nor is it necessarie that thou alwayes haue actually in thy mind, and thoughts the said desires, but it is necessarie thou euer haue them virtually, or habitually in thee, and in thyne intent be thou sleepinge, or wakinge &c. Humilitie saith in thee. I am nothiuge, I haue nothinge. Loue, saith, I couet but one, and that is Iesus. For as in respect of Iesus (that is God, and indeed All) certainelye thou art nothinge, [Page] but art as a vessel that standeth euer emptie, and as if nought were therin. For doe thou neuer soe many good deeds externall, or internall; yet till thou haue, & feele that thou haue the Loue of Iesus, thou hast right nothinge. For with that pretious liquor onlye (I meane the loue of God) maye thy soule be filled, and satisfied, and with none other.

Luk. 15. This is the thinge onlye necessarie, & the best part: that is as in the other page I discribed, a cleane thought of God as Hee is to be knowne in this world in t [...]e darke clowde of faith, and blind feelings of Loue. Whither it be done by an act of the vnderstandinge, or Will, or both; it matters not, for it is imperceptible to vs, and soe not to be examined.

And for as much as that thinge alone is soe pretions, and noble: What therefore thou hast, or what thou dost hold, esteeme it as nothinge as to rest in it, without the sight and loue of Iesus. Euen as a wise pilgrime goeinge to Ierusalem leaueth behind [Page] Him howse, and land, wife and childeren, and makes Himselfe poore, and bare from all things that soe hee maye goe light, and without incombrance. Euen soe if thou wilt be a Spirituall pilgrime thou must make thy selfe naked from all that thou hast that are either good deeds, or badd, and cast them all behind thee; soe that thou become soe poore in thy feelinge; that there is nothinge of thyne owne workinge that thou wilt restinglye leane on, or wherin thou wilt abide: but euer desiringe more grace, & loue, & euer seekinge the Spirituall Presence of Iesus.

And if thou doe thus then shal [...] thou resolue in thy hart fullye, and resolutelye that thou wouldst be at Ierusalem, and at noe other place but there. And that is; that thou shalt certainely determine in thy hart fully, & wholy that thou wouldst nothinge haue but the loue of Iesus, and the Spirituall sight of Him in such manner as hee shall please to shew Himselfe.

[Page] This sight of Iesus, This sig [...]t of God wee maye dispose our selues to, but haue it wee cannot, but how, and when Hee pleaseth, and if wee thinke to doe it by our owne force of witt, learninge, and vnderstandinge wee delude ourselues by a vaine Fancie, and Folish species, and take the shadow for the substance, this is Gods Wor [...]e, not ours.

For to that end onlye art thou made, & redeemed, & Hee it is that is thy beginninge, and thy end. Thy ioye, and thy happinesse, and who onlie can satisfie thy hungrie soule. And therefore whatsoeuer thou haue, and be thou neuer soe rich in other deeds corporall, or spirituall vnlesse thou haue this Loue that I speake of, and know, and feele that thou hast it, hold and esteeme that thou hast right nothinge. Imprint well in thy soule this desire of the loue of Iesus, & cleaue fast therevnto, and itt shall saue thee from all perills in thy iorney, soe that thou shalt neuer perish; and it shall saue thee from theiues, and [Page] robbers: which are the wicked Spirits soe that though they beare, or torment, or vexe thee by diuers temptations yet shall the life of the soule euer be safe. And if thou thus hold on thy waye, as I aduise, thou shalt escape all perills, and mischeifes, and shalt in a short tyme come to the Cittie of Ierusalem.

Passinge, and transcendinge brings vs to a good endinge. That is, thus tendinge still to God, by slightinge all Creatures wee shall attayne to Him in this life by faith, in the next by Glorie.

Now thou art in the waye, and knowst the place whither thou art to drawe, and tend; beginne then in the name of God to proceed, and goe on in thy iorney. Thy goinge forth, and thy proceedinge in thy iorney is nothinge else; but a spirituall workinge, and a bodilie alsoe when it shall be expedient; which thou shalt vse with the Discretion followinge. That is to saye. Looke what worke it be which thou dost accordinge to the [Page] state of thy life thou art in, be the worke spirituall, or corporall, if it helpe, increase, and cherish within thee this gracious desire thou hast to loue Iesus: or doe make thy soule more stronge, more readie, and more able for the practise of all vertues, & goodnesse: That worke hold I best for thee, be it prayinge, be it readinge, or be it corporall workinge. And as longe as the said worke, or exercise strenthneth most thy hart, and thy will to the loue of Iesus, and furthest draweth thyne affection, and thoughts from worldlye vanitie; for soe longe hold thee still in that worke. But if it proue soe that through vse of that same worke, or Exercise; the sauour, or good tast of it doe growe lesse, and that it seemeth to thee that some other worke, or Exercise, is, or would be more sauourous, or rellishinge to thy Spirit, or that thou feelest more grace in another worke, or Exercise, doe thou take that other worke, and leaue that former, [Page] For though thy desire, or longinge of thy hart to Iesus, and to his loue should be euer vnchangeable, yet neuerthelesse thy Spirituall workes which thou shalt vse in prayinge, or consideringe; for to feed, and nourish thy said desire maye be diuers, and maye well be changed accordinge to that thou feelest thee disposed through Grace, and accordinge to that thou feelest thy Spirit more to require, or rellish. I meane what thou findest to be most comfortable, agreeable, and profitable to thy Spiritt. For it faireth by workes, and by desire of the loue of God, as it doth by stickes, and by a fire. For the more sticks are laid to the f [...]e, the greater is the fire. Euen soe the more diuers spirituall workings at diuers tymes that a Man hath in his thoughts, for to keepe whole, and sound his desire towards God the mightier, and more burninge shall his desire be to God. Looke therefore well what worke thou canst best doe, and that [Page] most helpeth to make well, & sound this Desire of Iesus (in matters wherein thou art free, and not bound) that doe thou. Bind not thy selfe to voluntarie customes vnchangeable, that would, hinder the libertie of thyne hart for to correspond, or answere the motion, or inuitation of Iesus: if that his Grace should speciallye visit thee, by which thy loue towards Him would be increased. For I will tell thee what customes are euer good, and needfull to be kept. Loe such customes are good alwayes to hold which consists in gettinge virtues, and in hinderinge, and resistinge sinne. Such a custome thou must neuer leaue. For thou shalt be euer humble, patient, sober, and chast &c. if thou doe well; and soe of other vertues. But the custome of another thinge that hindereth a better is good to be laid aside giueinge place to that which would be better for vs when that the tyme is for such laieinge aside, and that wee maye doe it, [Page] without breach of our obligation otherwayes. As for example if a man haue a custome to saye soe many beades, or to meditate of such, or such a matter, or for soe longe a tyme, or to watch, or kneele thus, or thus longe, or to doe any such bodilie deed, this custome is sometymes to be lett alone when reasonable cause requireth that wee should leaue it, or else that wee find more Grace, or deuotion some other waye, or in some other exercise.

This / Holy writer deliuereth the Truth soe fullye, and clearelye how wee should walke, that a foole cannot erre therin; leauinge all to the queene of vertues discretiō by which wee may soe prudently order all our Workes, & Actions; that wee maye still encrease in vs the deuine Charitie, and desire of God. Soe that euerie one accordinge to his Vocation in which hee is called: secular, or Religious, married or single, poore or rich, noble or ignoble, is made decible of God, lead by his Holy Inspiration,[Page]and brought into the true libertie of the Childeren of God,Gal. 5. 13. not giuinge waye to the libertie of the flesh.

THE XXII. CHAPTER. Of certayne temptations, and lettings, which soules haue from their spirituall enemies in their iorney to Spirituall Ierusalem, and of the remedie against the same.

NOW art thou in the way, and knowst how thou ought to trauell, and goe. Now beware of enemies that will be diligent, & busie to lett thee if they can. For their intēt is to put out of thy hart, the desire, and longinge that thou hast to the loue of Iesus, and to draw thee home againe to the loue of worldlye vanitie. There is nothinge that greiueth them soe much as to see thee seeke after, and labour for the loue of Iesus. Those enemies are principally fleshly desires, and vayne feares that arise out of thyne Hart through the corruption of thy corporall nature, [Page] and would lett, and hinder thy desir [...] of the loue of God, that soe they might fully, and restingly possesse thy Hart; These are thy neerest enemies. Other enemies alsoe there are, and namely the wicked Spirits who are diligent, and busie with sleights, inuentions, and deceits to deceiue thee. But one remedie thou hast against them all, as before I haue told thee, and that is, that whatsoeuer they saye vnto thee beleiue them not, but hold forth on thy way, and only desire the loue of Iesus. Euer answere thus; I am nothinge, I couet nothinge, but onlye the loue of our Lord Iesus.

This is the best, securest, and easiest waye of ouercominge all temptations [...] and scruples whatsoeuer answere nothinge to them, be not troubled with them; but still goe on thy waye, & tend to the loue of thy God, which will ouercome all, and make all right wit [...] thee.

If thyne enemies by suggestions to thy soule, saye vnto thee that thou [Page] hast not made thy Confession a right, or that there is some old sinne or sinns hidd in thy hart that thou before knewst not; or that thou hast not as yet euer made thy Confessions a right, or as thou shouldst haue made them, and therefore would haue thee turne home agayne, and to giue ouer thyne earnest desire of the Loue of God; and to goe, and make a better confession. Beleiue not this their sayeinge. For it is folly. For thou art rightly confessed, and soe doe thou surely hope, and trust thyselfe to be; and that thou art in the waye, and that thou needest noe further to looke into thy conscience for confession of what is past. Hold on thy waye, & euer thinke on Ierusalem. If they saye alsoe vnto thee that thou art not worthy to haue the Loue of God; and therefore why shouldst thou couet that which thou wilt not be able to come by, or art worthy to haue. Beleiue them not: but hold on thy waye, and saye thus. Not because I [Page] am worthye, but because I am vnworthy, therefore would I loue God. For if that I had His loue, it would make mee worthye. And since that I was created for that end (which is for the louinge of God) though I should neuer come by it, yet will I couet it, and therefor will I praye, and thinke how I ma [...]e gett itt, and will labour for itt. And then if thyne enemies see that thou beginst to growe bold, couragious, and resolute in thy said purpose, they beginne to grow afraid of thee. Neuerthelesse they will not cease, or giu [...] ouer to seeke to staye, and hinder thee as much as they can: soe longe as thou art holdinge on thy way; what on the one side with feares, and threatnings; and what on the otherside with false flatterie, & vayne pleasings for to make thee giue ouer thy good purposes, and to turne thee home agayne. And for that end they will say thus vnto thee. If thou thus hold on thy desire to Iesus trauellinge soe feruently as thou [Page] now beginst; thou wilt fall into fancies, or into frenzie, or craze thy head, or fall into bodilie sicknesse, as thou seest some doe by goinge about that which thou now dost: or thou wilt fall into pouertie, or some bodilye harme, or mischeife, and noe man able to helpe thee; or thou maist fall into secret, and inward temptations, or illusions of the enimie soe [...]hat thou wilt not be able to helpe thy selfe about them. For it is wonderous perillous for any man, or weoman to giue him, or herselfe wholy, to the loue of God, and to leaue, and forsake all the world, and to couet nothinge, but onlye the loue of Him. For soe many perill [...] may fall to a Man in such course of his, as hee cannot soe much as imagine them before hand. And therefore turne thee home agayne, and leaue of this desire, for thou shalt neuer bringe it to an end; and doe thou as other worldlye men, or the common sort of good Christ [...]ans, or euen of Religious doe. Thus [Page] saye thyne enemyes; but beleiue them not, but hold on in thy desire, & saye, or answere nothinge else, but that thou wouldst haue Iesus and be at Ierusalem. And if they perceiue that thou wilt not giue ouer: neither for sicknesse, for fantazies, nor for frenzies, for doubts, nor for feares of any temptations corporall, or spirituall for pouertie, nor for any mischeife, or harme. For life, nor for death, but euer seekest, & longest after the said one thinge, and nothinge else but that one thinge, and yeildst to them a deafe eare as if thou heardst them not, and holdst on stifly, & constantly, and perseuerantly in Prayer, and in other thy spirituall workes with discretion accordinge to the counsaile of thy superior; or the aduise, or direction giuen thee by thy Spirituall Father, or director, then beginne they to be verie angry and to goe a little more neere thee. Then they beginne to robbe thee, and beate thee, and doe thee all the shame, and mischeife [Page] they can. And that they doe when they cause all the deeds thou dost, be they neuer soe well done, to be deemed, & iudged by others to be euill, and turned, and taken in the worser sense, and meaninge. And whatsoeuer it be thou wouldst doe, or haue done in helpe, reliefe or comfort of thy bodie, or of thy soule: it shall be lett, or hindred by those other men, soe that thou shalt be put from thy will, and contradicted in it, in all or most of those things which thou with reason desirest to haue. And this thy said enemyes doe, to the end thou shouldst be stirred, and prouoked to anger, impatience, or euill will towards thy Christian Brother, or sister, but against all these temptatiōs, and vexations, and difficulties, and all other that maye come vppon thee or which thou maist feele: vse this remedie that I shall now agayne tell thee, as before I haue told thee. Take Iesus, or his loue in thy mind, and trouble thy selfe noe further with thē [Page] but thinke on thy lesson. That thou art nothinge, that thou hast nothinge, that thou couetest nothinge of earthlye, or transitorie things, that thou desirest nothinge but the loue of Iesus. And in and with these exercises hold on thy waye to Ierusalem. And if thou happen sometymes through thy frailetie or by the euill will of some other man, or through the malice of thyne enemye to be tarried, or lett in thy waye. Yet assoone as thou canst come agayne to thy selfe, leaue of thinkinge of what hath past, and proceed in thy good exercises, and hold on thy way, abide not longe with those thy former defects, or difficulties, for feare of thyne enemyes who would still hold thee in them, and in discussinge of them, thereby to hinder thee from goinge forwards in thy waye.

If in this our waye to Ierusalem, and Spirituall tendance towards God we chance to stray, and deuiate, or stoppet rough any sinne, or defect, wee [Page]must presentlye get into the way again [...], and goe on, as if wee had neuer strayed, or stopped at all, & this is the only waye to expiate the sinns, or defects themselues, and to ridd vs of all scruples. For t [...]eir is noe such Contrition as this aspiringe to God in the Clo [...]d of faith, and feelings of Loue. Yea if wee fall into certayne euident greate sinnes lett vs meekely, and penitently confesse them, and trouble our selues noe further: but walke on agayne, as if noe such thinge had happened, or beene done.

THE XXIII. CHAPTER. Of a generall remedie against the temptation [...], and troubles, proceedinge from the flesh, the world, or the enemie.

AND after this: when that thyne enimies see that thou art soe well willed that thou art not angrie, nor much troubled; nor incensed against any creatures for any thinge they can doe, or speake against thee, but art fully resolued in thy hart for [Page] to suffer and vndergoe all that maye happen to fall, be it easie, or vneasie; sowre, or sweete; prayse, or disprayse: scarsitie, or plentie. And that thou dost esteeme, or reguard nothinge soe thou maye keepe whole and entire the desire that thou hast of the Loue of Iesus. Then are they much abashed, and daunted. But then they will trie, and essay thee with flatterie vayne pleasinge, and complacence. As when they doe bringe to the sight of thy soule all thy good deeds, and vertues, and would perswade thee that all men prayse, and speake much of thy holinesse, and vertues. And how that all men loue thee, and reuerence thee for thy vertuous, and holy liuinge, and would therefore perswade thee to be sollicitous of thy good name, and estimation with others. Thus doe thyne enimies that thou shouldst thinke their sayings to be true, and take willinge delight, and pleasure in such vayne ioye, and complace [...]ce, and shouldst willingly rest thee theri [...]. [Page] But if thou wilt doe well, thou shalt hold, and esteeme all such thoughts, and suggestions to be falshood, and flatterie of thyne enemie that profers thee to drinke venome tempered with honie. And therefore refuse it, and saye, that thou wilt not haue it, but wouldst fayne be at Ierusalem. Such offers, and lettings tho [...] shall find, & feele, or some other such lettings, or offers, what of thy flesh, what of the world, what of thyne enemie: more in number (I meane of the temptations) and more diuers in the kinds, and qualities of them; then I am able to tell thee of, or thou able before hand to imagine for a man soe longe as hee suffereth his mind, and thoughts willingly to runne about the world, or about worldly desires (as all doe that doe not seriouslye applye themselues to the seruice of God) in beholdinge, o [...] thinkinge of vayne, or hurtfull things; hee perceiueth, or conceiueth but few lettings. But soe soone as hee [Page] draweth all his thoughts, and desires to the said one thinge onlye; to haue that, to know that, to loue that, and that is only Iesus, and his loue. Then shall hee well feele, and perceiue many paynefull, and troublesome lettings. For euerie thinge that hee feeleth, and is not that hee coueteth, or helpeth to the gettinge of it; is lettinge to Him Therefore I hauerold thee of some temptations, or lettings in particular, as for some examples. And moreouer I saye in generallitie that whatsoeuer stirringe, motion, or suggestion thou feelest from thy flesh, or from the enemye: be it pleasant, or sowre; louelye, or dreadfull; gladsome, or sorrowfull that would draw downe thy thoughts, and desire from the loue of Iesus, to wordly vanitie; and would hinder, or coole the Spirituall couetousnesse that thou hast to the loue of Him: and would haue thy hart be occupied with that stirring restingly. Doe thou sett it at nought, receiue it not willingly, or [Page] deliberately; tarrie not therewith too longe. But if it be an exterior bu [...]inesse that behooueth needs to be donne, either towards thy selfe, or towards thy Christian Brother or [...]ister, dispatch it, and ridd thee soone of it, and bringe it to an end, that it hange not on thy Hart, and soe distract thee more then needs: if it be another thinge that may be spared, and needeth not to be done, or else concernes not thee, or belongeth to thee, heed it not, harken not after it, nor trouble thy selfe about it, nor be angrie for it, nor affraid of it, nor loue it, but cast it presently out of thy mind, and hart, and say thus I am nothinge, I haue nothinge, nothinge doe I feele, or couet, but the Loue of Iesus. Fasten thy mind, & thoúghts to this desire, and strengthen it, and maintayne it with Prayer, and other Spirituall workes that thou forgett it not, and it shall lead, and guid thee in the right waye, and saue thee from all perills; and make noe doubt but [Page] it will bringe thee to the perfect loue of our Lord Iesus.

This naked, and cleane aspiringe, and pure adheringe to God in the darke clowde of faith, and blind feelings of Loue, is a waye soe secure, and safe that all the world, and all the deuills of Hell; nor euen the suttle craft of our owne selfe seekeinge can misleade vs, or deceiue vs; for wee still ayme at God, and nothinge but pure God; soe that wee shall not rest in any thinge but him, not his very guifts, and Graces, noe relations, noe Visions, noe rapts, noe ex [...]asies [...] But still passe, and make vse of all to tend to Him aboue all.

Neuerthelesse on the otherside; I alsoe saye and aduise thee; that looke what worke, or motion it be (be the same corporall, or spirituall) that maye helpe, or further thy said desire, strengthen it, and nourish itt, & drawe thy mind, and thoughts furthe [...]t from the loues, and desires of the world, or corrupt nature, and which makes thy loue, and desire [Page] towards God more burninge, more harty, or more efficacious. Whither it be prayinge either mentally, or vocally, or for the nature, or manner of the Prayer, or be it meditation or silence, or speakinge; solitarinesse, or beinge in companie; sittinge, or walkinge; keepe it, and hold it for a tyme, and worke therin, and therewith soe longe as the sauour, or tast of itt lasteth.

This discretion, and freedome to doe any thinge that feeds this Holy desire to God in vs, is most necessarie, and without this freedome, wee can make noe progresse. Neither need wee to scruple at anythinge that is not euill in itt selfe, or contrarie to the euident externe will of God by ordination of holy Church, or our particular state, or profession.

If it be so [...] thou take therewith (as needs thou must accordinge to thy need) meate, drinke, sleepe, and rest, as a pilgrime doth, and hold dis [...]retion in such thy workinge; thou shalt doe very well, and profitable [Page] in thy soe doinge. For haue hee neuer soe greate hast in his goinge, yet will hee eate, drinke, and sleepe [...] Doe thou soe likewise, for though it lett thee for a tyme yet will itt further thee afterwards. Amen.

FINIS.

LAVS DEO, VIRGINI, Benedicto.

‘Hac est via, Ambulate in ea.’Isa. 30. 21.

‘This is the waye, walke in itt.’Isa. 30. 21.

DEVOVT IDEOT.

[Page]

THY Deuotions are soe happilye printed; that the faults escaped are such, as thou maist easilye take thy pen in the hand, & correct them thyselfe beinge sometymes one letter for another. As an a, for an e, or an n, for an u, or a letter too much, or a letter too little. All which the sense will soone tell thee; and I know thou endeauours to mend faults, not find faults, and for thee, and thy like it was set forth, and none other.

ADIEV.

TO THE V. R MADAME CATHERINE GASCOIGNE MOST VVORTHY ABBESSE of the English Monasterie of our Ladies of Comfort in Cambray.

[Page]

MADAME

The same engagement which obliged mee to sett forth these simple, and pure Deuotions, hath bound mee to dedicate, and present them to your LadP. who in verie deed hath the most right, & title to them; beinge yours by the [...]enle. Authors owne guift, yours [Page] by Possession, but aboue all yours in the highest degree of practise. And truely they belonge to such, and none but such as de facto & indeed practise them. All others may looke on them, and perchance hardlye censure them, but they haue noe right, and title to them. They haue them not in their hart, and nothinge else can possesse them; these are treasures for the Hart: nothinge else hath right to them. This Ideot, who to others seemes ignorant, and foolish; to you is knowingly ignorant, and wisely vnlearned. They perswade themselues (who present him vnto you, as they haue experienced themselues) that hee hath taught you more high, and euident truths, more sapid, and fatisfactorie knowledge then all the subtile Scholasticks, and suttle politicks put together could haue done. [Page] VVee see; knowledge, Prudence, & vertue shine in all your Actions in an high measure; Noe other Maister could haue taught them you. This Ideot who to others appeares soe vnhandsome, and insipide; to you shewes himselfe most comely, and delightfull. For you haue giuen all that you haue;Math. 13. Math. 19. Phil. 3. Luk. 15. or rather left all that you had; to conuerse with Him. You esteeme all else, as nothinge. You haue chosē this best part vvhich shall neuer be taken avvay. Accept of Him then: and as hitherto lett him be euer familiar, and gratefull vnto your LadP. which they wish from their harts who are: and hee hartyly by whom they make this humble adresse,

MADAME,

Your Ladps, most deuoted, humble, and obliged seruants &c.

Information about this book

Title statement

The holy practises of a devine lover, or, The sainctly [sic] Ideots Deuotions the contents of the booke are contained in the ensuinge page.

More, Gertrude, 1606-1633.

Edition statement

1657

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A29574

ID [STC]

Wing B479

ID [STC]

ESTC R10839

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

13294648

ID [OCLC]

ocm 13294648

ID [VID]

98869

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A29574)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 98869)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 445:20, 2051:7)

Source

— The holy practises of a devine lover, or, The sainctly [sic] Ideots Deuotions the contents of the booke are contained in the ensuinge page., More, Gertrude, 1606-1633., Baker, Augustine, 1575-1641..

Extent

330 p., [3] p. of plates.

by Lewis De La Fosse ...,. Printed at Paris :: 1657.. (Attributed to Gertrude More. Cf. BLC.) (Item at 445:20 identified as Wing B479 (entry cancelled in Wing 2nd ed.).) (Reproduction of original in Cambridge University Library.)

Creation

Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.

Editorial practices

EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.

EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).

The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.

Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.

Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.

Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.

The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.

Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).

Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site.