CHAP. I. Of the admirable Love that God bore Saint Ioseph.

IT was doubtless a Divine Inspiration with which that Painter was mov'd, who first put a Lilly in­to Saint Joseph's Hand. Flowers we know have something very lovely and charming in them; and 'tis look'd upon as [Page 2]an honor and good Fortune, no less to bear their Name, than to bear them in our Scutcheon or Coat of Armes: Wherefore the City of Florence e­steems it as a very great one, to bear the Name of that rich Flower, that adorns her delicious Gardens.

The glorious Name of Rose, is also justly intail'd upon the Iland of Rhod's, as being so beautiful and plea­sant a place, that it even resembles a Rose in the Spring.

All the World know's, that Susa, the chief City, in great Assuerus's Kingdom, pretended to better For­tune than all the other Cities of Asia; because the Name Susa signifies a Lil­ly, whereby she gave her self a right above all other Cities, of stiling her self the City of Lillies.

And there are none, even of the In­terpreters of Holy Scripture, who do not take notice, that the City of Nazareth fortunately bore the Name of Flowers, Because it was the resi­dence of Jesus Nazarenus, that is, Je­sus of the City of Flowers, and the Native Town of Mary and Joseph, the three fairest Flowers, in the Garden of the Holy Catholic Church.

We Read also in Ancient An­nals, that the very name and sight of Flowers; have been look'd upon as a most happy and prosperous Omen; for as Plutarch recounts in the Life of Sylla, the Roman Army being drawn [Page 3]up in Battle array, ready to charge the Enemy, an agreeable gale arising, brought a great quantity of Lillies, Roses, Violets, Flower-de-Luces, Daffadils and several other sorts of flowers, from the Neighboring Fields and Gardens; which falling upon the Shields and Head-pieces of the Roman Souldiers, they believ'd it a certain presage of their good Fortune; and even a kind of crowning them Con­querors before-hand.

At the Battle of Lepanto, Roses were there sold in the publick Piazza, in the Month of October, as red and fresh as they are in June: From whence all assur'd themselves of a signal Vi­ctory, that the Christians shou'd ob­tain against the Turk's. This Lilly therefore Saint Joseph bears, betokens those extraordinary qualities and pri­viledges, wherewith he is inrich'd; and therefore the Painter who first put it into his Hand, was, as I sayd; without doubt inspir'd from Heaven to do so, since this Branch of Lillies, silently hint's at whatsoever can be said of him; and even manifests all those wonders, that lie hid in this Great Saint: As I shall hereafter en­deavour to explicate.

Wherefore do but learn the price and excellency of the Lilly, and thereby you'll know the eminent and admirable Perfections of Saint Joseph, and per­ceive also that wonderful and almost [Page 4]incredible Love, which God had for him. For as a Lilly is the grace and ornament of a Garden of pleasure; as 'tis the beautiful Master-piece, that draws the Eyes, and charms the Hearts of the beholders, at their first entrance into it; so according to Saint Austin, there are no less charming Lillies in the Garden of Heaven:^† Amongst Heavenly Flowers neither Roses nor Lillies, says he, are wanting: That are no less charming to their beholders.

Now let us see how beautiful and sweet a Lilly Saint Joseph is; for since the heavenly Spouse is highly pleas'd with a feast of Lillies; therefore Saint Joseph had the honor to be invited to it, next after the Bridegroom him­self.^* My beloved is mine, says the Spouse, and I am his, who feeds a­mongst Lillies. Behold then Jesus, Mary and Joseph, three glorious Lillies in­deed, that assist at this Banquet of Lillies. The honor and beauty both of Heaven and Earth, and the most amiable of all Created Objects. But before we Contemplate Saint Joseph, let us take a view of the Lillies Per­fections, which is an Emblem of him.

The Lilly surpasses all other odori­ferous Flowers in growth, as well as [Page 5]beauty, she raises her beautiful head upon a streight stalk, many feet high­er than any other Flowers do; as Saint Joseph also in the height of Justice and Perfection, surmounts all other Saints: Wherefore when we behold Saint Joseph leading his reputed Son Jesus, in one Hand, and the Blessed Virgin Mary in the other, we cannot but admire, to what a height of Dig­nity God has rais'd him, and must own, that none ever was rais'd to the like; and that such a Dignity as this, is not given in the House of God, but according to the Sanctity and Graces, the Person rais'd to it, is partaker of; and which the Ministry he is imploy'd in, do's require.

The first and highest degree of all Honors and Dignities upon Earth, was due to Jesus, the Son of God In­carnate; the second, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God; and the third, to Saint Joseph, Spouse to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Foster-Father to the Son of God. Wherefore ac­cording to the most devout and learned Doctor of the Church, Saint Thomas, our Lilly Saint Joseph is rais'd also, after Jesus and Mary, to the highest Dignity upon Earth,^* By so much, says he, he excel'd others, by how much he was rais'd to a higher Dignity than others were.

The Lilly also is an Emblem of pure Love, and springs from a Heart, the source of Love, which it's Root re­sembles; and in this it resembles also our Saint Joseph: Who, next to Jesus and Mary exceeds all Creatures both in active and passive Love; his Heart was most inflam'd, by being reple­nish'd with the Love of God towards him, which mov'd his Divine Majesty to raise him to the highest Dignity on Earth, next to Jesus and Mary. And Saint Joseph reverberates and casts back these Flames towards God, by a faithful correspondence, and fidelity in those high functions, to which he had chosen him; which render'd him most amiable both to Heaven and Earth, as I shall hereafter prove more at large. So that we see how the Lilly is a lively Emblem of our Saint, and that this Lilly he holds in his Hand in­timates something that is great, and what is beyond our power to express. The very number also of the Lillies leaves, betokens those six wonderful priviledges, which the extraordinary Love of God, mov'd him to bestow upon our Lilly Saint Joseph.

Margaret Queen of Navar took for her Device, a crown'd Lilly, at which two rich Pendants of Jewels were hung; with this Motto:^* The won­derful work of Nature: Which De­vice, [Page 7]may also be very well apply'd to Saint Joseph. The Lilly is his Ensign, and is not only the wonder of Nature, but of Grace also; upon which, hung those two rich Jewels, Jesus and Mary, whom he led in each Hand, bearing the Title of Father to the one, and of Husband to the other; he therefore justly deserves to be Crown'd, since in the Love of God he bears away the Pri­se from all; both in the Church Mi­litant and Triumphant: So that none must dare to dispute the right of Coro­nation with him, he having those high Prerogatives bestow'd upon him, from which all others, except Jesus and Mary, his beloved, Son and Spouse are excluded. The part and portion also he has of Divine Love in this Triumph, is very remarkable, and gives him a place in that title, which his great Progenitor David gave to the 44. Psalm;^* The Triumph by Lillies. Making him partner in this Triumph with the two other Lillies Jesus and Mary, these being all, and always of a Company. Wherefore since this Triumph partly belongs to him, I may conclude him a Con­queror with the other two, and that this his Triumph, is as much above that of all other Saints, as he ex­ceeds them in those wonderful Graces and Prerogatives, which the Love of [Page 8]God bestow'd upon him: This will ea­sily be perceiv'd by displaying the six Leaves of our Lilly, and discovering thereby the six extraordinary Prero­gatives, the Love of God has bestow'd upon him, above all other Saints, ex­cepting upon Jesus and Mary.

The Head or Blossom of this Flower contains, as I sayd, six white resplen­dent Leaves, which represent the six particular and extraordinary Preroga­tives, that shine in Saint Joseph, be­yond all other Saints; Wherefore 'twill be sufficient only to open and display these six Leaves, to let you see the wonderful novelties they contain, and thereby both raise your Imagina­tion of Saint Joseph's Perfections, and charm your Affection to such a height, with Love and Devotion to him, as he truly deserves. Novelties, as we find by experience, contain a certain lustre within themselves, that causes admiration, and therefore they need not borrow words or discourses to set themselves out. A Beauty inrich'd by Nature, as you know, needs neither Paint nor Patch; a Diamond of great price wants no foile to set it off. A Cabinet also fill'd with rich and spark­ling jewels, declares it's own value, and therefore needs no other com­mendation, than to set it open; con­taining within it self it's own light, lustre and beauty. The Leaves I am about to display of this glorious Lil­ly, [Page 9]are of the same stamp or nature, so that by giving you only a sight of them, as of so many unheard of Prerogatives, they cannot but raise your admiration of his Perfections, and even charm and move you to a Devotion to him.

The first Leaf or Prerogative I lay open, cannot but cause a strange ad­miration; for is it not wonderful that a Son should choose his own Father? 'Tis a wonder never before heard of in the World, since it's first begin­ning. Read the Roman Annals, turn over all the Histories of the Universe, you'll find nothing like to this, and were this a practice that cou'd be brought into the World, what a change wou'd it make in it? Poor, De­form'd, Imperfect and Vicious Men, wou'd never be chosen for Fathers: None but such as were Rich, Prudent, Vertuous and every way Accomplish'd, wou'd be made choice of; from whence we may conclude, that a Person who is chosen by one that is very Prudent; must needs be very Good, Beautiful, and most Accom­plish'd in all kind of Perfections.

Now to apply this to our Lilly, to our Glorious Saint-Joseph. You know that the Son of God, by right of his Divine Existence, had a Being before his Human Birth; and therefore had the advantage of Time, in which he might choose his Father; and sup­posing [Page 10]his design, to choose one a­mongst Men, 'tis certain his infinite Wisdom, wou'd make choice of one most Perfect and Eminent in San­ctity; and of one that were most fit and most capable, for so high a Dig­nity: For if a Worm, like my self, wou'd make choice of the bravest of Men for it's Father, had it an oc­casion offer'd to do so; can we imagine that the Son of God, the Eternal Wisdom, who judges of things as they are, knows the value and depth of Hearts, and sees the worth of all Creatures, wou'd not choose the most Perfect of all Men for his Father? To think otherwise, wou'd be to rank his Wisdom beneath our own. Wherefore since he has chosen Saint Joseph before all others, since his Knowledge and Love mov'd him to this Election, must not this choice he made of him, be an evident proof, that he was eminent in all Per­fections? Especially since the Divine Wisdom it self chose him for his Father?

Let us now pass on, and take a view of the second Leaf, or second Prerogative of our glorious Lilly. He was not only chosen by the Divine Wisdom to be his Father; but even to be Father to him, who was the Son of God. So that by this Election which the Eternal Wisdom made, Jo­seph had God for his Son. Who cou'd [Page 11]have thought it possible, that a Man cou'd be Father to the Son of God? Or cou'd ever have imagin'd, that Man might with truth say to the Son of God, you are my Son? Or that Man shou'd arrive to so high a pitch of Dignity, as to bear the relation of Paternity, to the Word Incarnate? Which in some measure resembl'd, the Paternity of the Eternal Father, to his Eternal and Uncreated Son. O wonderful Dignity! Joseph Father of Jesus! Father of the Son of God In­carnate! Having the honor to be Fa­ther to him upon Earth, to whom God is Father in Heaven: But to evidence, and make this Truth more clear.

We must know, that Jesus was not his Son by Nature, but by the Law­ful Right that accru'd to Saint Joseph. by Jesus his being Son to his Spouse, the Blessed Virgin Mary: For by his being her Son he was Produc'd in, and Born of that Flesh, which by right of Marriage was Saint Joseph's, and was under his power and juris­diction. So that according to the common axiom of the Civil Law, that says:^† Whatsoever grow's in, or is built upon anothers Soil, belongs to the owner thereof: This title was strong enough, [Page 12]to give him the right and title of a Father, and caus'd our Blessed Lady, to stile him his Father even to her Son himself, when she sayd,^† Behold with how much Grief your Father and I have sought after you; he also by his Answer, seem'd to own him for his Father upon Earth; when he sayd,^* Knew yee not, that 'twas chiefly my duty to take care of my Fathers business? Meaning his Heavenly Father, as if he wou'd have sayd, you have reason for what you say, but you know that my first and chief obligation, is to comply with the Will of my Heavenly Father.

But this is not all; Saint Joseph was not only the Father of Jesus; because he was call'd so; or because he had that relation to the Blessed Virgin I before spoke of; but be­cause he wanted nothing, that is found in a true Paternity, or Fatherly Right. He had all that care, affection, and authority, that any Father ever had, or ever will have, in relation to a Son. For as Saint John Damascen says,^† Saint Joseph had all that cou'd intitle him to the right of Paternity, [Page 13]except that of Generation: ^* Which, according to Rupertus the Abbot. God the Father supply'd, by infusing into the Husband of Mary, a Pater­nal Love of her Son Jesus. By which infusion, Saint Joseph participated of all Graces that can either be nam'd or imagin'd; for if God had a design to Love a Man after the best man­ner imaginable, or to give him the highest place of Glory in Heaven; what more cou'd he do for him, than to constitute him to bear the Office of a Father, over his own and only Son? than which nothing can be more excellent, nothing more rare or more admirable; for by gi­ving him this Office, he gives him all the qualities necessary for it; and gives him power to call even the Son of God, his Son, causing the ef­fect to correspond to the Name.

The third Miraculous Leaf or Pre­rogative of this Lilly, is, that being Man, he shou'd become Husband to the Mother of God. O wonder of wonders! When we wou'd compre­hend in few words, all the wonder­ful Perfections and Prerogatives of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we make [Page 14]use of Saint Mathews words;^† Mary of whom Jesus was born. For as by styling her Mother of Jesus, we com­prehend all that can be sayd of her; so Saint Joseph by being styl'd Hus­band to the Mother of God, com­prehends, under this title, all other Dignities and Perfections whatsoever: So that a greater than this cannot be given him, as Saint John Damascen well observes, when he says.^* You call him the Husband of Mary, this is such a title as cannot be explica­ted, and more than this, cannot be sayd of him.

Mary Spouse to Joseph, do's in plenitude of Grace surpass both Men and Angels; and has not her Hus­band think you the like endow­ments? Since God judg'd him a fit match for her; and for this end gave him so great an abundance of Grace, Vertue and Sanctity, that neither Men nor Angels ever had the like, hereby to fit him to be Spouse, and Guide to the Virgin-Mother: God judging it fit, that in her right, he shou'd partake of all her Honors, Favors and Dignities. If therefore she be a Princess he is a Prince; and [Page 15]he also is King, where-ever she is Queen. For God who design'd to raise Mary to the quality and honor of the Mother of God: At the same time design'd her a Husband, like to her self; whom he lov'd above all Men upon Earth, and therefore en­dow'd him with all Graces suitable to such a Dignity. O thrice happy Joseph! Thus chosen by God, and thus fitted and advanc'd to be the Husband of the Mother of God, as his best beloved, next to Jesus and Mary.

The fourth Miraculous Leaf or Prerogative of this Lilly, is, that he is at once both a Father and a Vir­gin. Which is so singular a Prero­gative, that 'tis allow'd to none but him. There have been many Virgin-husbands, but of Virgin fathers there has never been any one but S. Joseph, who is Spouse also of a Virgin-mo­ther. Which singular Prerogative, was reserv'd by God; only for his best beloved JOSEPH and MARY. God lodging his special Favors, where-ever he places his particular Af­fection.

The fifth Miraculous Leaf or Pre­rogative of this Lilly, is, that S. Jo­seph being a Creature, shou'd take care of his Creator. For he was^† Father of the Family, Foster-father, [Page 16]Tutor and Guardian of the Word In­carnate. So that the Angels who be­held the Son of God, in the Bosom of his Eternal Father in Heaven, see­ing him also in the Arms of Saint Joseph upon Earth, might very well cry out with admiration and astonish­ment [...] behold the Governor of the Universe, govern'd by a Man! Be­hold him who carefully nourishes all Creatures, nourish'd by his Creature! Behold him whom the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain, shelter'd under the Roof and Protection of a poor Inhabitant of Nazareth! And these Angels might also very well have address'd to Saint Joseph, the same admirations, that Methodius did to the Mother of God, in these fol­lowing words:^† O Nursing-Father to him who feeds all Creatures. O Rich Joseph, to whom God himself becomes a Beggar! Thrice happy art thou, who hast him for thy Debtor, who lends to every one whatsoever he possesses; for all Creatures are indebted to God for their Being, and for every thing they Enjoy: But to oblige thee, God will be­come oblig'd to thee; and make himself [Page 17]thy Debtor Wherefore let us joyn our Admirations and Congratulations with those of the Angels, saying; O thrice happy Joseph, favorit of the Court of Heaven! O best Beloved of God! since he has plac'd so great a confidence in thee, as to commit his only Son to thy Care and Con­duct.

The sixth and last Miraculous Leaf, or Prerogative of this Lilly, is, that he is one of the Persons of the Created Trinity, which is next in dignity to the uncreated; and won­derfully also resembles all the three Persons of the uncreated Trinity; as the Lilly also do's, which he bears in his Hand; For in a white resplen­dent Cup or Throne, it includes three Golden Septers, all three equal in Odour, Beauty and Shape, issu­ing from the middle or heart of the Flower; which resemblance, gives no little honor to the Lilly; since it mak's it a similitude, whereby to declare the Majesty of this Divine Mystery. Nor is it any less honor to our Lilly. Saint Joseph, to resemble the three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, which he do's after such a manner as might raise a jealosie even in the Angels; to see that God has bestow'd upon Man, such a re­semblance of that Mystery, which in it self is the most wonderful of all Mysteries; did they not Adore, with [Page 18]all possible Submission and Resigna­tion, his Divine Will and Plea­sure in all things. For as the Eter­nal Father, is the Father of the Un­created word, so Saint Joseph is the reputed Father of the word Created: And as God the Son is the Redeemer of Mankind; so Saint Joseph is his Coadjutor in this great work; since he imploy's all his cares, all the labours of his Hands, and all the sweat of his Brows, to gain where­withal to nourish and maintain our most Merciful Redeemer. Lastly as the Holy Ghost is the Spouse of Mary the Mother of God, so Saint Joseph is also her Spouse. What therefore can be a greater Subject of jealosie to the Angels than this? But they know him to be a favorit of God, and therefore rejoyce as much in the honor God bestow's upon him, as in their own; and honor him as a Prince of their Grand-ma­sters Court, and as one he will have thus honor'd.

After having thus display'd these Miraculous Leaves; and declar'd the wonderful Prerogatives of our Lilly, I cannot refrain from blessing and praising the Divine Providence, for inspiring the Painter to put a Lilly into Saint Josephs Hand, by the help of which, the same Providence has been pleas'd to inspire me to expli­cate his Merits and wonderful Pre­rogatives. [Page 19]And if heretofore an in­genious Artist, did so cut and dispose the Leaves of several Flowers that they made a very Beautiful Picture of Flora; why may not I, quicken'd by Saint Bernard's Fancy, when he says;^† So many Lillies, so many Ver­tues endeavour to make a lively Picture of Saint Josephs Vertues, out of the different sorts of Lillies, and different signification of their Co­lours? By the white Lilly, is repre­sented his Chastity, by the yellow, his Charity, by the carnation, his Mortification, and by the green one, his Hope. So many Lillies, so many Vertues. Let therefore this declara­tion of his Vertues, joyn'd with the rest of those wonderful Prero­gatives I have before declar'd, con­vince us of his extraordinary Per­fection, and give us an assurance that there is neither in Heaven nor Earth any Creature above Saint Ioseph, or that is more favor'd by God, except Iesus and Mary.

CHAP. II. Of those wonderful Qua­lities, whereby God ren­der'd Saint Joseph ami­able, above all other Saints, except Jesus and Mary.

ARIƲS Montanus a famous An­tiquary, and no less admir'd for his knowledge in the He­brew Tongue; kept in his Cabinet amongst his other Rarities, a Medal that he extreamly valu'd, both for it's Antiquity and Prophetical signi­fication. Which was a piece of Mony call'd by the Jews a Shekle, on the one side of which, was represented such a Vessel, as the Crisme or Con­secrated Oyl was kept in, in the Tem­ple, with this inscription under it,^† The Genealogy, and on the reverse [Page 21]of the Medal was a double rank of Pearls, one and forty in number, in the center of which, were these words,^† The time of Anointing. By the number of the Pearls, were sig­nifi'd the P [...]ogenitors of Christ, who were fitly represented by such pre­cious jewels, who were in all, one and forty, himself, the^* Anointed, being included.

I willingly make use of this eru­dition, to begin my description of the amiable qualities of Saint Ioseph; who was one of these Pearls, to which he is fitly compar'd, since you know how much this Jewel is e­steemd for it's resplendent Beauty and Heavenly colour, and therefore one of his Devot's, cou'd not find out a title that more fitly ex­press'd his Beauty, than to call him^† Lovely Pearl, as the Church stiles his Spouse,^* Lovely Mother; both being Parents of the Amiable and Lovely Iesus, whom his Royal Progenitor stiles in his Psalm of Triumph:^† The most Beautiful of the Sons of Men. We know amongst other Per­fections, Beauty of Body is very high­ly esteem'd, which when it meets [Page 22]with good Natural Parts, and a Ver­tuous disposition of Mind, nothing can be more desir'd. I shall there­fore endeavor to shew, how Saint Ioseph excell'd in all these.

To begin then with h [...]s Beauty of Body, in this he resembl'd his Spouse, and as she surpass'd all other Beau­ties, so in Beauty Saint Ioseph was her Consort: In which truth, I agree with those learned Men, who hold for certain, that he was no less ex­cellent in all Perfections of Body, than in those of his Mind. For we cannot imagin that Iesus wou'd permit so strict an alliance of his Beautiful Mother, with a Man who had any Personal Defect. For what Father is there that chooses not the most accomplish'd Person to Marry his Daughter unto? Gerson affirm's that in his Face or Countenance; he resembl'd and was very like to Iesus, the most Beautiful amongst the Sons of Men; the^† Face of Iesus, says he, resembl'd the Face of Ioseph. And Saint Bernard testifies also; that he was like to that unparallel'd Beauty, the Blessed Virgin Mary; ^* Ioseph, says he, was made to the likeness of the Blessed Virgin his Spouse. So that [Page 23]they are all alike in Beauty, in which they exceeded all others. Thus much therefore may suffice for the discrip­tion of his Beauty in general, now let us descend to particulars.

His Face cast forth such rays of Beauty and Sweetness, as charm'd all that beheld him. One sight of him was sufficient to win the affe­ction of the beholders, and move them to a Devotion to him. This, Sister Iane of the Angels, Prioress of the vrsulins at Lodun testifi'd; when the Painters ask'd her (after Saint Ioseph's Apparition and Miraculous cure of her Health) how they shou'd draw him; for having describ'd to them his Fore-head, Eyes, Nose, Chin, Beard, Hair and all the rest of his Features, after the best manner she was able; she added, make use infine of all the advantages your Art ad­mits of, or is able to perform; yet after all you can do, you will never be able to express the Beauty of his Countenance. And when they ask'd her whether he was as handsom as such and such a Person; make him as much handsomer than these you speak of as you are able, yet after all, you will come short of his Beauty; it being impossible truly to express it, as it is. I must therefore forbear to endeavour to express by Pen, what they were not able to express by their Pensils; and con­clude [Page 24]with this short description, that in Beauty he was next to Jesus and Mary; whose Beauties were above what can be express'd by Words, and are even beyond any idea or ima­gination can be fram'd of 'em.

Yet to give you some glimps or shadow of his Beauty, I am assur'd that when they shew'd this Devout vrsuline his Picture at Paris as she pass'd by, which Hurlet the Famous Engraver had made, to represent the Miracle of her Recovery; she ac­knowledg'd the Face had many Fea­tures like his, and that it had some resemblance of that Majesty, she be­held in Saint Ioseph, when he Ap­pear'd to her, and at the same time perfectly cur'd her. Which mov'd me to get a Plate Ingrav'd after that, tho' far smaller (which you may see in the Frontispiece of this Book) which the Graver has per­form'd with so good success, that it contains such a Majesty and Sweet­ness, as strike both a Reverence and Affection into the beholders; and gives 'em a glimps or shaddow of his heavenly Beauty.

Moreover an agreeable exterior, a sweet and pleasant conversation, are no less charming than Beauty: Which Saint Ioseph had in very great Perfection, as well from his Natural temper, as from the many Years conversation, he had enjoy'd with tho [Page 25]Word Incarnate, and with the Queen of Angels: For in him the least defect in this kind; wou'd have been very no­torious; he being design'd by God to treat and converse with those Kings, whom he inspir'd, and led by a Star to Adore his Son; and not only to treat with Kings but even with An­gels themselves, sent to him upon several Embassys, to inform him of the Mistery of the Incarnation; of the Name he shou'd give his Son; of Herod's design against his Life; to warn him to fly with him and [...]is Mother into Aegypt; to give him no­tice of Herod's Death, and that he might return home again, tho' by a different way from that he took when he fled into Aegypt. Whom more­over he design'd to be t [...]e constant Companion of the Queen of An­gells; and even of the Son, and Mo­ther of God: And therefore he en­dow'd him with a great, noble and generous Mind; and replenish'd his Heart with such a Heavenly joy, as even broke forth and discover'd it self in his Countenance; and gave a grace and ornament to every action he perform'd; whereby [...]e gain'd e­very on's Affection and Esteem, be­sides his own; he being hereby not the least puffed up with any self-love or self-esteem; nor did he, as it or­dinarily happens, become less affable upon account of these honours done [Page 26]him, but receiv'd 'em with so bash­ful a modesty, and such an angeli­cal sweetness, as declar'd that he look'd upon himself as undeser­ving, of the esteem and love they shew'd him; more admiring and regar­ding their goodness, than his own me­rits. So that this his sweet disposition, this his excellent humour, together with his beautiful and pleasant Coun­tenance, which breath'd such an Hu­mility, joyn'd with winning and Angelical Modesty, as render'd his conversation both pleasing to Men, and Angels, nay even to God himself. So that the Interpretation of the Pa­triarch Joseph's Dream, was verifi'd in our Saint Joseph; for the Sun of Justice and she who was as beautiful as the Moon, even the Son and Mo­ther of God, both admir'd and even reverenc'd him.

But all these are only exteriour or­naments, and nothing, in compari­son of the interiour he possess'd; I mean those Vertues that adorn'd his Soul; for nothing is so lovely as Ver­tue; and nothing renders any object so worthy of Love as Vertue do's. And this it was that made Saint Jo­seph gain so great a conquest over the Hearts of all that knew him: For he was Charitable, Patient, Meek, Humble, Devout, Obedient, and in­fine was all that either the reputed Father of Jesus, or the Spouse of [Page 27] Mary ought to have been. And tho he had not of himself been so Emi­nent in these Vertues; yet the con­stant conversation with such emi­nent Paterns of them, as Jesus and Mary were, cou'd not but render him also most eminent in the same. For as one who lives in a perfumer's shop, do's not only take pleasure in the smell of the perfumes round about him, but is thereby perfum'd him­self, so the Vertues of Saint Joseph, were increas'd by theirs, with whom he constantly Liv'd and Convers'd.

What I have sayd, cannot, I am sure, but raise in your Hearts such a Love and Devotion to this great Saint as their's was; whose Examples I shall hereafter recount, and at the same time, shew how great this Love and Devotion ought to be: That is to say, it ought to be next to our Love and Devotion to Jesus and Mary.

CHAP. III. Of the great Love and special Devotion we ow Saint Jo­seph; and that it ought to be next to that we have for Jesus and Mary.

CERTAINLY none can re­fuse to pay this debt of Love to our Amiable Saint Joseph; to this object of the Love of Jesus and Mary; and to one so highly be­lov'd by God himself: For can the Eternal Wisdom Error be Deceiv'd? Can Mary engage her Affections without Reason? Or can we charge God with partiality, because he Loves Saint Joseph next to Jesus and Mary? Certainly such thoughts as these can never enter into a Pious Heart. Wherefore we must conclude, that since he was so amiable, they cou'd not elsewhere lodge their Affections better, or give a present of their [Page 29]Love to any one more deserving than Saint Joseph.

Let us therefore see how they Lov'd him, and endeavour to Love him as they did. Believing that God has renderd him lovely above others, to move us to Love him above others; and move us to follow the track's of his own Divine Affection towards Saint Joseph.

'Tis hereby we shall know that we are proficients in this Divine School of Love, when we come to Love Saint Joseph above all other Saints next to Jesus and Mary; in which consists that special Devotion we ought to have to him. I say not this, to lessen your Love and De­votion to any other Saint, but to augment your Love and Devotion to this Saint; who in regard of his Merits, hold's the first rank in Heaven and Earth, not only upon account of that Love that Jesus and Mary bore him; but of the Love that God has manifested towards him, by those high perogatives he has be­stow'd upon him. Not but that God has also very highly favour'd, many other Saints of his Heavenly Court; such as Saint John Baptist, whom the Divine Word declar'd the^† Great­est amongst the Sons of women; and [Page 30]such as the Apostles also were, who are Pillars of his Church, and like Stars of the first magnitude in the glorious Firmament of Heaven; as well as several other Saints like un­to these; but we must remember, what the Learn'd and Devout Ger­son says, that if the first Ranck and Hierarchy in Heaven, is, that of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; so the second is, this of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; and that all other Saints are of a lower Rank and of a dif­ferent Hierarchy. These other great Saints hold indeed the first place in their Rank and Hierarchy, accor­ding to the ordinary Law of Love; but not in that of the Order of the Hypostatical Union, and in the Mi­stery of the Incarnation, wherein those are only compris'd, who most nearly relate to Jesus and Mary, namely Saint Joseph; who com­pleats this Created Trinity as I be­fore signifi'd; and therefore makes a Hierarchy apart, of far greater Excellency and Dignity than the rest.

But still to set forth more at large Saint Joseph's Dignity, I will here declare the Source and Order of this Hierarchy, which comprehends none but Jesus, Mary and Joseph? We must therefore take notice, that God who is admirable in his Works, was not content only to make Man after his [Page 31]own Image and Likeness, but wou'd also make a Created Image and Like­ness of the Increated Trinity; in these three wonderful personages, Jesus, Mary and Joseph; whom he chose for the Mistery of the In­carnation. So that as the three Per­sons of the Increated Trinity, have all Cooperated to the Sacred Mystery of the Incarnation; so they wou'd also make an Illustrious and Crea­ted Emblem of themselves, to Coo­perate likewise towards the same Mistery. For Example, first in the subsistance of the two Natures of JESUS CHRIST, his Soul, Body and Divinity, are United in the Per­son of the Son of God. So by the Union of the admirable Love and singular Report that these three Per­sons Jesus, Mary and Joseph have to one another, they Contributed to it upon Earth; Mary bears the I­mage of God the Father, Jesus is the Son according to his Humanity, in a just likeness to what he is in Heaven, as he is the Word or Son of God. And Saint Joseph Repre­sents the Holy Ghost in the quality of Spouse to the Blessed Virgin, or in the Love he had for Jesus and Mary; which he manifested, by the care he took both of the one and of the other.

What Affections therefore are due to this Admirable and Venerable [Page 32]Created Trinity, as the Learn'd Ger­son stiles it, either in general or in particular? And if the greatest Ho­nour be confer'd upon them by this Title, why ought not the greatest Love to accompany it? If Love attends Merit, what can be next the Uncreated Trinity, but the Crea­ted? And next to the Father Son and Holy Ghost, but Jesus, Mary and Joseph, who ought to take the next place in our Affections. And as it wou'd be amiss for any one, first to Love God the Father, secondly to Love God the Son, and then, breaking the Order of the Trinity, to Love one of the Angels; place­ing the Holy Ghost in the same Rank with these Holy Spirits, so infinitely inferiour to him in all things; if therefore this wou'd be very Preposterous; since by deny­ing his first Affection to the Holy Ghost, he wou'd refuse him the first of all possible Devotions, which he deservedly challenges as his Right; it being an undoubted Truth, that we cannot render a greater Honour than by Love, and by offering our Heart in Homage. Wherefore as none can divide their Love and De­votion to the three Persons in the Uncreated Trinity, to give it else­where, no more can they do so in order to the Created Trinity: But must Love Jesus, Mary and Joseph, [Page 33]after the Uncreated Trinity, before any other object tho' never so Per­fect; and therefore to Love Jesus and Mary, and in the next place to Love any Saint or Angel, wou'd be to break the order of Love, and be­come injurious to this Created Tri­nity, robbing it of that Honour God has given it; and 'twou'd be to dis­place Saint Joseph, who ought to have the third Rank in the san­ctuary of our Affections; which wou'd clearly appear no less a Defect of Judgment, than of Devotion. Where­fore our greatest Devotion after that to Jesus and Mary, ought to be to Saint Joseph; without any fear or apprehension; that any Saint or An­gel will thereby be disoblig'd; they all giving him the precedency, knowing very well, what Honour and Devotion is due to the Spouse of Mary, the Mother of God, and to the reputed Father of Jesus, the Son of God, and to the third Person of the admirable Created Trinity, of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

CHAP. IV. What was the reason why it was so long, before Saint Jo­seph, the best belov'd of God and most amiable of all the Saints, after Jesus and Mary, had such a Love and Devotion payd him, as was du to the great­ness of his Merits?

THO' I dare not presume to penetrate into God's hidden Councels, nor pretend to a knowledge of his Divine Secrets, by permitting my curiosity to make inquiry why God has not permitted the wonderful Splendor of Saint Joseph's Glory, to break out, and shine forth, till these latter Years, permitting so many Years since the [Page 35]Incarnation to pass, without any ex­traordinary knowledge or acknow­ledgement of the wonderful Merits of the Holy Spouse of the Mother of God; yet I hope it will not ap­pear a rashness in me, to assign some motives that appear very reasonable; since all that I pretend to herein, is only to declare my own Thoughts, grounded upon such observations, as are taken from the ordinary Con­duct, which the Divine Providence has us'd in such like accidental oc­casions: And hereby also to pro­mote a Devotion to Saint Joseph, which was the chiefest design I had in Writing this Treatise; that by en­lightning the Understandings of his Clients, I may prepare a way for Saint Joseph to gain a higher place in their Affections.

We know that his Feast has not long been kept, with that solem­nity as now it is: And that in the Primitive Ages, no mention is made of any particular Devotion to this Saint; nor no such notice taken of his Canonization, as is now adays in practise concerning other Saints. I cannot therefore but own, that this Devotion towards Saint Joseph is only of late standing, since the most Ancient marks of Honour shew'd him in several places, are but of a very fresh date; as we may guess by the Confraternities, Chappels and [Page 36]Altars erected in his Honour, both in Italy, Germany and several other places; of which I find the City of Avignion to be the first that was so happy, as to express any Devotion to him in this kind; for in the chief Church in that City: there is a fair Chappel Dedicated to Saint Joseph, in which there is a Con­fraternity of Batchelors, and a So­dality of Virgins; who assemble themselves upon his Feast to hear Mass and Vespers, which are sung in this Chappel with great solem­nity; to gain thereby the Indul­gences granted by the Pope, where each of these Virgins has not only a Loaf of Holy Bread presented 'em as in other Confraternities, but a Posy of Flowers also, which they carry along with 'em in the Pro­cession.

This Devotion seems to have had it's rise or beginning from Gregory the XI. in the fourteenth Age, for in a certain Chappel in the Church; Dedicated to Saint Agricula, there is an Altar-piece of Saint Joseph, accompanying and conducting the Blessed Virgin and her Infant Jesus in their flight into Aegypt; which Church both shews the Liberality of this Pope, as well as his Devotion to Saint Joseph; whose Coat of Armes is plac'd round about the Chappel Dedicated to this Saint, in [Page 37]great Scutchions of Stone; so that 'tis more than probable 'twas he that began the Honours given to this Saint, in this Ancient Church of Avignion, where he held his Chaire or Holy Sea at that time. Who moreover at the same time increas'd the revenues of the Canons of the Church of Agricola. This is the first place, in which I find any publick Honors and Devotions done to Saint Joseph. So that 'tis not much above three hundred Years, since we find any Foostteps of any extraordinary Devotion to this Saint; and if be­fore this time, there were any, they were but very small, and far remote from the Primitive Ages; God by his Divine Providence thus ordering the Conduct of Devotion to great Saint Joseph.

But why did God so long con­ceale the wonderful Merits of this Saint, without encouraging Chri­stians by a knowledge of them, to exhibit that Love and Devotion to him which is now every where pra­ctis'd? The chief reason that occurs to me, is because this Devotion wou'd have given too great an advantage and encouragement to the Ebionites, who began betimes to rob CHRIST of his Divinity, and maintain'd that Joseph was his Natural Father. This Heresie not only Sacrilegiously deny­ing the Divinity of JESUS CHRIST, [Page 38]but the Virginity also of his Bles­sed Mother.

Now Men as we know, being ea­sily carried to Extreams, and to an excess in honoring those they esteem and love, reflecting upon the in­comparable excellency of the Spouse of the Virgin Mary, they might ea­sily have believ'd, and taken him for the Father of Jesus, Son to the Blessed Virgin; especially meeting with some, who were of that opi­nion; but now we are out of the danger of any such erroneous cre­dulity, and all that Sect of Here­ticks, who were Enemies of CHIST's Divinity, and the Virginity of our Blessed Lady, are silenc'd and shut up in an everlasting Prison; there is no danger of extolling his Me­rits, which caus'd him to possess such eminent Glory in Heaven; and to deserve such a Love and Devotion upon earth, as was next to that of Jesus and Mary.

Moreover tho' there had not been this danger of giving countenance to so great an Heresie; yet this ex­traordinary Devotion suits better with these latter Ages, in which the world draws towards an End, which still decaying in Piety and Fervour, stands in need of some Spiritual Cordial (as I may say) to warm it's Chilliness and Tepe­dity, and to inkindle Fervour in the [Page 39]Hearts of the Faithful; for which end nothing cou'd be more efficaci­ous, than a Love and Devotion to this great Patriarch, and Favorit of God. There are now one thousand six hundred ninty and eight Years past, since the Law of Grace took it's beginning, by the happy con­duct of Saint Joseph; who had the charge of the Word Incarnate com­mitted to him. And can it end more happily and with greater Glory, than under his conduct also? procur'd by the affectionat acknowledgements, applause and devotions of all Nati­ons, to this their thrice obliging Benefactour and Parent of Christia­nity. And by their cordial and grate­ful acknowledgement to the Father of our King, and to the Spouse of the Queen of Heaven and Earth: Hereby also God wou'd manifest to the World, that in the Beginning and in the End of the Law of Love, which are the two Gates of God's Church, and of the Law of Grace; he wou'd have Joseph the most Chast and Holy-Spouse of Mary, appear glorious and noble in this his enter­prise, and faithful in his conduct; that thereby he might deserve the Triumph of a Possession of our Hearts, by our Love and Devotion to him; wherefore to him may be well apply'd these words of the [Page 40] Proverbs. ^† Her Husband is Noble in the Gates. Or as the Caldaick Tran­slation has it, Her Husband is known in the Gates; at the Entrance and going out of the Law of Grace. that is, he is honor'd with the pub­lick mark of a Senator, which was to be plac'd at the Gates where such Men only were wont to sit.

For tho' it wou'd have been an incredible satisfaction to the Faith­ful, to have had him as much Lov'd and honor'd during the whole time of the Law of Grace, as now; yet God wou'd reserve this Joy and Con­tentment for these latter Years. And therefore the Devout and Learn'd Bellarmin, was wont to call this Age in which we now Live, the Age of Saints. He judging the num­ber of Persons that arrive to an eminent degree of Sanctity, by make­ing Petfection the chief and whole study of their Lives, to be far greater in these our Days, than ever ir was in former Ages. No time therefore cou'd be better for the acknow­ledging and serving Saint Joseph, the greatest of Saints, than the Age of Saints; wherein the Splendor of his Perfections might appear so much the more Glorious, by how much it had been for so many Ago [...] [Page 41]Eclipsed and lain under a Cloud. O how wonderful is God in all his Designs: And how good is he to us who Live in this Age? Since he depriv'd former Ages of the Beauty of this Sun, and ordain'd it shou'd break through that Cloud it lay hid in, in this our Age, to give us this most bright Day, and to move us to a servent Love and Devotion to Saint Joseph.

Moreover the Divine Providence has in this (which is one of the chief works of Grace) acted after the same manner as he do's in the rarest Master-pieces of Nature. 'Tis his special Favor that permits us to en­joy the sight of these Beautiful Ob­jects, which are the product of his Divine Creation. Such as are Dia­monds, Rubies, Emerods, Pearls and all other sorts of Precious Stones; that gives us also a sight of Gold, Silver and other resplendent Me­tals; yet there are far greater Trea­sures of this kind, buried in the Bottom of the Sea, and in the Bowels of the Earth, than ever we have yet seen or heard of His Bounty let's us also behold, the many Beautiful Flowers, Plants, Trees, Birds and Beasts, together with that wonderful and agreeable variety of so many beautiful Faces of Men, Women and Children, the won­ders of the Universe; yet God has [Page 42]layd up and kept a reserve of all these Objects, far more Beautiful than any we have ever yet seen. He permits us also to behold the most glorious objects, of the Sun, Moon and Stars; tho' their distance hin­ders us, in some measure, from per­ceiving that wonderful Beauty they contain in themselves. But there are far greater, richer and more beau­tiful Objects than all these in the Empyrial Heaven, which God has still conceal'd from us, which are as far above the Sun in Beauty; as the Empyrial Heaven is above it in Height. Tho' God's Liberality and Bounty towards us, in affording us the Contemplation of all these Beautiful Objects, is a great mark of his Goodness: Yet he has been far more gracious towards us, in shewing us the wonderful works of his Grace, than in discovering to us the foresaid works of Nature: By giving us some knowledge of those wonderful ornaments of the Empy­rial Heaven; especially of those two great Luminaries Jesus and Mary, which adorn and imbelish his Hea­venly Pallace, together with a great number of other Saints also, who like so many Blaeing Stars Beau­tifie his Caelestial Hierusalem, or Vi­sion of Peace: And tho' we must own our sight too short, and even too weak to behold these great [Page 43]Lights, whose number is beyond our casting up, and whose Beauty and Glory exceed our Imagination; be­cause we can have no full and com­pleat knowledge of 'em, till we be so happy as to enjoy their company by being plac'd with them in the Celestial Court. Yet we must never­theless acknowledge this imperfect and abstractive knowledge he gives us as a special favour, and also that he has after so extraordinary a man­ner, been pleas'd to discover to us in this our Age, one of the Richest Treasures of Heaven, for Greatness, Sanctity and Glory, which for so many foregoing Ages he had con­ceal'd from the World, that we may inrich our selves by paying due ho­nour and affection to him, whom he had rais'd to the honour of being the Foster Father of Jesus; and Spouse of the Virgin Mary; and hereby gain those Heavenly Blessings, that ac­company such a Devotion. And 'tis no less for Saint Joseph's greater ho­nour than our greater merit; that God has reserv'd the discovery of his Merits, till our Days.

We also know, that except the work of Creation, of all things out of nothing, that nothing is done here upon Earth, without fit Dispositions and due Preparations. The Painter prepares his Pallet with Colours, and primes his Cloath, before he begins [Page 44]to Paint. The Architect squares and makes ready his Timber, Stone and other Materials, before he begins to Build. The Gold-smith refines his Silver and hammers out his Plates, before he begins to imboss his Work. Ladies make up their Com­modes, all their other Ornaments and Rich Attire, before they Dress or Adorn themselves. A good Rhe­toritian prepares and disposes his Matter and Figures, to adorn his Oration, before he Composes it. Nay we see that even all sorts of Arti­sans, prepare both Tools and Mat­ter to work upon, and great prepa­rations are made, before any excellent Piece of Work can be accomplish'd and when 'tis done, 'tis also ne­cessary that the Beholders shou'd be duly inform'd, and well dispos'd for the better conceiving, understanding and admiring it's Perfections. God therefore would dispose the World to conceive and understand the great Perfections of Saint Joseph, before he wou'd discover to them such a Master-Piece.

And not only Art, but Nature also do's produce her Works by de­grees, nor do's she furnish them with­out many Previous Dispositions and Trials of her Skill. For according to Pliny, who search'd more nar­rowly into her Works than any other Naturalist has ever done, [Page 45] [...]ys that^† The Bell-flower is an Essay [...] Tryal of Nature, how to make a [...]illy or Tulip: For after she has thus [...]ade or produc'd it of one Colour, [...]he takes still longer time (as the [...]ost experienc'd Florists inform us) [...]o Adorn, Trace and Paint it, after [...]o Artificial a manner, with so many [...]indes of rich resplendent Colours, [...]s render it so very Beautiful, that [...]he Divine Wisdom gives it this high Commendation, saying.^* That Salo­mon in all his Glory, was not so Rich­ly Attir'd, as one of these. Yet Na­ture do's not Communicate this Beau­ty to them but by degrees, and after several tryals of her Skill, for she first rais'd it from Seed, only of one Colour, which Colour also is very indifferent and ordinary, in respect of those Colours wherewith she af­terwards Stripes, Traces and A­dorn's it.

Now if from the Works of Art and Nature, we have recourse to those of Grace, immediately wrought by God himself, we shall find he takes the self same Measures, where­with he inspires both Art and Na­ture to Operate. Especially in fram­ing [Page 46]his chief Master-piece his Holy Church. For to what End did he ordain so many Ceremonies in the Old Jewish Law? Why was he so careful of all the Ornaments of Sa­lomons Temple, as even to Ordain that the very Snuffers and other In­struments, of less Moment, shou'd be of Gold? It was because the beholding all these Ordinations and Ceremonies, serv'd to his Elect People as an Aprentiship; to under­stand and learn both the Excellency and Sublime Practices of the New Law, that JESUS CHRIST was to Establish; these serv'd as Foun­dations whereupon that was to be built; and to dispose us to that Perfection as was requir'd, and ob­tain'd by those Sacraments institu­ted in the Law of Love, which the Divine Wisdom was to Establish in his Church. 'Twas therefore for this End that he brought up his Elect People in the Exercise of such a Multitude of Ceremonies in the Old Law, that he might hereby dispose and bring them by little and little, to that solid Devotion and Atten­tion requir'd in the New.

We also see that the Written Law God gave to Moyses, Perfected the Law of Nature, and the Law of Grace Perfects both the Law of Nature and the Written Law; and God made use of all these to bring [Page 47]us to that Perfection, which the Ver­tue and Prerogatives of his Grace prepar'd us to obtain; the better to entertain him, with such Fervour and Devotion as he requir'd, when he shou'd favor us with his Divine Presence.

Thus we see that God both by himself and his Creatures, prepares, disposes, brings about, and perfects all his designs by degrees. And we see the reason why God for the space of near seventeen hundred Years has dispos'd and order'd that particular Honours and Devotions, shou'd be perform'd by his Servants to particu­lar Saints, for particular benefits re­ceiv'd by their Intercession; for he bestow's upon each Saint some par­ticular Grace or Priviledge; to move the Faithful to a particular Devoti­on to that particular Saint; give­ing to one Saint the power of cure­ing one Disease, to another the pow­er of curing a different Distemper; to one Saint power to help us in one Necessity, to another Saint pow­er to help us in a different Exigency; to one Saint he gives the priviledge to obtain one Vertue for us, to a­nother to obtain some other diffe­rent Vertue; and why did God do all this, but to move his Servants to a particular Devotion to the Saints in general? And to move and dis­pose us also to a Devotion to each [Page 48]Saint in particular, when we wan­ted their help in such a neces­sity as God had given that Saint a particular power to help us in. And why, has God reserv'd to this last Age the declaration of the Merits and Power of Saint Joseph, but that the Devotion wherewith he had In­spir'd us to give to each Saint in in Particular, might serve us like so many dispositions and steps to raise us to such a Devotion to Saint Joseph, as he merits above all other Saints, next to Jesus and Mary; he having all that Power united in himself, which God had distributed amongst all other Saints, whereby he was able to cure all Corporal and Spiritual Diseases, both of Soul and Body, and to help his Clients in all their Necessities whatsoever; his Dignity and Merits challenging this extraordinary priviledge above all other Saints, except Jesus and Mary; to the end therefore that all the particular Devotions exhibited for so many Ages, to many different Saints, might be united and offer'd to him, and that all might have Recourse to him in all their Neces­sities, God has discover'd to us that all the power he had before Commu­nicated and Distributed to several Saints, is united and given to Saint Joseph, he having all Power given him next to Jesus and Mary.

I shou'd not thus freely have de­clar'd my Thoughts upon so sub­lime a Subject, had I not before­hand made my Apology; since after all, none but God and his Saints do certainly know the true reason why Saint Joseph receiv'd not more Early Honours in the Catholick Church; Now therefore I shall go on to perform that which I also Promis'd; and will be a far easier task, which is to make known to you who were those particular Clients, of Saint Joseph, that in these latter Years, God has Inspir'd to endea­vour after a most particular man­ner, the promoting his Honour.

CHAP. V. Of the ten particular Clients of Saint Joseph, who by their Pious Examples have invited and mov'd us to a particular Devotion to him, next to Jesus and Mary.

THE Clients of Saint Joseph daily increase, and are already become so numerous, that there are few or none, that desire not to be inrol'd amongst 'em. All the Clients of Jesus and Mary have also Consecrated their Affecti­ons to him, in acknowledgement of his Amability, and of the Love which his reputed Son Jesus and his Virgin Spouse Mary have for him; their Mouths and Pens express the desires [Page 51]and wishes of their Hearts; saying, Long Live Jesus Mary and Joseph, these are now become their Aspira­tions, adding Joseph to the common Aspiration of Devout Souls, Long Live Jesus and Mary; and their fre­quent prohouncing, of these words, is a signal mark of the Victory he has gain'd over their Chast Affections. It has been heretofore a singular Devotion of some Persons, who were particularly Devoted to the Vertue of Purity, to add Alexius to those two Venerable Names of Jesus and, Mary, but since this Lovely Sun Saint Joseph has peirc'd the Cloud, under which he so many Years lay hid, all change their notes and cry out Jesus Mary and Joseph, instead of Jesus, Mary, Alexius, giving Saint Joseph his own, yet without lessoning their Devotion to Alexius, whom after Saint Joseph they honor also with frequent Aspirations, Live Alexius, O let Alexius Live. But they knowing the Merits of Saint Joseph to be of a different and higher rank, upon account of the alliance he had with the Vertues of his Holy Spouse, and with the Mistery of the Incarnation; which render'd him, as I have sayd, one of the Created Tri­nity, where he takes his place; gives him a preference, above all other Saints; tho after him every one may take Alexius, or what other [Page 52]Saint they are particularly Devoted unto, for the Object of their par­ticular Affection.

The first and chief of those, who were tenderly affected to Saint Jo­seph, was Jesus the Son of God. For tho' our Blessed Lady was first by the date of time, that Lov'd her Spouse; since her Love began be­fore JESUS CHRIST her Son was Born; yet 'tis not to be doubted, but that the Saviour of the World incomparably more Lov'd and Che­rish'd him, than our Lady did. And therefore tho' her Love was prece­dent, as I sayd, in regard of time. Yet the Love which Jesus, as Son of God, had for him before time, was above our imagination, and beyond the power of Angels to express; he lov'd him as his Father, and ne­ver Son lov'd a Father as Jesus did Joseph; nay joyn all the tender Af­fections that all the Children that have ever yet been, have ever had for their Fathers; yet the Affection of Jesus to Joseph transcended 'em all; he had in proportion the same ten­derness of Affection for Saint Joseph, which he had for his Virgin Mother; and prefer'd none upon Earth be­fore Saint Joseph excepting her self, perfectly fulfilling the Command­ment, of honoring his Father and Mother, with greater exactness and tenderness of Affection, than ever [Page 53]any Child in the World did; and lov'd him also as it became such a Child to love such a Father, so Amia­ble, so Tender, so Careful of him, so Singularly Obliging to him, as he was upon so many accounts.

Jesus lov'd him also as a Saviour for saving him from the Cruel Hands of Herod, by flying with him into Aegypt. Whereby he became even the Saviour of his Saviour. More­over he lov'd him as his Nursing Father, as Foster'd by his Sweat and Labours; he lov'd him moreover under the title of his Angel Guar­dian. Other Persons have invisible Angel Guardians given 'em by God; Jesus alone had no Angel Guardian given him, his Divinity being so strictly united to his Humanity was to him a sufficient guard; wherefore God gave him Saint Joseph as a vi­sible Guardian, which honour he confer'd upon Saint Joseph, for the space of thirty Years, he bearing all that while the title and office of Conductour, Tutor and Governour of the word Incarnate. Moreover the very Name and Right of a God-fa­ther, appointed by God himself, was another motive of Jesus's extraor­dinary affection towards Saint Joseph. Infine such was his Love, that as the Eastern Church recounts, out of some Revelations, he lov'd him as the Apple of his Eye. The Saviour [Page 54]of the World (as Isidorus recounts out of very Grave Authors) enter­taining his Disciples upon the Life of Saint Joseph, spoke thus of him,^† I Confer'd and Convers'd with Saint Joseph, as if I had been his Son, he be call'd me Son, and I call'd him Father, he Commanded me and I Obey'd him and lov'd him as my Father, and even as the Apple of my Eye.

If you still desire to see the ef­fects of this his extraordinary Love, know that generally he favour'd him with all the particular Marks of his Love, whereby he has ever favour'd any Saint. 'Twas esteem'd a signal favour to Saint^* Mary Magdalen, of the Ʋrsins to have a sight of the Infant Jesus, as he lay upon Straw in the Manger at Bethlem. Blessed Teresa de Cerda as a reward of her Zeal in watching the Corporals upon which his Body was wont to lye upon the Altar, whilst they were dry­ing, least any Flies might light upon or stain 'em, saw our Saviour him­self lying upon them and wrap­ping them about his Sacred Body. The honour Saint Mary Magdalen receiv'd in Kissing our Saviours Feet in the Huose of Simon, was also very great; but all these were nothing in comparison of what Saint Joseph receiv'd.

He not only once but all the time of Jesus his Infancy, saw him in the Crib; how often did he behold him in his Swadling-clouts; and how many thousand times did he kiss hi [...] Sacred Feet?

'Twas a signal Favour Saint John receiv'd, by laying his Head upon his Masters Sacred Breast; and what knowledge of Secrets and Misteries did he draw from thence? But how many times has Jesus rested his Sa­cred Head upon Saint Joseph's Breast? Whilst he carried him in his Sacred Armes, tenderly Embracing and Che­rishing him, both at home and a­broad in his journeys to Aegypt and elsewhere; and how many Secrets did he then Communicate to him?

'Twas esteem'd a particular Favour to Blessed Ʋrsula of Valence, when our Saviour appear'd to her cloath'd in Episcopal Robes, and giving her his Blessing. And at another time, when be Enter'd by Night into her Chamber, whilst she was at her pray­ers, more Bright and Glorious than the Sun, transporting and filling her Heart with Divine Comforts. Great was the happiness our Saviour af­forded his Apostles by three Years continual Conversation with them, seeing his admirable Example, and hearing his Divine Wisdom. But Saint Joseph surpass'd all these, Con­versing with him not only three but [Page 56]thirty Years together, seeing and hearing this Divine Word. Behold­ing him not in an Episcopal but Mi­taculous Habit, that grew as his Body did, and this not as he was passing from one place to another, but constantly in his own House; not receiving one but innumerable Benedictions from his Divine Hand.

We Read also of an extraordinary favour that our Saviour did Blessed Jane of France, when he sat down at table with her, at no other Ban­quet than that of three Hearts, serv'd up upon a Plate of Gold. Which were his own, his Mothers and Hers. The Apostles also enjoy'd the ho­nour of Eating with him at Laza­rus's, Simion's, Zachaeus's, Saint Ma­thew's and several other Tables; But was it not a far greater favour that Saint Joseph enjoy'd, of being his and his Mothers constant Guest, sitting at Table with them, having his Soul fed and set on fire with the Inflam'd Words, that proceeded from the Heart and Mouth of the Son of God, and from that large Heart of his Bles­sed Mother, where she had laid and hoarded up all those Mysteries she had both heard and seen.

We admire the Visions he bestow'd upon his Apostles and other Saints, at his Transfiguration upon Mount Thabor, and by several Apparitions after his Resurrection, or Assension [Page 57]into Heaven; as to Saint Paul, Saint Catharine of Sienna, Saint Teresa, Saint Francis and Saint Dominick, Blessed Stanis-laus Kosta, Saint Ig­natius and to many other Saints, replenish'd with such a resplendent Beauty, accompanied with such a Melodious attendance of Angels, as all the Annals of Saints do recount. And was not Saint Joseph also sur­rounded by all the Quires of Angels, singing Gloria in Eccelsis Deo? Saint Briget in her Revelations relates, that Saint Joseph saw our Saviour inviron'd by a Divine Light, which according to his Mothers Testimony, far exceeded the Lustre and Brightness of the Sun, saying to Saint Briget, ^* Saint Jo­seph often beheld an admirable Glory, in the midest of which my Son ap­pear'd in great Splendour, and at the same time Heavenly Musick delighted our Hearts, the Angels declaring and singing the Glories of my Son. Lastly, we with reason look upon it as the highest Point of the Love of JESUS CHRIST, when he visibly appears to his Favorits at the hower of their Death, Visiting, Comforting and As­sisting them in that last passage out of the Miseries of this World into everlasting Happiness in the next. For in this Saint Joseph had a most particular mark of his fa­vour [Page 58]above all others, whose Heart was fill'd with most delicious Dying Thoughts; for as the Eastern Church, I before cited, assures us, our Sa­viour assisted him in his last Agony, leaning on his Pillow, taking him by the Hand, and receiving his last Breath from his Lips; and at his last Groan, clos'd his Eyes, shut his Mouth and form'd his Visage with his own most Divine Hand, to give him a graceful Aspect, at his last farewell. Are not all these extraor­dinary marks of Jesus his particular Love to Saint Joseph?

The second we find inroul'd amongst the fervorous Lovers of Saint Jo­seph, is Mary the Mother of Jesus; she Lov'd him in quality of her Spouse, never any Virgin Lady was so Faithfully Loving, so Chastly Observant, so Religiously engaging in her Conversation with her espous'd Husband as Mary was, to her Joseph. He was Most passionately lov'd and esteem'd by her, as the Protector of her Consecrated Virginity, and also the conserver of her Honour. Whose Conversation was a security to her unblemish'd Reputation, against any reproach that cou'd be made concer­ning her Virgin Child-Birth. For had he forsaken her during the nine Months after her Conception, her Purity wou'd unavoidably have been suspected. Moreover she bore an [Page 59]affectionate service to him as to her Husband and Head, and as to one of the greatest Merit amongst all Man kind; next to her Son Jesus.

This Love of the Virgin Mary to her Spouse, caus'd her to descend to the meanest and lowest Services, whereby she cou'd any ways express her Love and Esteem of him; it caus'd her to attend and wait upon him, to prepare his Meat, and to perform all other humble Offices he stood in need of; she knew very well the place she possest upon Earth, and that also which was design'd for her in Heaven: As being the Queen Mother of God; as being Queen both of Men and Angels, and that in this regard Saint Joseph was her Inferior; yet the Love she had for him, made her lay aside these considerations, and render him all sorts of honour and res­pect imaginable; for as Saint Briget says in her Revelations,^* she call'd him her Lord, never spoke to him but with a wonderful and most sub­missive respect, and there was no tenderness of affection that a love­ing Soul can express, to one she highly esteems and passionately loves, which she did not thousands and thou­sands of times testifie to Saint Joseph, wherefore to convince you how she [Page 60]lov'd him, hearken to the affecti­onate Character, she her self gives of him, to Saint Briget as 'tis set down in her Revelations, after the fol­lowing manner.

My Spouse was reserv'd in Speech, never uttering the least unprofitable, murmuring or complaining Word; ne­ver was he mov'd to Anger, or shew'd the least Impatience; he was contented in Poverty, diligent and vigilant in La­bour, most obedient and condescending to all my Inclinations. Very Meek and Affable, even to those that most rudely treated him; he couragiously de­fended the absent that suffer'd Detra­ction, and was a faithful Witness and Divulger, of God's wonderful Works, he was resign'd to live upon Earth tho his longing and earnest desire was after Heaven, expecting and confiding in God's Promises; and frequently re­peating, God grant I may see them Accomplish'd; he avoided Publick As­semblies, took no content at all in Crea­tures; but all his thoughts and de­sires, were, that he might per­fectly accomplish God's Divine Will.

Saint Teresa of Jesus, deserves the third place, amongst those who after a particular manner, have express'd their Love and Esteem to Saint Jo­seph: Who merits the title of Saint Joseph's chiefest Devote, and may well therefore be plac'd amongst his lovers. She made choice of him [Page 61]for her particular Advocate, frequent­ly recommending her self to him, as to one she honour'd above all other Saints, she stil'd him her Father and Master, and had such a confidence in him as was admirable; and there­by deserv'd such a reward for it, as she her self attests, in the sixth chap­ter of her Life, which was, that she never ask'd any thing of him either for Body, or for Soul, that he de­nied her; which caus'd her to say, that God by his other Saints, help'd and succour'd us in some particular cases of necessity; but help'd us in all necessities by Saint Joseph, as by his Plenipotentiary. To let us un­derstand, that as he was subject to him in all things upon Earth, as to a father who Commanded him: So he was the same in Heaven; grant­ing him whatsoever he ask'd. This was Saint Teresa's opinion concer­ning her great Patron, to whom she was so particularly Devoted, that she endevour'd to invite all to take him for their particular Patron and Protectour. But especially those who desire to give themselves to Prayer, and to become knowing in that most holy and profitable Exer­cise; and therefore was wont to say, let him who cannot find a Master to teach him the Art of Praying, take this great Saint for his Master; and he shall not fail to [Page 62]prove a great Proficient, and a most skilful Scholar. Infine she did what she cou'd to instill into all sorts of Persons a particular Devotion to Saint Joseph, who as he was Master of her Heart, so she had a desire he shou'd be so, of the Hearts of all others; and therefore endeavour'd to engage their Hearts with her own, in an ardent Love of him and Devotion to him; which de­sire of hers, together with the ex­periments she had had, of the good, obtain'd by the Merits and Prayers of this Saint, caus'd her engage­ingly to promise the same success, to all that shou'd recommend them­selves to him: Attesting that she ne­ver knew any Person, that had a true Devotion for him, or render'd him any particular Service, that ob­tain'd not a great progress and ad­vancement in Vertue.

You see here the cause, of my ranking her in the first place, of those of this last Age, that set up the Standard of Devotion to Saint Joseph; by divulging his Merits and by a due acknowledgement of his Favours, whereby in these our times, in which we have more need than ever of Heavenly assistance, she brought in that profitable De­votion to this great Saint.

The fourth Person, noted for his particular Devotion to Saint Joseph, [Page 63]is that holy Minim blessed Gaspar Bond, who after Jesus and Mary, had none so near his Heart as Saint Jo­seph. All his Life long he had a most singular Devotion to him, and at his Death his chief recours, was to none so much as to this Holy and Amiable Patriarch; and ex­press'd his Devotion by a particu­lar honour shew'd to his Name, af­ter the Name Jesus and Maria; which made such an impression in him, that he cou'd think or speak of no­thing else; he took a particular gust in the pronouncing of them, and thought the doing so gave a good success, and prosper'd all his under­takings, and this was the short, but pithy Incomium, that he gave them.

Wherefore to shew the Love and Esteem he had of them, he us'd them as a watch-word, as a salutation both at meeting or parting, as a sign of admiration, as a parenthesis, as a transition, and even upon all oc­casions he made use of them.

when he came home, his Saluta­tion to the Porter, was Jesus Mary Joseph, pray Brother open the Gate; and the same Salutation he us'd when he went forth; and when any Strangers came in, his Salutation was Jesus Maria Joseph, Father you are welcome; thus on all occasions these Names were in his Mouth; and as he liv'd in this Devotion so he de­sir'd to dye in the same; where­fore in time of his last Sickness, he earnestly recommended to those that assisted him, that when they saw him in his last Agony, they wou'd frequently repeat these Names in his Ears, which were an extract and abridgement of his Affections; and a singular cordial to help and conduct his Soul in it's passage to God: And that fell out which he desir'd; for he died with these Words in his Mouth;^† Good Jesus have Mercy upon me, and then Invocating these three Names, Jesus Maria Jo­seph, he yielded up his happy Soul. God grant us all so happy an end as this.

The fifth Person Devoted after a a particular manner to Saint Joseph, was that Prince and Prelate of Ge­neva, Saint Francis of Sales, who as we have reason to beleive, ho­nour'd him above all the Saints [Page 65]in Heaven, according to the Testi­mony of Father Peter Bernaud of the SOCIETY of JESUS; who had the honour to assist him in his last Sickness, who was acquainted with two or three very remarkable passages, that testified the very great Devotion this Holy Prelate had to Saint Joseph. The Night before he dy'd, being at Lyons upon the point of his Departure, an Apoplexy seiz'd him, tho' not perceptable to the Rector of Saint Joseph's Colledge, of the SOCIETY of JESUS, when he came to salute and bid him adue; who offering him, his and all the Fa­thers Services that were in his House; to which all the reply or complement the Bishop return'd, was to tell him with an Angelical Sweetness, O Fa­ther know yee not that I am all Saint Joseph's? The same Father also re­lated, that watching the Night fol­lowing in the Chamber of this holy Prelate, to assist him at his happy Death, whilst the Apoplexy grew worse, not having his own Bre­viary to say his Howers, one lent him the Breviary of the sick Pre­late; in which he found but one Picture, which was of Saint Joseph. Another mark of his tender Devo­tion to Saint Joseph, is related also by the same Father, happen'd some time before, when he made the first Sermon in our Church, upon the [Page 66]Feast of Saint Joseph. It seems the Lord Cardinal of Markmont, Arch-Bishop of Lyons, had engag'd the Bishop to Preach upon Saint Joseph's Day, in the Church of the Carmelits, which Father Bernaud being ignorant of, invited him also to Preach in the Jesuits Church, Dedicated to Saint Joseph: who notwithstanding refus'd not to do him this favour, giving him this Answer, Tho' when I bring forth Twins by one Days La­bour, I shall not come off well, yet for the Love of Saint Joseph I will de it. However he perform'd it in the afternoon with very good success, and for an hour and a half so im­ploy'd his Eloquence in expressing his feeling Devotion to Saint Joseph, explicating the Eminent Merits, and setting forth the Prayses af his Be­lov'd Patron after such a manner, that convinc'd the Cardinal and the rest of his Auditory, of the great Passion and ardent Affection he had for this Saint.

This Devout Sermon of his, puts me in mind of a rich Treatise [...] writ concerning this Divine Spouse of our Blessed Lady, which is in his Book of Spiritual Entertainments, wherein he evidences how great a [...] esteem he had of Saint Joseph; and that you may by a part, judge of the whole Piece; and of the great Affection and Esteem he had for this [Page 67]Saint; give me leave out of it to recite one of his Exclamations. O what a great Saint, says he, in the entrance of the Discourse, i [...] the Glorious Saint Joseph! He's not only a Patriarch, but the chief of all the Patriarch's. He's not only a Con­fessour, but more than a Confessour, for in his Prerogative of Confessour, is included the Dignity of Bishops, the Generosity of Martyrs, the Purity of Virgins, and the Perfections of all other Saints. 'tis therefore with just reason that he is compar'd to the Palm, which is the King of Trees. This is sufficient to declare his Zeal of the Honour. of this Saint, and of the Love he had for him, this being his whole drift in that Discourse. More­over if we address our selves to the Religious of the Visitation of our Blessed Lady, his Spiritual Children, they being of the Order he Insti­tuted, and who inherit the Love their Founder had for Saint Joseph; They'll tell you their Patriarch has Dedi­cated his Book, Of the Love of God, to Saint Joseph: That he has put the first Monastery and Church of their Order under his Protection: That he every where bears the title of their Tutelar Saint or Protector; that he has order'd, that in all their Houses, they keep his Feast with Solemnity, and in his Institute has Commanded, that all these Religious [Page 68]his Children shou'd hear a particular Devotion to him, that the Mistris of Novices, shou'd cause the Novi­ces, and even the Postulants, to get a habit of calling upon him, when they began their Mental Prayer; and that they take him for their Guide and Advocate in that Exercise. These are his Daughters, who Imitate their Father in their Love and Devotion to Saint Joseph, which he has, as his Divine Legacy, intail'd upon them.

The sixth, who was Eminent for her Devotion to Saint Joseph, was Blessed Margaret de Chateau, of the Holy Order of Saint Dominick. As commonly we think upon what we Love, so this Virgin had ordinarily no other subject of Meditation than the Sacred Birth of our Saviour lying in the Manger, assisted by the Blessed Virgin and Saint Joseph, and this her Meditating upon those small services that Saint Joseph render'd to this little Infant and his Holy Mo­ther, caus'd both an incredible Con­solation in her Mind, and a singu­lar Affection to this Holy Patri­arch; nor was this without many wonderful effects that accompany'd it, which were manifestly wrought by the Finger of God, who most wonderfully drew in her Heart, these three Personages attending upon Je­sus lying in the Crib. A favour ne­ver [Page 69]before heard of: who being of­ten heard to tell her Confidents, saying, O that yee did but know what I carry and keep in my Heart! After she was Dead, she was open'd, and in her Heart they found three Pre­cious Stones, in which were In­graven the three Objects of her Love: In the first was an Image of our Blessed Lady, with a Rich Crown upon her Head; in the se­cond lay little Jesus surrounded by a Flock of Lamb's; in the third stood Saint Joseph with a Venerable Coun­tenance, a Mantle of Gold hanging upon his shoulder, a Dove over his Head, and a Religious Woman knee­ling at his Feet, resembling the de­ceas'd Nun. The sight of this, as we may truely beleive, was a com­fort to all the beholders; and the fame of it, was spread abroad far and near, which much increas'd the De­votion to Jesus, Mary and Joseph, especially to the last, who had thus rewarded his suppliant. Which three Miraculous pieces are preserv'd to this very Day, and to be seen in the Town of Chateau, in the Mo­nastery of the Order of Saint Do­minick, where they are kept with great Devotion.

The seventh Person, Famous for her particular Devotion to Saint Io­seph, is Blessed Agatha, of the Holy Cross, of the same Order. And it [Page 70]was upon the Feast of the Purifi­cation, that this Pious Soul con­ceiv'd so great a Devotion to this Saint: The occasion whereof was this: she had a design to act the part of a severe Governess, in cor­recting certain Women, whom the had a little before taken in a Fault; thereby to frighten 'em from fal­ling again into the like. Which af­terwards she had a scruple of, fear­ing she might have exceeded in her Words and manner of her Correction; wherefore she resolv'd to go to Confession and whilst she was in the Church preparing her self for it: Our Blessed Lady Ap­pear'd to her with her Infant Jesus in her Armes, accompanied by Saint Joseph; the surprise of so great a favour, made her not loose so good an occasion of begging Pardon for her Fault, both of the Infant and his Mother, which they granted her, and at the same time fill'd her Heart with so great an abundance of joy and comfort, that she spent the whole Day in Thanksgiving to them; considering at the same time the seraphical affections Saint Joseph had, when he assisted in the Temple of Jerusalem, at the Purification of our Blessed Lady.

Nor did she permit this Devoti­on they had inkindl'd in her Heart, both towards themselves and Saint [Page 71] Joseph to cool, but still increas'd the fervour thereof towards the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, which was in­courag'd and encreas'd by a Vision she had, upon the Feast of this Holy Patriarch, concerning his Life and Death.

Wherein she understood, by Di­vine Inspiration, that when this Saint was at his last Gasp, he felt an extream regret to quit the Com­pany and Conversation of Jesus, and his Beloved Spouse; knowing that after the departure of his Soul from his Body, he was not presently to enjoy God, but was to expect this Happiness, till the Resurrection of the Son of God, which grief con­tinuing, our Blessed Saviour bid him not afflict himself at this separati­on; for he shou'd quickly see both him and his Eternal Father also, with an accomplishment of the chief and greatest Promises God had made by the Prophets. These words Com­forted him, but the Prayers that Je­sus made for him in his last Agony, comforted him far more, and so he past from this Life to the next, [...]n the Armes of his Son and Sa­ [...]lour, and in the Presence of the most Sacred Virgin his Spouse. The consideration of these particular Pri­ [...]iedges, with reason renderd the Holy [...]gin Agatha more Devoted than [...]r to Saint Joseph.

The Devout Yolant de Silva de­serves with reason to have the eighth place or rank amongst the Devotes of Saint Joseph. Her chief Devotion was to consider the Infancy of our Blessed Saviour, who was drest in swadling Bands for the Love of Men; and often Meditating upon this Point, inkindled her De­votion towards Saint Joseph; she i­magining, his Ears, Blessed with the Cries of this Blessed Babe; his Eyes, with beholding him in all Con­ditions; his Armes, by being as a Cradle to Rock, Carry and Embrace him; his Mouth, by declaring the faith and Affection of his Heart; both by his Words, and those Amorous Impressions of his Lips, upon the Infants Sacred Feet. This Mistery occasion'd her Devotion also to the Holy Innocents, who as the Church says,^† Not by Speaking but by Dying Profest their Faith: In Memory an [...] Honour of them, she Yearly say [...] a hundred and forty thousand times our Lords Prayer; they being s [...] many in number, as some reasonabl [...] suppose, grounding their Opinion up­on what Saint John relates in his Apo [...] ­lyps, ^* They having his Name Writter [Page 73]in their For-Heads, for whom they Sacrifis'd their Lives. These Devo­tions prov'd very advantagious to her; for Saint Joseph and the Holy Innocents in requital, visited her at the hour of her Death, never quitting her till they accompany'd and conducted her Devout Soul unto Heaven.

The Ninth Client of Saint Joseph, was the Devout John Gerson, Chan­celour of the University of Paris. No passionate lover ever having the like affection for his belov'd object, as he had for Saint Joseph. He having compos'd a Book, he in titles it, his Josephin, in honour of Saint Joseph. In each one of his Ser­mons he never omitted to say some­thing in his Praise. And in having, as I may say, amass'd and gather'd together, all that can be sayd to en­crease Saint Joseph's praise and esteem in this his work, it may very well be call'd a Magazin of Saint Joseph's Prai­ses. But the better to judge of his Love to Saint Joseph, 'tis necessary to Read what he says of him, and what praises he gives him. As that he was Sanctifi'd in his Mother's Womb as Saint John Baptist was. That he had obtain'd a perfect Victory [...]er Sensuality, which was always [...]bject to his Reason; that he was confirm'd in Grace; that he [...]ose [...]ith our Saviour from the Dead; [Page 74]That he then Appear'd to his belov'd Spouse the Blessed Virgin: That no Saint in Heaven is greater than he except the Blessed Virgin: So that to hear what he says, you wou'd beleive God had chosen him for Saint Joseph's chief Panegyrist, to write and set forth his Praises; and that all others who have writ of this Sub­ject, are but his Schollars. 'Twas he that found out the true eleva­tion of this Star, and that it's as­cendent was next to the Virgin Mo­ther. All which proves him a true Lover and Client of Saint Joseph.

The Devout Henry Chycot, Canon of Chartres, deserves the tenth place amongst the Clients of Saint Jo­seph; all his thoughts being taken up how to augment his honour, either by himself or others. He un­dertook to write a Book, upon his Marriage with the Mother of God, in which he endeavour'd to set forth his Praises; but not being able to finish it, that Saint Joseph might loose nothing by his Death, he ad­dress'd himself by Letter to his Friend John Gerson, obligeing him by all the tyes of Friendship between them, either to perfect this Work he had begun, or to make one of his own upon the same Subject: Which he perform'd, both to satisfie his Friends Piety, and his own Devotion to Saint Joseph, the Canon also that he might [Page 75]the better evidence his signal Devo­tion to Saint Joseph, in his last Will and Testament, left a considerable Sum of Mony as a Foundation for a Yearly distribution to the Canons, to oblige them Daily to sing his Hymn and Prayer in his honour; hereby to habituate them to the De­votion of honouring and recommen­ding themselves to this Saint.

Behold here the ten Lovers of Saint Joseph, given us for an Exam­ple how to honour his Merits, and how to put our selves under the shelter of his powerful Protection, with assurance of the confiderable advantages we shall gain thereby. But he has had very many other Clients besides these of both Sexes, the number of which wou'd make too long a list for so short a Trea­tise; yet I cannot omit the name­ing a few more of them, as first Blessed Joseph Herman of the Order of Saint Norbert, who for his De­votion to Saint Joseph deserv'd to have the Name of Joseph given him by the Blessed Virgin; who as Su­rius relates in his Life, deserv'd her do­ing him also so great an honour as to take him for her Spouse; because he honour'd her dearest Spouse Saint Jo­seph. And as a token of indearment, put her little Infant JESUS into his Armes, that he might carry him [Page 76]therein as Saint Joseph had done. Father Peter Cotton also, of the SOCIETY of JESUS, so well known all over France for his rare Vertues, was also particularly Devo­ted to Saint Joseph, which mov'd him to procure that the first Church in France, that was honour'd with his glorious Name, shou'd be Dedi­cated to him at Lyons, near the place call'd the Bellcourt. He had so tender an affection to him as there­by he mov'd Saint Joseph to Reveal to him the Day of his Death, and to procure it upon his own Feast. Saint Bridget and Saint Gertrude were commanded to be his Devotes, and doubtless executed so advantagious a Command. And those happy Car­melites, Ann of Saint Bartholomew, and Ann of Jesus, who in this imi­tated their Foundress Saint Teresa, were his constant and ferverous Cli­ents. I ought here also to recount, those Writers who with so much Zeal have set forth his Perfections; as Saint Bernard, Saint Bernardin of Sienna, Saint Chrysostom, Saint Gre­gory Nazianzen, Saint Peter Chryso­logus, Saint Thomas of Aquin the late James of Arana, Charles Stan­gel, Peter Moreles, Stephen Bennet, Charles of Saint Paul, and many others, who have set forth his Praises. Nor ought we to forget those many Devout Souls of our [Page 77]own acquaintance, who have had a great tenderness for his Service, whereof some are still liveing, both in the World, and out of it in Re­ligion; and others gon to Heaven to reap the Fruit of this their De­votion.

But if these Examples have not force enough or power, to effect what I pretend, I shall endeavour to propose in the following Chap­ters such congruous and easie De­votions to this Saint, as will of themselves incite us to Practise them.

CHAP. VI. Of the ordinary Devotions that may be Daily Ex­ercised towards Saint Joseph.

ACTIONS are proper language and best expressions of Love, they testifying by effects the truth of our good wishes and pro­testations to the Person we Love. What do's the frequent repetition of I Love you, I honour you great Saint Joseph, and esteem you above all Saints after Jesus and Mary; if this Love and Honour halts or stops heer, and makes no farther pro­gress than our Lips?

Wherefore all that I intend to say, is to make our Love to this Saint no less effective, than affective; not that I require that every Point I set down shou'd be put in Practice, but I propose several, that the Pi­ous Reader may make choice of that, [Page 79]which most of all pleases him; and all of 'em are so easie and profi­table, that none but a Soul that is harden'd against, or disgusted with what conduces to her Eternal Hap­piness, can dislike or be displeas'd with any of 'em.

The first Devotion is to have an Image or Picture, either in our Cham­ber, Book, or Oratory: And this was that which his Devout Client Saint Teresa practis'd; who as her Life informs us, set up over the Gates of all the Monasteries she Foun­ded, the Statues of Jesus Mary and Joseph; and wherever she went, car­ried with her a Picture of Saint Jo­seph, which Picture is still kept at Avila; nameing and styling him the Founder of her Order. And that which occasion'd this her. Devotion, was a Conference our Saviour once had with her, after she had Communica­ted; for she being cross'd in the Foundation of the Monastery of Saint Joseph at Avila, CHRIST bid her use all her endeavours, to build this Monastery, promising it shou'd be his own Work; and that it wou [...]d be very agreeable to his Divine Ma­jesty, wou'd redound much to his honour, and that he shou'd Faith­fully be serv'd therein; and Com­manded her to call it the Monaste­ry of Saint Joseph, to set up Saint Joseph's and the Blessed Virgins [Page 80]Statue at the Gate: Promising that he himself would with them be Guar­dian thereof. Saint Teresa under­standing his Will, put all his Com­mands in execution, ordering the Images to be plac'd as he had or­dain'd. Perhaps you'll tell me you have neither House to build, nor any Foundations to make. Pardon [...]e if I tell you, you lye under a great mistake, since you have the Buil­ding of Perfection to raise, the Foundation of a Vertuous Life to lay, you are also to employ your Thoughts about an Habitation that you must live in for all Eternity. One of the best means therefore to compass this great Work of our Salvation, is a tender Devotion to Saint Joseph; this is the best means to finish the Edifice of Perfection, and to pro­cure to our selves a happy and Eter­nal Habitation. What Devotion therefore can be easier than this, only to keep the Spiritual Image of Saint Joseph in our Thoughts, and to procure it by carrying it in our Books; by keeping it in our Closset; and by leting it put us in mind to call upon him, whom the Image represents, and to beg his assistance in all our necessities. By the help of such an Image, a Gentelman of Venice was drawn from a most mi­serable, to a most happy State of his Soul, which had otherwise been lost. [Page 81]The Story I shall hereafter relate, in the XI. Chapter with several others therein scited, which prove the care he takes of the Spiritual Malady, of those who are Devoted to him.

The second Devotion I propose. is a particular and singular affection to some Mystery of his Holy Life. Such as was that of his Marriage to the Blessed Virgin; his Flight into Aegypt with our Saviour and the Blessed Virgin his Spouse; or any other like unto these. Blessed Aga­tha of the Holy Cross, was wont to six her thoughts upon his happy Death, in the Armes of our most Merciful Redeemer: And did I know to which of these my Pious Rea­ders Inclinations wou'd most of all lead him, I wou'd promote his De­votion thereunto. But instead of this, to shew how pleasing such Devoti­ons as these, are to Almighty God, I will here relate what happen'd to a Devout Client of Saint Joseph, a Religious Man of the Monastery of Monferat in Spain, who was par­ticularly Devoted to his voyage in­to Aegypt, with JESUS and his Holy Virgin Mother.

It fell out that this Religious Man, returning once very late to his Monastery, lost his way and wandred so long up and down a Mountain some distance from it, [Page 82]that at length he gave himself for lost; by reason of the contagious effects that were occasion'd by the unwholsome Fogg's of that place; or because he fear'd to become [...] Prey to the Merciless savage Beasts of which the place was very full; his fears and apprehentions increas'd with the darkness of the Night, and caus'd him to recommend himself to Saint Joseph, when upon a sud­den he meets a grave Man leading an Ass, which had a Woman upon it, bearing an Infant in her Armes; this happy incounter, gave him [...] wonderful Comfort, which was in­creas'd when asking the way to the Monastery, the Man who lead the Ass, bad him follow him, and he wou'd lead him the right way thi­ther: As they went their whole Dis­course was of God, and this with so much Fruit, that never in his Lif [...] the Religious Man, even in Prayer, had felt the like Sweetness; which was accompanied with no less Joy, when he saw himself enter into the Village in which the Monastery was; which joy was follow'd with no less astonishment, when on a sudden his guide Disappear'd, as soon as he had thus brought him out of all danger. Which gave him presently the assu­rance that 'twas Saint Joseph that had brought him out of this trouble, and danger he was in, whereby his [Page 83]Devotions to this great Saint was in­creas'd, and also to that particular part of his Life, to which he was before so particularly Devoted.

The third Devotion, is to say e­very Day, or at least once a weak, his little Office; which is in the Key of Paradise, which is Printed at the end of this Book; for the greater conveniency of those who desire to make use thereof. This Office contains a continual Praise of Saint Joseph, in which some of his Devotes, who say it Daily, others who say it every Saturday, find great Comfort, and no less Profit also: And the great advantage that the Clients of Saint Joseph expe­rience, is his readiness always to acknowledge them as such, and to assist 'em accordingly, as appears by what some Years since happen'd at Loudun in France.

The Prioress of the Ʋrsulins of Loudun, nam'd in Religion, Sister [...]ean of the Angels, of the House of Cose, was Possess'd by an Evil Spirit call'd Leviathan, who exer­cis'd extraordinary violences and cruelties towards her; she not know­ing, how better to defend her self against this his Tyrany, made a Vow to say every Day the Office of Saint Joseph for a whole Year to­gether, and Weekly also to do some Pennance in his honour, to obtain [Page 84]by his powerful Intercession, a free­dom from the Persecution she suf­fer'd from this her Infernal Enemy. Two or three Days after she had made this Vow, the Wicked Spirit left her at the first Exorcisme leave­ing a Cross on the Fore-head of the said Religious, as the Exorcist had enjoyn'd him, and at the same time another Devil cry'd out, Saint Jo­seph is come, and has caus'd Le­viathan to depart.

The fourth Devotion, is Daily to recite the Litany of Saint Joseph, which contain all the cheif Passages of his Life, together with all the extraordinary Priviledges God be­stow'd upon him. And having late­ly seen a Manuscript of a certain Religious of the Order of Saint Ben­net, in which were set down amongst some particular Devotions to Saint Joseph: A little Litany Compos'd in his honour in an Alphabetical or­der, which pleas'd me very much it facilitating the Memory in relating it, and therefore take occasion of giveing you the same in English, af­ter the same Order, which if you like not; you may make use of the great Litany, which you will find in the Office of Saint Joseph. Page 15. with the Prayer. Page 5.

• LORD have Mercy on us.
• Christ have Mercy on us.
• Lord have Mercy on us.
• Jesus Receive our Prayers.
• Lord Jesus Grant our Petitions.
• O God the Father, Creator of the World. Have Mercy upon us.
• O God the Son, Redeemer of Man­kind. Have Mercy upon us.
• O God the Holy Ghost, Perfecter of the Elect. Have Mercy upon us.
• Holy Trinity, one God. Have Mercy upon us.
• [Page 86]Holy Mary, Spouse of Saint Joseph. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Advocate of the Humble, Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Blessed amongst Men. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Confirm'd in Grace, Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Defender of the Meek. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Exil'd with Christ into Aegypt. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Favorit of the King of Heaven. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Guardian of the Word Incarnate. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Honour'd amongst Men. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Idea of Humility and Obedience. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Kind Intercessour for the Afflicted. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Lilly of Chastity and Temperance. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Mirrour of Silence and Resignation. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Nurfing Father to the Sou of God. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Obsequious Servant to the Son of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Patron of the Industrious and Innocent. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Quintessence of all Ver­tue. Pray for us.
• [Page 87]Holy Joseph, Ruler of the Family of Jesus. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Spouse of the ever Bles­sed Virgin. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Theatre of all Glorious Priviledges. Pray for us.
• Holy Joseph, Ʋnion of all Christian Perfections. Pray for us.
• O Lamb of God, who takest away the Sins of the World, Spare us O Lord.
• O Lamb of God, who takest away the Sins of World, Hear us O Lord.
• O Lamb of God, who takest away the Sins of the World, Have Mercy upon us.
• Pray for us, O Holy Joseph.
• That we may be made worthy of the Promises of Christ.

But the better to excite you to a Practise of this Devotion, of re [...]e­ing the Litany of this great Saint. [Page 88]I shall here set down some particu­lar Favors obtain'd by the recital of them, either every Day, or only for a certain time prefixt.

The Religious of the Order of Saint Ʋrsula, had a defign to settle themselves in Lambesa in Province, some Years, since upon hopes given 'em of effecting it by some Inha­bitants of that place, who herein testifi'd their good will. Wherefore they transported themselves thither, but found so little satisfaction at their first arrival, meeting with so great and so many difficulties, that they cou'd not so much as find a House to hire to live in, that here­upon they resolv'd to return back to Aix from whence they came; but first, had their Recourse to Saint Jo­seph, whom they had taken for Pro­tector in this their Design, and re­solv'd for nine Days together to say his Litany after Mass: But what appear'd as a wonderful effect of their Devotion, before the end of the nine Davs, a Priest of great worth and authority, who had built a House, and a Church adjoyning to it, in honour of Saint Teresa near the said Town, came to find out the Superiour, to make her an offer both of the Church and House, and to put her in Possession of all things else belonging thereunto. Which ofler they accepted and pre­sently [Page 89]the Religious took Possession of it, and were settl'd there by the especial favour of Saint Joseph. Who not only took them into his particular charge and care, but plac'd 'em under the protection of his great Devote and dear Child Saint Teresa, in a House and Church where she was greatly honour'd, and where she desir'd her great Patron Saint Joseph shou'd be honour'd also.

Fifthly, say at least the Prayer at the end of the Litany, every Day, or very often, this being a short but a sub­stancial and pleasing Devotion to him, which qualities cannot but in­vite us to make use of it, and there­by to imitate the Canons of Char­ters, who Daily recite it, as well to sa­tisfie their own Devotion, as to comply with the Pious desires of the Devout Henry Chicot their Bene­factor, and Founder of this De­votion.

I cannot here omit, what will authorise this Devotion, by relating how great an advantage it procur'd to a Religious House of Nuns, which I heard from the Mouth of it's Superiour, a few Months ago. This Monastery had not receiv'd any Novices for a long time, which much afflicted the Religious, where­fore the Superiour thought it ne­cessary to have recourse to Saint Jo­seph, to beg his Assistance, and [Page 90]therefore they resolv'd for six Month [...] together, Daily to recite this hi [...] Prayer after Mass, for this Inten­tion, which all the Religious Chear­fully perform'd. Which Devotion wa [...] no sooner begun, but a young Lady of Quality with a good Fortune offer'd her self to Live and Dye with 'em in God's Service; which favour will never be forgot by that Com­munity; and has oblig'd 'em to a constant Confidence in Saint Joseph as in a Father, and particularly this his Child, for having procur'd such a favour to them and her, by his powerful Intercession.

Sixtly, you may assign one Day in the Week, for the Exercise o [...] some particular Devotion in honour of Saint Joseph. Saturday seems to me the most proper Day, upon which he may be joyntly honour'd and serv'd with his most Amiable Spouse. 'Tis now a Days a Devo­tion practis'd by some Pious Souls, to assign or dedicate each Day in the Week, to so me particular Devotion. As Sunday to the honour of the Blessed Trinity, and the Angel Guardian. Munday, to the honour of God the Father, and for the Souls in Purgatory. Tuseday to God the Son, and Saint Ann. Wednesday to God the Holy Ghost, and the Patron whose Name we bear. Thurs­day to the honour of the Blessed [Page 91]Sacrament and Saint Barbara, who rewards her Clients, with Recei­ving their Viaticum or Communion before their Death. Friday, to the honour of the Passion of our Sa­viour. And Saturday, to the honour of the Mother of God, and Saint Joseph her Spouse. 'Tis not con­venient, I shou'd here suggest what each one is to do that Day, but leave it to the Affection or Devo­tion wherewith each one shall find himself inspir'd with all. For Ex­ample, some good Work; as the giving of Almes, the doing some Pennance, or performing any of the Devotions before mention'd in this Chapter, or whatever else the Holy Ghost shall inspire you, let it be perform'd upon this Day in honour of the Person to whom you design your Devotion

The seventh Devotion may be to call to mind the memory of the se­ven Dolours, or Griefs that Af­flicted Saint Joseph, or of the seven Joys that were a constant Comfort to him throughout his whole Life: Which you will find Compos'd af­ter his Office and Beads. Page 30. This was a Devotion that Saint Jo­seph himself taught to two Religi­ous Men of the Holy Order of Saint Francis, after he had deliver'd 'em from the danger of Death. Who be­ing cast away at Sea, they happily [Page 92]laid hold of a Plank, upon which they were tost to and fro upon the Waves, for three Days and Nights together in this their Danger and Affliction, their whole Recourse was to Saint Joseph, begging his help and assistance, in the sad Condition they were in. Who appear'd to them in the Habit of a Young Man, of a Beautiful and Comely Feature, who incourag'd them to confide in his Assistance, and as their Pilot Conducted them into a safe Har­bour. They desirous to know who their Benefactour was, begg'd his Name, that they might gratefully acknowledge so great a Blessing and Favour. He told them he was Saint Joseph, he advis'd them Daily to re­cite seven Pater Nosters, and seven Ave Marys, in Memory of his se­ven Dolours or Griefs, and of his seven Joys, and having sayd this he Disappear'd.

• I. The thought he had of forsaking his Spouse, seeing her big with Child.
• II. He seeing the Infant JESUS in the Crib, shivering with cold and so ill accommodated.
• III. Beholding the Wound of JESUS in his Circumcision, and seeing him so early shedding his Blood for Love of Sinners.
• IV. The Words of Simeon on the Day of the Purification of our Bles­sed Lady, testifying that a Sword shou'd pierce our Ladies Heart.
• V. His flight into Aegypt occasion'd by Herods Persecution,
• VI. The news he heard, as he re­turn'd out of Aegypt that Archilaus was more Cruel than his Father Herod.
• VII. His loosing JESUS at twelve Years of Age, when they went up to the Temple of Jerusalem.

• I. That which he receiv'd by the Message of the Angel, who bid him to Fear nothing, but to take Mary for his Spouse.
• II. The Adoration of the Angels, Saluting our Saviour in the Crib, and singing at his Birth the Hymn, Gloria in Excelsis Deo.
• III. The hearing the Salutiferous Name of JESUS, from the Angel, which as God-Father he was order'd to give the Son of God at his Cir­cumcision.
• IV. From the Words of Simeon, when he foretold that CHRIST shou'd be the Salvation of many and the Glory of Israël.
• V. From the falling down of the Idols of Aegypt, at the Presence of our Saviour JESUS CHRIST,
• VI. From the Command given him by the Angel to Return home with the Infant JESUS and his Mother.
• VII. From his finding JESUS in the Temple, Disputing with the Doctours.

These good Religious Men daily Meditated upon these piercing Do­lours, and comfortable Joys of their Charitable Deliverer and performing his Commands continu'd his Devour Clients all their Lives, hereby ho­noring so powerful a Protectour, whom he told moreover, as may be seen in Peter Morales, that he wou'd afford the like particular help and as­sistance to all that shall practise this Devotion in all their Necessities, but most particularly at the Hour of their Death. Wherefore it will be our own Faults if we enjoy not the same happines of obtaining his Fa­vour, by rendering him the like Ser­vices, he esteeming nothing more, than the good Will of his Clients, exprest after this manner.

Eighthly, To lead a Life full of that constant Resignation both Interiour and Exteriour, in Thought Word and Deed to the Will of God, as Saint Jo­seph did. in which he took so great a content and pleasure, that his or­dinary [Page 95]aspiration was^† O that I nay but Live to see the Will of God intirely fulfill'd. This was his ordi­nary aspiration, and only desire as the Mother of God reveal'd to Saint Bridget. Adding that this was the cause,^* Why he was so great and glorious in Heaven. There's nothing therefore so easie as to imitate him in this point by often saying every Day.^† God's Will be done; I desire to live, only to fulfill the Will of God. We shou'd at least accustom our selves as soon as we wake, constantly to be­gin the Day with this Act of Confor­mity, in risigning our selves punctually to the Will of God, it being the most Sublime of all Acts of Vertue, and the Crown of all Perfection.

CHAP. VII. What Devotions are to be us'd to Saint Joseph upon his Feast.

THERE is no place through­out the whole World where the Feast of Saint Joseph is kept with greater Solemnity than in Canada, a Country in the Nourthwest part of America. He be­ing the Father, the Patron, and Pro­tector of new France. 'Tis for this reason that his Feast is so Solemnly kept there: And that we may see how 'tis kept, I will here set down (what I took out of a Relation Printed in the Year 1637. The man­ner how they Celebrate it, is as fol­lows; Upon the Vigil of his Feast is set up the Standard of Kebec up­on one of the chief Bastions, and at the discharge of a Cannon or War­ning-Piece, the Governour of the [Page 97]causes very Artificial Fire works to be Lighted.

On the one side there is rais'd a Pillar, upon which there Appears the Name of Saint Joseph in Fire, in very large Characters, over which from a Crown of Stars, made in Fire-Works, are cast out a great com­pany of Serpents that fly into the Air, and behind it are plac'd a great many Rockets, which also fly a great height, and there break into many Stars, that fall from them.

Neer this Pillar is rais'd a fair Castle richly Painted, and set out with great Variety of Colours, flank'd with four Towers, beset with so many lights and fire-works as inligh­tens the whole Battery, whith is also surrounded with a great many saming Spears, and a great num­ber of Flags bespangl'd with Fire, appear from the tops of the Towers, from whence there continually as­cend a great many Serpents made in fire-works. Six and six at a time into equal distance one from ano­ther, and also many dozens of great Rockets, twelve at a time, resting some while between each dozen. At the close of the Evening the Go­vernour of Kebec (accompanied with all his Officers, in sight of a great number of Savages that live round about the Country, and come thither to see the Solemnity) put's Fire to [Page 98]these Machins, the Wonderful sight whereof gi [...]'s great occasion to the Savages to honour and esteem Saint Joseph for whom they perceive the Christians to have so great a Vene­ration. Upon the Day of his Feast, they also, express very great Devo­tion in all their Churches, where all things are perform'd with as great Solemnity as upon Easter Day it self, all giving thanks to God for having done them the honour to bestow Saint Joseph upon them for their Protectour, whom he had made Guardian to his Son JESUS CHRIST the Word Incarnate.

From the consideration of this Solemnity and Devotion to Saint Joseph in Canada; let us consider what we may also Practise upon the same Feast; that as they do what they can, to observe it with due So­lemnity, so we may do the like; not so much by exteriour Marks of Joy, which are very laudable; but by Exercising Interiour Devotion and Fervour in all our Actions; to in­crease thereby the Glory of this Saint, and move him to advance us in Per­fection, for the secure obtaining ou [...] Salvation. For if there be a Feast in the whole Year, next to those of our Saviour and Blessed Lady, in which we may hope for a grant of our Petitions, 'tis this of Saint Jo­seph. Since Saint Teresa assures us in [Page 99]the sixth Chapter of her Life, that whatsoever we aske him upon his Feast, shall either have a successful grant, or be chang'd into a grant of something else, more Beneficial for the Soul of the Petitioner.

But if you desire to know more particularly how to spend the Day of his Feast with Piety and Profit. I will heer set down half a dozen Devotions, of which you may take your choice: I suppose you observe the Feast of his Espousals, which the Church keeps on the two and twentith Day of January, as well as the Feast of his Return out of Aegypt, upon the seventeenth of the same Month; and the Memory also of his Flight into Aegypt, upon the two and twen­tith of December, these are unani­mously agree'd upon by all; but some differ about his chief Feast: Which the Greeks Celebrate on the six and twentith of December, the Day after Christmass, as Cardinal Baronius re­counts in his Martyrologe. Others observe it on the twenty sixth of [...]une; the Eastern Church assuring us that he Dyed on that Day. But set­ting aside these Days, we follow, as [...]e ought to do, the Catholic Chur­ch's Ordination, of keeping it upon the nineteenth of March: Wherefore [...] shall here suggest how to spend this [...]ay profitably: Proposing six dif­ferent Devotions, each of which you [Page 100]may make use of according as you find your self inclin'd.

The first Devotion is to follow the Practice of the Reverend Fathers Carthusians, by observing his Feast as a Feast of Precept; tho' the place we Live in shou'd not observe it at such; which now in most places they do. Performing this in acknowledg­ment of the many Benefits receiv'd from his Fatherly goodness. 'Tis also Solemnis'd after this manner by the Children of Saint Teresa, imi­tating in this their Glorious Foun­dress. Moreover the Fathers of the Oratory kept it, who have nothing neerer their Hearts than Jesus Mary Joseph. The Children also of Sain [...] Francis Sales, who are the Religious of the Visitation; in this make know [...] both their own, and their Founde [...] inclinations. And the Nuns of the Word Incarnate, or the Annunciates from their first beginning put them­selves under his happy Protection.

The manner of celebrating hi [...] Feast is the same, with that we Ce­lebrate the Feast of other Saints some Fast upon the Eve in his ho­nour; others perform some othe [...] Pennance and Mortification for the same end; others Communicate upon his Feast, others abstain from a­servil Works as upon Sundays; o­thers give more time to Prayer tha [...] upon other Days; others Read h [...] [Page 101]Life; others spend the Day in more Religious Exercises; performing all this in testimony of their Love to Saint Joseph.

The second Devotion is, to take him for your special Patron and Di­rectour for the following Year; or shou'd you already have chosen him for such, then to make choice of him for the effecting some parti­cular affair you have in hand of great Importance: Resolve to perform some Devotions to him for this Intention, for the space of some Months, as the necessity or length of your affairs, shall require.

^†Mother Jane of the Angels, of whom I have already spoken, beg'd of Saint Joseph upon New Years Day, that he wou'd take her for that Year. 1636. into his Prote­ction, and by his powerful Inter­cession, obtain of our Saviour the Blessing, of being deliver'd from all Interiour or Exteriour Impediments in God's Service; and to dispossess her of those Devils that Tormented her; and free her from whatsoever else that kept or retarded her Soul, from the Union of his Divine Love. The Night following, as she fell asleep, she seem'd to feel a more particu­lar Devotion than ordinary, accom­pany'd with a most incredible sweet [Page 102]smell, quite different from all other scents; that are found in the Per­fumes of this World. And at the same time she heard a Voice that sayd to her, Behold him, to whom thou hast Recommended thy self. Hereupon the Holy Patriarch Saint Joseph came into her mind, and her Heart was fill'd with an extraordinary venera­tion for, and love of him: She seem'd in her Sleep to see such a dazeling Light, as far exceeded the Brightness and Splendor of the Sun: Within which she beheld a Counte­nance full of wonderful Majesty, so Beautiful that she neither found Words to express it, nor any Com­parisons whereby to discover her Thoughts.

After all, the Person spoke to her as follows: Conserve Patience and Constancy in these Sensible difficulties you suffer; support 'em with Resigna­tion and endeavour to forget your self; for God has Favours in store to be­stow upon you. Tell your Exorcist, that if Men labour not for your Recovery, God will make it his own Work. By all means let him continue his Endea­vours, and God by his Ministery, will Expel the Devil that most of all hin­ders your Devotions. This being sayd all Vanish'd, except the Perfume, which lasted so strong for some time after, that when she awak'd, she verily thought her Chamber had been Perfum'd.

Her Thoughts were taken up all the Day following with a Confi­dence in our Saviour, and with the Assurance, of Saint Joseph's Assistance, in this extream necessity she was then in. Nor was she deceiv'd; for five Days after, upon the Feast of the Epiphany, she found the effect of her Protectour's Intercession, by being dispossess'd of that Devil that did so maliciously interrupt her Devotions. The Father Exorcist Com­manding him in the Presence of all that were Spectatours, that for a Mark of his going out, he shou'd write the Name of Mary upon her Hand, as he did, tho' not without great difficulty and repugnance; fix­ing this Name in very legible Cha­racters immediately above Saint Jo­seph's, which had been writ there before, upon the going out of ano­ther Devil. which Names, during her whole Life, appear'd as clear and distinct as they did the first Day; which I my self was an Eye-wit­ness of, as the sayd Religious past by Lyons, to go to Anessy to visit the Tomb of Saint Francis of Sales, in the Year 1638. I say nothing of the Names of JESUS and Saint Fran­tis of Sales, that were to be seen on the back of the same Hand, Writ at the Command of the Exorcist, as a Mark of these Devils quitting their Possession; which by God's Permis­sion [Page 104]they had taken of her Body, that being not so much to my purpose; which is only to declare, how much it conduc'd to her Happiness, to have recourse to Saint Joseph for his Pro­tection, either upon his own, or upon any other Feast.

The third Devotion that may be perform'd to Saint Joseph, is to take him for our chief Patron and Ad­vocate, during our whole Life; and Yearly to renew this Resolution upon his Feast. I know a Religious Per­son of our Society, who constantly practises this Devotion every Year, Offering himself unto him by the Recital of such a Prayer, as in our Sodalities of our Blessed Lady, ere­cted in our Colledges, is publickly recited at their Reception into it. I pretend not to perswade you to perform this Exercise every Day, lest to some it might seem too great a burthen, but only once a Year, at least upon his chief Feast; which his true Clients can not think too much to perform. And the first time one makes use of this Prayer, 'tis fit to choose him for our particular Patron and Protector. The Prayer is short and therefore I shall insert it heer, as I shall insert a longer at the end of this Book, Page, 25. amongst other particular Devotions to be recited at Leisure.

O Holy Joseph, Spouse of the most Blessed Virgin Mary. I N. N. choose you this Day for my special Advocate and Patron, and do firmly purpose ne­ver to forsake you, nor to say, do, nor suffer any under my charge, to say or do any thing against your Honour. I ear­nestly therefore beseech, you that you will please to take me for your per­petual and constant Servant, and to aid and assist me in all my Actions, especially in the hour of my Death. Amen.

Make a firm Resolution to keep this Purpose, and renew it often, either at Holy Communion, or when you visit the Blessed Sacrament; whereby you will render this Devo­tion more Pleasing to God, more Honorable to the Saint, and more profitable to your self.

The fourth Devotion may either be to offer Mass your self, or get a Priest to offer one in Honour of Saint Joseph; and that piece of the Eastern Church History, that was found and offer'd to Pope Adrian the V I. as very authentick, assures us, that CHRIST assisting Saint Joseph at his Death, gave him his Blessing, and Promiss'd to give the same to all those, that shou'd offer Sacrifice to God in Honour of Saint Joseph upon the Day of his Glorious Death, the ninteenth of March: But we have no Sacrifice except the Sa­crifice [Page 106]of Holy Mass. And what greater Blessing can we have than the Sacrifice of the Son of God, who was Promis'd to us? More­over were not this true, yet all that we can perform that is considerable, all that is of any worth, or that conduces to the Glory of any Saint, is included in the Oblation of the Divine Sacrifice of Mass; wherein JESUS CHRIST is offer'd in thanks giving to his Eternal Father, for all those Favours and Benefits he has heap'd upon any Saint, raising him to so Eminent a Glory and Dig­nity.

The fifth Devotion is to give Almes, or bestow a Dinner upon some poor Man or Widdow in Ho­nour of Saint Joseph, and if you please for the same end relieve a poor Woman and her little Infant to Honour the Created Trinity; the Infant JESUS, Mary, as also Saint Joseph, and to encourage you to so Pious a Work, Saint Vincent Ferrerius recounts a wonderful Story of a Gentelman of Valence, who was very Devout to all these three, and amongst the rest of his Devotions, us'd every Christmas Day, to invite a Woman with a Sucking Child, and an Old Man to Dine with him; and all this for the Love he bore to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This Cha­rity and Devotion was so pleasing [Page 107]to God, that upon his Death Bed, he had the Comfort to see them, who just as he Departed, gave him this comfortable Invitation to Pa­radise, as follows. Friend you have every Year invited us to a Feast in your House, come now and we will receive you to our Feast, and into the dwelling place of the Blessed, there to [...]ign with us and them in all sorts of contentment as long as a happy Eternity shall last. Who can conceive how God Recompences, even the least Services we do to him or his Saints? I wish we cou'd always think on this. And practise what these thoughts wou'd move us to per­form.

The sixth and last Devotion to Saint Joseph, is to meditate upon the Vertues, Mysteries or chief Passages of his Life. The Morning either be­fore or after Communion, is the most proper time for Meditation: Because the After-noon is reserv'd for Even-Song, Sermon, or some other Works of Charity, as visiting the Sick in Hospitals, comforting and relieving Prisoners. How and when these Meditations are to be us'd, I shall declare in the following chapter.

CHAP. VIII. Of Devotions to Saint Jo­seph during the Octave of his Feast, or at other times according to the Opportunity or Affection of his Clients.

I Cannot think ther's any better means to pass the Octave of Saint Joseph with Devotion and profit, than by the consideration of his Life and Death; and the con­templating upon his Glory in Hea­ven. Because such Reflexions as these, will increase our Love and Affection towards him, and move us to earnest and efficacious attempts to imitate his transcendent Vertues. However because some may not have time or opportunity of making these [Page 109]Meditations, and that those that have not, or know not how to Medi­tate, may make use of 'em instead of Spiritual Reading; I have made the Meditations somewhat longer than ordinary. Which you will find Printed in a large Character at the end of this Book, amongst other Devotions: Page, 41. There are eight of 'em in all, for each Day of the Octave of his Feast, in which are briefly contain'd the chief Passages of the Life, Death and Glory of Saint Joseph; and tho' the Reading of 'em for your Spiritual Lecture, will be very profitable, yet they will produce far greater profit and com­fort in your Soul, if you Meditate upon 'em; whereby you will increase a far greater Devotion to Saint Jo­seph, than only by the bare Reading of them.

We have declar'd already that all the Devotions, Honours and Res­pects that are render'd to other Saints, ought to be given to Saint Joseph. For whosoever Loves him, as he deserves, must needs think he can never sufficiently Honour him, his Merits exceeding all Honour and Devotion that can be shew'd him. Wherefore shou'd I advise you to cause a Mass to be sayd in his Ho­nour, to perform some good Work of Charity or Pennance, you may say I invite you only to such a [Page 110]general testimony of Affection, as we give to all other Saints whom we honour; I will here therefore propose to you such a particular Devotion, as Mother Jane of the Angels, Superiour of the Ʋrsulins practis'd with admirable success. Who having purpos'd for her Deliverance to Communicate nine Days toge­ther in honour of Saint Joseph; upon the Ninth Day, one of the Devils within her, of his own accord pre­sented himself to the Exorcist, du­ring his Exorcisms; and acknowledg'd he was Commanded in the Name of Saint Joseph, as he left his Station to write the Name of Saint Joseph upon her Hand, which he swore he wou'd perform, as he did soon after.

You may also say or get nine Masses sayd in honour of Saint Jo­seph, which was a Devotion that very much assisted Father John Joseph Sevrin, Exorcist to this Religious Wo­man; for before he had ended his nine Masses, the Devil left her, writing according to his Promise his Name, in the presence of many up­on her bare Hand, and amongst o­thers in the Presence of an English Nobleman,^† then a Protestant, who held her Arm, which was the occa­sion [Page 111]of his Conversion to the Roman Catholic Faith; and of another, then an Athist, whose Life is Writ, he afterwards becoming as renown'd for Sanctity, as before he was Infamous for Athisme. You may also perform the Devotion proper to all Saints, by endeavouring to Imitate his rare and particular Vertues. As the ex­ercise of a retir'd and hidden San­ctity; the practice of Angelical Pu­rity, even in Marriage; his Humi­lity, Patience, and Meekness in Conversation; his great Recollection and wonderful Silence: Who, as a Holy Person declar'd to Father Se­vrin, Was a very great keeper of Si­lence, and that in the House of our Saviour at Nazareth, he spoke very little, our Blessed Lady and Jesus still much less, and that his Eyes per­form'd to him the Office of a Tongue, without need of speaking.

Lastly, you may Imitate the works of Piety that Saint Joseph Practis'd; But because these are also found in most Saints, and therefore seem a general Devotion, I will propose some that were particular and proper to Saint Joseph: Which other Per­sons of Piety and Particular De­votes of his,^* have perform'd in [Page 112]his Honour; they are six in num­ber, some of which I hope you will find suitable to your Devo­tion and Inclination.

CHAP. IX. Containing nine different oc­casions of particular Devo­tions proper to Saint Jo­seph, and practis'd by his Particular De­votes.

THE first is, when you have lost any thing, you had a high Value for, to have recourse to Saint Joseph, either to beg his help, or at least to suffer profitably this loss, if by his Assistance we happen not to recover it. John Ger­son his great Client suggests this Devotion; assuring us, that such as in these occasions recommend them­selves to this great Patriarch, pre­sently either recover what is lost, or by his efficacious Assistance, even gain by their loss, bearing the same with perfect Patience and Resigna­tion. [Page 114]For a proof of what he asserts, he brings for an Example the Com­fort which one of his acquaintance receiv'd, who lost something of great Value; and recover'd it by this means. 'Tis perhaps upon this ac­count that Scrupulous and Anxious Persons have recourse to him, since they have lost so great a Jewel, as is the Repose of Conscience, and Peace of Mind; this being the dearest, most precious; and considerable Treasure we have in this World; for we may assure our selves, and certainly believe, that he who felt the loss of JESUS and the grief it cost him, will not fail to comfort those who implore his assistance in, the like exigency.

The Second is, to take occasion for Saint Joseph's sake, to make it your endeavour to Love all his Cli­ents and Devotes, whether they be already gon before us to Heaven, or are still with us upon Earth; and especially those who have born the happy Name of Joseph; but above all to shew a particular Love and Devotion to Saint Teresa his par­ticular, and as I may say his chief Devote; and not only to those, that are in Heaven, but also to those as you know particularly to be De­voted to him upon Earth. For your Love to them upon this account, will become no less pleasing to [Page 115]Saint Joseph, than if they bore his Name; and the bearing a tenderness and love to those that do so, is very pleasing also to Saint Joseph. Wherefore to help you to practise this Devotion, I will here give you a 'List of some Eminent Persons that have born his Name, and up­on this account receiv'd from God some of those particular Favours he bestow'd upon him. And shall be­gin with the Patriarch Joseph, who tho' he liv'd so many Ages before our great Saint Joseph, yet was a Type of him, and probably upon that account might receive his Name and those other extraordinary Fa­vours God bestow'd upon him.

The first therefore in this List of those that bore the Name of Joseph: Is the Patriarch Joseph of the Old Law, to whom the Holy Ghost gives a evry great Elogium or Com­mendation in the 49. Chapter of Ec­clesiasticus. Calling him, Ruler and Prince of his Brethren, the Stay and Support of his Nation and People. Who deserves also the first place, he being not only the first to whom this Name was given, but who was also a Type of our Saint Joseph, upon ac­count of his Chastity. The Chara­cter also that the Holy Ghost gives the Patriarch, agrees with our Jo­seph in a far more eminent degree than it did to the Patriarch; he [Page 116]being a Prince and Ruler not only over his Brethren, but Governour to the Mother and Son of God, being their support in all their Necessi­ties, and Saving him who was to Save not only one, but all Nations throu'out the whole World.

The second is Joseph of Arimathea, that Noble Centurion prais'd by the Holy Ghost for his Love to CHRIST in a time of extream danger. For when those who were Friends of CHRIST fled from him, as being look'd upon as Enemies to the State; he couragiously ask'd his Body, and took care of Embalming it, and laying it in a new Monu­ment he had prepar'd for himself; by the Love and care he took of it after his Death, hereby Imita­ting our Saint Joseph's Love to the Living Body of JESUS. He also resembles him in recovering things lost. As may appear by the fol­lowing Example.^† Saint Mary Vas­quez of Mela, of the Order of Saint Dominick and of the Monastery of Zamata in Spain, had a singular De­votion to this Saint Joseph of Ari­mathea, upon account of) the tender Devotion he shew'd to the Precious Body of JESUS begging it, taking it from the Cross, Em­balming [Page 117]it; and laying it in his own Monument, and when her Mona­stery had lost a Paper of great im­portance, she had recourse to him for it: Soon after there came a Per­son well mounted to the Monastery Gate, where lighting from his Horse he ask'd for Sister Mary Vasquez, and as soon as she came Deliver'd her the Paper, and return'd without any Conversation at all with her.

The third, is Saint Joseph Son to the Samaritan Woman, who gave Water to our Saviour at the Well, whilst he rested himself in the Journy he made with his Disciples. Who, accompany'd with his Brother Victor, obtain'd the Glorious Crown of Mar­tyrdom; their Mother also shar'd in the Victory, as a Reward for her Charity to JESUS. Whose Feast is kept upon the twentith of March, according to Baronius's Martyrologe, who now drink of that Water their Mother beg'd, that takes away all Thirst for an Eternity.

The fourth, is Joseph the Just, one of the seventy two Disciples of our Saviour, to whom the Holy Ghost gave the same title of Just, as to our great Saint Joseph; so esteem'd by the Apostles for his Sanctity, that they Nam'd him with Saint Mathias, to be substituted in Judas Escariot's place.

The fifth, is Joseph the Poet, by Excellency call'd the Sacred Poet, Whose delight was to Compose Ver­ses in Honour of the Saints, whom they recompenc'd, by Appearing to him and assisting him at his Death, and accompanying him, to Ever­lasting Life; his Feast is kept upon the third of April, according to the^† Greek Martyrologe; but according to Baronius, the fifteenth of Fe­bruary.

The sixth is, Joseph of Ste [...]ald call'd Herman in the World, of the Order of Saint Norbert, so singularly devoted to the Mother of God, that she took him for her Spouse, and gave him the Name of Joseph, to the end that in all things he shou'd resemble her first Spouse. The manner how it fell out is as fol­lows.^* The Religious amongst whom he Liv'd, began first to call him Joseph, upon account of Virgi­nal Bashfulness, which caus'd him to Blush upon the least occasion, even when the Religious call'd him Joseph, which made him complain to the Abbot, tho' without redress, for their calling him so, and the Night after, in time of his Prayer in the Quire, he saw a most Beau­tiful Lady coming towards him, full [Page 119]of Majesty and Glory with two An­gels attending her; the one ask'd the other; to whom this Beautiful Lady shou'd be espous'd? To whom reply's the other; but to him you see here before you. Poor Herman was surpris'd at this discourse, and so confounded, that he wish'd him­self hid in some by Corner, where none might see him. But one of the Angels takes him by the Hand, and leads him to the Altar, and there takes his Virginal Hand, and joyns it with the Hand of the Sacred Vir­gin: saying, By the order of God my Master, I give you the Virgin of Vir­gins for your Spouse, and with the Title of Spouse I give you the Name of Joseph. This favour he thus re­ceiv'd; which the Virgin afterwards seconded by her frequent Visits, of­ten putting her Dear Infant into his Arms, as she was wont to do into Saint Joseph's; often calling him by the indearing Name of Joseph, sometimes in his Cell, other times as he walk'd about the House, which increas'd in his Heart, the most ten­der Love he before had for the Blessed Virgin.

The seventh is, Joseph the Earl. who was so wonderfully Obstinate in the Jewish Religion, as even to resist God himself; who wrought se­veral Miracles by means of the Holy Cross in his Presence: And our [Page 120]Saviour also by several Visions in­vited him to the true Faith, yet without any effect. But these work­ing nothing upon him, God visited him with very sharp Maladies, which also for a long time did him no good; but their continuance by de­grees soften'd his Heart, and caus'd him to become a Christian, and so good a one too, that Constantin to encourage and settle him in the True Faith, Created him an Earl: But these Earthly Honours hinder'd him not from exercising true Humility, and becoming a true Servant of God; whereby he attain'd to so high a Pitch of Sanctity, as to be Cano­niz'd, and to receive the best and most lasting Title of Honour of being a Saint in Heaven; whose Feast is kept the two and twentith of July.

The eighth is Joseph Hildegond, who Dyed the twentith of April, the first Woman that ever bore the Name of Joseph, which happen'd upon the following account. Her Fa­ther after her Mothers Death, and the setling her Sister Religious in a Monastery, resolv'd to visit the Holy places of Jerusalem, and fea­ring lest in his absence any mis­fortune might happen to his Daugh­ter, shou'd he leave her behind him, he having no other Child left to take care of but her, causes her to [Page 121]take the Name of Joseph, and to take the Habit of a Man, the bet­ter and more easily to accompany him in his Pilgramage. She sub­mitted to her Father's Pleasure, and they both of 'em parted from Cullen, their Native Town, to begin their Pilgramage to Jerusalem; but her Father Dying by the way, leaves poor Joseph behind him in very great per­plexity what she shou'd do; who still continues her Journy, tho' she met with very troublesome adven­tures, but her Constancy in God's Service, inabled her happily to over­come 'em all; but the last adven­ture prov'd most happy to her; for passing for a Man, she enter'd into a Convent of Monks, wherein she Liv'd Devoutly, and with great Edi­fication, none ever discovering her Pious deceit till after her Death, when they went to wash and lay out her Corp's for Buryal.

The ninth was^* Joseph Mathew, the sixth Person of the Holy Order of Capucines, famous for Sanctity and Miracles: For twice as he Tra­vel'd, the Day being far spent, he having got no Alms to support him­self and his Companion, or where­with to Relieve or Strengthen 'em to hold out their Joutney, a most [...]eautiful Young Man came to him [Page 122]and the first time gave him a white Loaf, and the second time two, with these comfortable Words, Take Joseph these Alms which our Saviour sends you, and give him thanks for this Benefit.

The tenth is Father Joseph Anchieth of the SOCIETY of JESUS stil'd the Apostle of Brasil, as Saint Xa­verius is stil'd Apostle of the Indies. Who upon account of the many Mi­racles he wrought, may also be stil'd: Moyses of the sayd SOCIETY, working 'em in all kinds, and upon all occasions. For as he travel'd in rain none fell upon him; passing throu' the Schorching Sun, he commanded the Birds to fly in great num­bers over his Head, to serve him for an Ʋmbrella or Canopy, to defend him from the heat thereof. Nay he commanded Birds, Beasts and even all the Elements, after such a man­ner, as if he had had a full Empire and Dominion over all Creatures; as you may Read in his Life, which you will find full of wonders.

Behold here ten Joseph's worthy to be honour'd, no less for their Vertue, than out of Love to Saint Joseph, whose Name they bear; and who deserves that in consideration of his worth, we shou'd set a high esteem upon any one that has any Relation to him, either by bearing his Name, or by Imitating his Vertues; [Page 123]and therefore I shall end this Piece of Devotion I recommended to you, by recounting what I receiv'd few Months ago from the Mouth of a very Faithful Servant of God, a Re­ligious Woman of Lyons, and a great Devote of Saint Joseph's. Who told me she was wont to Pray often, and to Recmmend her self to the Glorious Joseph in Heaven; and she assur'd me, that she found very great Help and Comfort from this Deyotion, for they by their Inter­cession obtain'd for her, what she desir'd 'em to help her in.

The third particular Devotion we may shew to Saint Joseph, is to take all occasions to honour his Name. First, by giving the Name of Jo­seph in Baptisme, Confirmation, or Entrance into Religion, to any one who shall have any Dependance upon us, or by taking it our selves in the two last occasions. We have an Example of this Devotion, in out Blessed Ladies giving it to Blessed Berman, which I just now related; and God be prais'd 'tis in this Age a very frequent Devotion; for both seculars as well as Religious, covet to bear this Name; and that with a great deal of reason; since Ma­gicians are forc'd to own, that their Sorceries have not that power upon any Infants that are Nam'd Joseph; as upon others. For the proof of [Page 124]which a Person of Honour, who had lost all his Children by Witch­craft, a few Days after their Birth, being Councel'd (by one who had once studied that wicked Art more than he ought to have done) to give his next Child the Name of Joseph, assuring him to his own knowledge, it was sufficient to pre­vent all Witchcraft; he follow'd his Priends Advice, and found his Re­medy very Powerful; for his next Child Liv'd to inherit both his Ho­nour and Estate.

Secondly, to Consecrate Churche [...] and Chappels to the Honour of Saint Joseph, and give his Name to Provinces and Religious Houses. In the Order of Saint Teresa this De­votion is commonly practis'd, and our Saviour himself, gave the Name of Joseph to the Monastery of A­vila. Father Francis Canilec one of our SOCIETY, no less renoun'd for his Vertue, than his Noble Birth, Founded the House in Bell-Court at Lyons, and gave it the Name of Jo­seph, to testifie his Affection to the Spouse of the Virgin Mother of God. And his Example gave occa­sion several Years after to Father Cotton, to give the same Name to the Church he there built; so that whatsoever we possest in that place, might be under the Protection of Saint Joseph.

Thirdly, By frequent pronouncing or repeating the Name of Joseph, as Gaspar Bond, that good Minim was wont to do, of whom I have made mention, Page, 63. This Devotion is very easie, if we do but take the the pleasure he took, in pronoun­cing these three Holy Names of Jesus, Maria, Joseph.

Fourthly, To wear Rings in which the Name of Joseph is ingraven, ei­ther by it self, or with the other two Names, Jesus and Mary, and to en­courage you to this Devotion, when the great Plague caus'd a very great Destruction at Lyons, I knew many that wore such ingrav'd Rings for this Intention, that Saint Joseph would protect them from the Infection, and with so great a success, that not so much as one of the Family of those that wore them, or of the House where they lodg'd, Were In­fected; God giving so great a Bles­sing to this small Devotion.

Fifthly, To begin our chief Acti­ons under the auspicious favour of his Name, as the Governour of Ke­beck did, at the Dedication of the Church of Kebeck in new France 1637. before which he planted a Stan­dard with a triple Crown and Wreaths, with Scutcheons, in which were writ­ten in Capitals these three Names, JESUS, MARIA, JOSEPH, which Standard was no sooner erected, but [Page 126]it was saluted by the Souldiers with a Volly of Musket shot.

The fourth particular Devotion to Saint Joseph, is to imitate Saint Te­resa's Love, to her Good Father as she still'd him, by taking occasion to invite others to become his Clients, and omitting nothing that may con­tribute to his Honour and Glory; which is so grateful a Devotion to the Blessed Virgin also, that she gave thanks to Saint Teresa for having contributed and incited Persons to this Devotion towards her Spouse all over the Church, especially throu-out all Europe. whō John Gerson Chan­celour of the University of Paris also imitated; for what did he not do in this Point? He Compos'd an Office and Mass for his Feast. He writ to several Bishops to induce them to order his Feast to be Cele­brated in their Bishopricks with De­votion and Solemnity, as a Feast of Obligation, and by their own Ex­amples to move the People to observe it. His ordinary Conversations and Entertainments of those that Visi­ted, him, were upon this Subject. Moreover those who list themselves in the Confraternity of Saint Joseph, and by their Piety and Examples move others to the like De­votion, do hereby also Imitate Saint Teresa, and the Pious Ghancelour's Devotion towards him.

The fifth, is frequently to take occasion to thank Saint Joseph for the Labour and Pains he took for Jesus and Mary, and the Services he did for them; for how is it pos­sible. says Saint Teresa, to think up­on what the Queen of Heaven and her little Infant suffer'd upon Earth, without giving thanks to Saint Jo­seph for his Charitable Assistance in their Sufferings. The thinking there­fore of those Passages of Charity he Exercis'd; as even the bearing JE­SUS in his Arms, his helping his Spouse to dress him, his laying him in his Cradle, and such like ordinary Actions as these, tho they seem but small and inconsiderable; yet 'tis not to be imagin'd what tender Affections the consideration of them breeds in our Hearts; and how they move us to Exercise greater Services to JE­SUS, and also a Love to Saint Jo­seph, who hereby express'd his Af­fection to him.

The sixth Particular Devotion we may Exercise towards Saint Joseph, is to take occasion when any Affairs of Importance happen, to address our seles to Saint Joseph, and wholly commit them to his Care and Con­duct. 'Tis also a good Devotion, frequently to aske him Blessing, and to repose a Confidence in him as in a Father; beseeching him to [...]tain of his Son and Spouse, [Page 128]such an Assistance, as we shall in all occasions stand in need of. Thus the Devour Ʋrsulin Jean of the Angels, whom I have frequently mention'd, was wont to, do before and after her Exorcismes, in which the suffer'd great agitation of Body from the Devil: Wherefore to prepare her self the better to suffer, she presen­ted her before his Image, and beg'd his Blessing and Assistance, whereby she found her self extreamly for­tified.

To these I may ad some other Devotions. I know some Persons are wont to Exercise. Some in their ne­cessities say a little Pair of Beads in his honour, see the manner of saying them Page. 28. amongst the Devotions to this Saint. Others ne­ver deny any thing ask'd them, in the Name and for the sake of Saint Joseph; but I shou'd be too tedious; shou'd I set down all the Dovotions, that the Affections of his Clients suggest to them; what I have al­ready sayd, is sufficient; for what­ever may be done to other Saints, either by Prayers, Vows, or any other Respects, that and much more may be done to him. But the more to incite you to this, in the follow­ing Chapters, I will set down what Help and Assistance he renders up­on all occasions to his Clients [Page 129]both for Soul and Body, who en­deavour to express their Love and Devotion towards him, by such Pra­ctices as I have here set down.

CHAP. X. Of the Help and Assistance that Saint Joseph gives to his Devout Clients, towards their attaining Interiour Perfection; and in what this Perfecti­on do's Con­sist.

TO give you a satisfactory ac­count of the care Saint Joseph takes to render his Clients Interiour and Spiritual Per­sons; I must first declare to you what is meant by Interiour Perfe­ction, and in what this Spiritual and Interiour Life do's consist; There being very few Persons who Solidly attend thereunto; and there­fore there is great need of so solid [Page 131]and Powerful an Assistance for the obtaining it, as Saint Joseph gives his Devout Clients.

An Interiour and Spiritual Life therefore, is that which minds no­thing else but Perfection; and which rests in the Vertuous Actions of the Soul, practising the inward Acts of all Vertues; namely of Faith, Hope, Charity, Religion, Adoration, Thanksgiving, Humiliation, with a good, perfect and sincere Intention, without any mixture of Carnal ends. And in the performance of all Ex­teriour and Corporal Actions, with an Interiour Spirit and Presence of Mind; Beholding God Present, and being carried with a tender Affe­ction towards him, whilst we per­form the outward Action we are about.

This is what is call'd a Spiritual and Interiour Life; and is so call'd because it consists not in the Ex­teriour or Corporal Action, but be­cause it Acts Interiourly in the bot­tom of the Soul, and within the Spirit or Mind only; and 'tis this we must begin withall, and what is thus begun in Spirit, must after­wards pass to our Exteriour Actions, which are but of very small Value, if not accompanied with this Inte­riour Life and Vertue; there being no comparison between the inward and outward Actions; and if we [Page 132]work not by this Interiour Spirit and Purity of Intention, all the pains we take are lost; we labour much and gain little or nothing, how great things soever in appea­rance we may perform: But work­ing after this manner we gain and heap up Everlasting Treasures, with so much profit and advantage, that even the least Action wonderfully advances and increases our Perfe­ction, and gains a great degree of Glory in Heaven. This caus'd Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, after that the Glory of Blessed Aloysius Gon­zaga was reveal'd to her, to say he had gain'd that Sublime Glory, by his Interiour Actions; in which lys all the Perfection of the Soul. So that this Interiour, and this Spiri­tual Life, is one and the self same thing.

But 'tis not so easie, as one may conceive, to enter into this Inte­riour and Inward Life, or to lead such a Spiritual Life as I speak of: Since to be much recollected, and to enter into our selves, is the way to become a Perfect Interiour Man: And to do this you must cast off and wean your self from all atten­tion to Creatures, you must lay aside Interest, and Human Respects, such as are, Gain, Honour, Flesh and Blood; you must give your self to Recollection and Prayer, and [Page 133]hereby unite your self to God. To do this you must constantly walk in the Presence of God, seek no­thing but his Divine Will, Subdue your own Passions, and then practise all sorts of Vertues, belonging to the Interiour Powers of your Soul. But all this is very hard to per­form; and from hence it follows, that very few Persons attain to it; and for this reason a great Master of Spirit sayd very well;^† Few are Perfect. But on the contrary the Imperfect and Extroverted Persons are very many, who permit them­selves to sinke into the Passionate Affection of self Love, give their Will the Reines, and yeild to all that sense requires, languishing in Sensuality, rather than practising true Vertue, of whom Saint Paul complains; All seek their own, or themselves, not JESUS or the things that belong to him. But care must be taken, by those who list themselves Clients to Saint Joseph, that they do not too soon and too easily be­lieve themselves to have obtain'd, this Interiour and Spiritual Life; because they find some sensible feel­ings of Devotion:^* But when they [Page 134]find their Passions, ill Habits and all their Imperfections perfectly sub­du'd, and that they are become Fer­vent and Constant in the practice of all Vertues, then they may hope they have made some progress in this Spiritual Life.

This Spiritual deceit was very well understood by Blessed Mary Magda­len of the Ʋrsulins, as the handsome reply she made to a Sister, In­feriour in Government, when she came to make her Complaints to her.

This Sister coming to her and expressing how great a desire she had of the Spiritual Advancement of the Monastery, and in order thereunto told her that she had observ'd some Imperfections in certain of the Re­ligious; which gave Disedification. Telling her that such and such Per­sons were guilty of them. The Su­periour took in good part this Ad­vertisment she gave her, and with her wonted Sweetness, promis'd in time to redress 'em, and provide a seasonable cure. But this Religious being of the Number of those, who wou'd Reform all at once, and who thought her self far from wanting any such Reform, unsatisfi'd with this Sweet Answer of her Superi­our, told her that a speedy Order ought to be taken, and so efficaci­ous a one, as might keep the Evil from spreading; and she knew none [Page 135]better, than to devide the Monastery, and that all who were Stubborn and of an Ill Cholerick Humour, Slug­gish in Riesing, Tepid, Contentious and Imperfect, shou'd go by them­selves into another House; and the other part of the Community, that is the Good, Fervent, Perfect and Affable, that had made progress in Vertue, practis'd Mortification, and were exact observers of Religious Discipline, shou'd remain in this.

The good Mother still Patiently gave ear to all she sayd, and sweet­ly ask'd her, when she had ended her Discourse, which of these she de­sign'd to be in? Amongst those that are Perfect, reply'd the Religious, that I may have no trouble nor vexation of Mind, to hinder me in Vertue. And I, reply'd the Superi­our, will accompany the less Per­pect; first, because I am one of their number, and also out of Com­passion to them, that by having oc­casion of shewing Sweetness and Patience towards 'em, I may gain 'em, and have a greater subject of Merit. When the Sister heard this admirable Reply from her Superi­our, she was silenc'd, and saw how much she was deceiv'd by thinking her self one of the more Perfect; and moreover saw that there being not many such, the Monastery being slenderly furnish'd with Subjects, [Page 136]there wou'd scarce have been half a dosen left in the whole House. For in effect in a Community of threescore Religious, you will scarce find six true Interiour Persons, and amongst a hundred Religious Men, or five hundred Seculars, it wou'd be hard to find ten such as we speak of, who are eminent in this Interiour Life, and make the seeking after Perfection their chief En­deavour.

Prom whence we may gather, how great an advantage the Clients of of Saint Joseph have, who by his Intercession obtain so great a Bles­sing, than which nothing is so con­siderable, nothing harder to obtain, nor any thing that ought more earnestly to be sought after. What a Comfort is it then, to have so pow­erful an Assistant who sweetens all Difficulties, lending us his efficacious Hand; whereby he manifests that God has left to his sole care, the bringing up of all those, who effi­caciously desire to become eminent in this hidden Interiour Life, as a Recompence of that Interiour hid­den Life he led himself at Nazareth, with his Sacred Family; and that he is the Ruler and Governour of those Souls, who desire to have their Ver­tue and Actions conceal'd to the World, and only known to God. As a Young Man greatly inligh­ten'd [Page 137]by God, testifi'd to Father Se­ [...]rin of the SOCIETY of JESUS.

^†This Farther accidentally meet­ing him, and finding him wonder­fully replenish'd with so many ex­traordinary Gifts and Graces of God, that in his Life he never met with the like, and this after a very high manner; for tho' he had never been Instructed, and only serv'd a Priest till he was eighteen Years of Age; yet he spoke most Spi­ritually, and not only like a Divine, but also like a Saint of high Per­fection. The Father propos'd many Questions to him, and amongst the test he ask'd him if he were De­vout to Saint Joseph; to which he made Answer, that for the six Years last past he had been his Protectour, and Directour; and affirm'd that our Saviour himself had given him Saint Joseph for this end. Adding that he was the greatest of Saints after the Blessed Virgin; that he had the Ple­nitude of the Holy Ghost with the Apostles; and that he was the Master and Spiritual Directour of those Souls who addicted themselves to a hid­den Interiour Life and Conversation with God.

To prove this Truth; 'tis only ne­cessary to observe the assistance Saint Joseph gives in this behalf, and the [Page 138]particular desire he has to assist and help Retir'd and Interiour Souls, and to become Master Directour and Pro­tectour of those Souls that aim at this Hidden and Spiritual Life, as the following passage will declare, which I had from the Mouth of a Reli­gious Person, who serv's God in a Monastery of the Seraphical Saint Francis's Order. Who as she dispos'd her self to make the Spiritual Ex­ercise, according to the advice I gave her out of Philagie, she resolv'd to take a Saint for her Protectour, to assist her in so important an af­fair, and was inclin'd to choose Saint Francis, as being Father and Patron of her Order; whilst her Thoughts were thus imploy'd an Interiour trouble of Mind seiz'd her, and rais'd a doubt whither or no this choice were ac­cording to the Will of God. Where­upon she resolves to draw Lots and to write the Name of Saint Joseph [...] who came first to her Mind, with that of Saint Francis, in little bil­lets apart; and twice together the first she drew, was Saint Joseph; which was sufficient to let her se [...] 'twas God's Will to take him for her Directour in this her Solitude.

Some time after God gave her a strong inpulse to make choice of some Saint, that might for her Life time, take care of her Interiour; hereupon she thought of choosing [Page 139]some of those Saints, for whom, from her tender Years, she had had a Devotion. Nevertheless it came into her Mind to put Saint Joseph amongst the rest: After she had well mingl'd the Papers or Suffrages, Saint Joseph, as before, twice fell to her Lot; however tho' 't was very pleasing to her, that she had thus drawn him; yet she beg's of God, that she might most certainly know his Divine Will, to permit her if it were his Divine Pleasure, to light upon the same Lot the third time; where­fore mingling 'em again, the first that came to her Hand was Saint Joseph, which success made her in­tirely acknowledge, and receive him for her Spiritual Father, Protectour, and faithful Directour, of her Interi­our Religious Life.

But to give us still a greater in­citement to choose him for our Master and Directour in this Inte­nour Life. Not only Saint Teresa Councel'd all who desir'd to profit in Prayer, and in this Spiritual kind of Interiour Life, to have recourse to Saint Joseph, and take him for their Master. But also his Virgin Spouse the Mother of God, who knows his Power and Goodness, gave the same Counsel to a Religious Person, who upon account of her Name and that of her Order, had a Filial Affection for her, and a Con­fidence [Page 140]and Tender Devotion to her. This Religious being very much Dis­quieted for some Temptations, she suffer'd, especially in time of Prayer, they giving her a great deal of trouble and disincouragement, upon account, that they made her think she should never be able to treat with God with that Fervour, nor have so open and liberal a Heart towards his Divine Majesty as she earnestly desir'd, and found necessary perfectly to serve him. Hereupon she addresses her self to the Blessed Virgin as to her tender Mother, and Affectionately tells her with a Filial Confidence, that she must needs obtain for her this Liberty of Spirit, and Inspire and Direct her what Saint she shou'd choose to help her herein; and in whose Assistance she might securely Confide; that she might express her Gratitude during her whole Life, for obtaining by her Assistance so great a Benefit: She had no sooner ended her Petition, but she obtain'd a grant thereof; for she found that Saint Joseph was very lively presented to her Mind, and with a great Interiour Sweetness; and the Excellency and great Per­fection of this Saint was so clearly set before her, that she retain'd the idea thereof during her whole Life; and ever after Confided in him, in all and for all, as in a Loving Father; [Page 141]who immediately free'd her from the pain she was in, not only for the present, but for the future; and when at any time any of her for­mer Temptations return'd, she found no disquiet at all, nor did she do any thing else, but confidently cast her self into the tender Arms of her Dear Father, and immediately she found her wonted calm and Peace of Mind, accompanied with a most comfortable Union and En­tertainment with God.

Having thus st own you, how wil­lingly Saint Joseph takes upon him to help Souls to lead this Spiritual and Interiour Life, I shall declare to you the manner how he do's it, and the helps he gives towards the gaining this Interiour Perfection; by procuring those things that are requir'd for it, and conduce to it, such as are Prayer, Presence of God, Peace of the Mind, and the Interiour Practice of all sorts of Vertue.

As for Prayer, Saint Teresa assures us in her Life, that he who can­not find a Master to teach him how to Pray, must choose Saint Joseph for his Guid and Directour; and he will certainly find out the way to perform this Exercise well.

To Confirm this; I know two Per­sons who found great difficulty in Prayer, the one by frequently re­commending himself to Saint Joseph, [Page 142]the other by undertaking the Reci­tal of a few Prayers in his Honour, found themselves assisted by him, even as soon as they had perform'd these Devotions; and they have since by his Intercession obtain'd so great a facility in Mental Prayer, that there is no greater Comfort or Con­solation to them, than the Exer­cise thereof.

A Religious Person of my ac­quaintance being newly Profest in a Holy Order, desiring very earnestly, as she told me, the gift of quiet Prayer, and to be free'd from Di­stractions, found her self inwardly mov'd to have recourse to this ad­mirable Master; to whom she most readily adress'd her self, and did it with such a Confidence in his help, that he obtain'd this gift for her. And she moreover owns, that when she Meditates upon any Point of Saint Joseph's Vertues and Perfecti­ons, ther's nothing else to be thought on, but what ordinary happens in the Meditations of the Blessed Tri­nity, the Blessed Sacrament, and such like high Mysteries, Acts of Ad­miration, Submission, entring into her own nothingness, and Contempla­tion of so high and sublime a greatness.

But the other favours she receiv'd of this Saint, by means of recom­mending her self to him, are equal [Page 143]to these already related. When she go's to Bed she beg's somthing she wants and receives it, she desires to be freed from Impure Dreams, he obtains for her this Petition also. So happy a thing it is to have so powerfull a Master and so good a Father.

Now as to the Presence of God another thing conducing to this In­teriour Life, 'tis this that he cer­tainly obtains for his Children and Devout Clients.

I knew some who continually walk'd in the Presence of God, wherby they were guided in all, even their least Actions, with very great Atention, yet without the least let or hinde­ [...]ance to the exact performance of their Imployments; so that they seem'd to me rather Angels than Men; and asking them how they obtain'd this happiness, they assur'd me it was the effect of Saint Joseph's Intercession; they having beg'd it of him, who was himself thirty Years together in the continual Presence of the Word Incarnate; and found by experience the good that pro­ceeded from it; who is therefore ready to help Recollected Souls, to a Participation of this incomparable Comfort, of being Constantly in God's, sight, which influences and fa­cilitates all their Actions.

But Saint Joseph's help is no les [...] efficacious also, in obtaining Peace of Mind, another necessary Dispo­sition, for obtaining this Interiou [...] Life; and amongst many other Ex­amples I cou'd bring of my own knowledge, I will heer produce one. A certain Person of the number of those, who think extraordinary De­votion and sublime Spirituality, con­sists in discoursing of such high Points; as are both above their own, as well as Auditours reach, either to un­derstand or explicate; yet will ven­ture at new Propositions, to make themselves admit'd as Persons more than ordinarily inlightned by God. This Person came to a Monastery, and at the Grate, broaches one of his own Fantastical Opinions for a truth; that the Humanity of our Sa­viour, was in all places, as well as his Divinity; and that one might have the Presence of the one as well as of the other. This new propo­sition wrought some trouble in those that were present, especially in one of 'em, who recounted the passage to me, telling me she was not able any longer to make her Prayer, but that this new and extravagant Do­ctrine came into her Head, and so darkn'd her Soul, that she was able to do nothing. Wherefore by my Direction, as soon as this Thought occur'd and troubl'd her, she recom­mended [Page 145]her self to Saint Joseph and beg'd him to disperse this Clowd; who had scarce finish'd this her Pe­tition, but her trouble vanish'd, and he [...] wonted Peace and Tranquility of Mind return'd after such a manner, that she never more thought of that Discourse, and resolv'd never more [...]o give ear to such Discourses of Novelties, which nothing but a vain curiosity can lead us unto.

And as [...]o the gaining all forts of Interiour Vertues, requir'd also for this Spiritual and Interiour Life; I need only tell you Saint Teresa's Thoughts.^† Ther's no sort of Vertue, says she, which is not lodg'd as in it's Proper Seat, in the Soul of those who serve Saint Joseph with a Faithful Heart, and recommend themselves to his Prayers, for one may perceive in them in a little time, incredible ad­vancements. 'Tis but making tryal therefore and having recourse to him for these Ends expecting and assuring our selves of a Happy Success by his Favorable Assistance. Thus Saint Te­ [...]sa assures us of his efficacious help.

CHAP. XI. Of the assistance Saint Joseph gives to Spiritual Mala­dies; especially to those who are in a bad State of Soul.

THE Vision Saint Teresa had upon the Assumption of our Blessed Lady, whilst she con­sider'd the Sins of her Past Life; is a proof of Saint Joseph's help, in all our Spiritual Infirmities; At which time a Divine Transport seizing her Soul, she saw it cloath'd with a very white and resplendent Robe. At first she perceiv'd not who put it on, but at last she saw the Mother of God on the one side of her, and Saint. Joseph on the other, and understood that this was done by them, to signifie that at the same [Page 147]time her Soul was freed from all Sin and Imperfection. Which proves how careful and desirous the Holy Spouse of Mary is, to disperse and drive away all Spiritual Distempers, and restore Purity to our Soul; so that in all attack's of any Violent Passion; in any dangerous Tempta­tion; and in our failings or fall's into any Imperfection; there is no better means to free our selves, and obtain a particular help and assi­stance, than by calling upon Saint Joseph.

We see daily Examples of this by the great and wonderful change we find in the Conversations of those, who are noted for their Devotion to this Saint; what Victories do we perceive they have gain'd over their Passions? What Mortifications do they not use to subdue their Senses? And with what Peace and Tranqui­lity do they perform all this? I knew some who cou'd not forbear Jesting and Rallying, which serves for nothing but to wound and de­stroy Charity; others who had strange aversions against those who suited not with their Temper and Humor, they not being able to suffer so much as their sight, much less their Conversation; others that were so Passionately carried away with Pri­vate and Particular Affections, that they cou'd neither Pray, Labour nor [Page 148]perform any of their Duties; which is a Passion, if not cur'd, that is very Dangerous and Pernicious to Purity. But to my great Joy and Comfort I ever found, all these Passions vanish, after they had per­form'd some Devotions to Saint Joseph for this Intention: For this ill Habit of Sharpe and Mortifying Words, of Uncharitable and Mali­cious Thoughts, that caus'd these aversions, soon Vanish'd; after ap­plication made to Saint Joseph for his Assistance: I knew a Young Woman violently attack'd with a Passion of Love, which she free'd her self from, by resolving in ho­nour of Saint Joseph, to obstain for nine Days from the Conversation of the Person she Lov'd; which the performing and recommending her self every Day during that time to Saint Joseph, to beg his help to over­come it, she was perfectly free'd from this tormenting and dangerous Spirit of Love; and that she might never more be troubl'd with th [...] like, she resolv'd during her whole Life, to say Daily Saint Joseph [...] Litany, whereby she obtain'd th [...] happy end she aim'd at. but to p [...] her in mind that this constant De­votion to Saint Joseph, was th [...] means whereby she obtain'd th [...] Favour; when ever she neglected th [...] ordinary time of performing it [...] [Page 149]she found some small return's of this Passion, which immediately va­nish'd at it's performance.

I knew also another Person, who by a violent attack of the same Pas­sion, had quite lost her Sleep; and was in great danger of loosing her wit's also; for she was seiz'd upon by Dispairing Thoughts and Doubts of her Perseverance in Religion; who being Councel'd for nine Days together, to say the Beads of Saint Joseph I before spoke of Page. 28. some of her Friends joyning their Devotions with her's to Saint Jo­seph for this end, at the end of the nine Days she found her self per­fectly cur'd.

There are many such like Favours which this great Saint obtains for his Faithful Servants, that have re­course to him, by his obtaining for them a Victory over those Passions, they find themselves seiz'd withall, which often times they have not Confidence to Discover, and which pass only between God and them­selves, these I have set down for encourageing all in the the like cir­cumstances, to have recourse to this Spiritual and Powerful Physitian, the great Saint Joseph.

Isador, in his fourth Book and [...]enth Chapter, Recounts a very Re­markable Example of a Gentleman of Venice, so Devoted to Saint Jo­seph, [Page 150]who Daily upon his Knees he was wont to recite before his Image, several Devotions in his Honour. This Person lying dangerously Sick, without thinking, as he shou'd have done, of a Penitent Confession; his cares being rather taken up a­bout the Health of his Body, than that of his Soul. Being in this con­dition, Saint Joseph mindfull of his past Devotions to him, shews him­self a true Friend and Father to his Soul; by Appearing to him, and warning him to make a good and speedy Confession, and to prepare himself for Death, which was neerer him than he imagin'd; he follow'd his Councel, put himself in a good State, Receiv'd the last Sacraments, and assisted by Saint Joseph in his last Agony, made a most happy End, and Receiv'd hereby a Reward for his constant Devotions to this Saint.

Another Example of later Date, I receiv'd from the Testimony of Persons most worthy of Credit. A Father of the SOCIETY, being desir'd earnestly by some Friends to say a Mass; and another of the same SOCIETY not Priest, to Offer nine Communions in Honour of Saint Joseph; that by his powerful Intercession a neer Kins-Man of theirs might be drawn from a Wicked Licentious Life, in which he had been so Miserably plung'd for the [Page 151]space of five Years, that by no means or Prayers they cou'd use, they [...]ou'd prevail with him to Live even like a Man of Honour before Men, as became his Quality; much less like a Christian before God, as his Sacred Character and Habit also he [...]ore requir'd. At the self same time these Prayers were Offer'd for this Person, he fell grieviously Sick, as his Relation had desir'd he might, in case no other means wou'd re­form him; and so it fell out ac­cording to his wish; the Distemper increas'd to such an Extremity, that [...]he Receiv'd the last Sacraments, and then Miraculously Recover'd; with a Resolution hereafter to imploy his time and all his endeavours in a Work of great Importance to God's Glory. Which he Faithfully per­form'd, to the great Edification and Comfort of all that knew him; who were witness of this great change wrought by Saint Joseph. This Con­version happen'd at Paris.

Another no less strange Conversion than this happen'd at Lyons, where a Young Man of very good Con­dition, who had pass'd his Youth in the Fear of God, and infine was re­solv'd to quit the World, and intirely give himself to God's Service, for the greater security of his Salvation. But this design not pleasing his Parents, they endeavour'd to devert [Page 152]him from it, but very unhappily; for he now seeing himself Frustrated of his design of executing his good Desires, his former servour cooling by little and little, he fell from a Remisness in his Devotions, to an intire neglect of them; at last he quite loos'd the Rains of his Pas­sions, and gave himself up to all shameful Liberties. Then he betakes himself to the War, where he exercises all the Licentiousness of a Souldiers Life. So that there was no Mis­chief or Excess, in which he was not the Ringleader. In the mean time his Father and Mother Con­scious of their great Fault, have­ing a Sense of Piety and of God's Honour and Glory, fell into un­consolable Regrets and Afflictions of Mind, acknowledging their Errour, and never giving over by Letters and Good Counsels, both by them selves and Friends, to perswade him to quit his Irregularities; but all in vain, his Heart being harden'd and become obstinate. At length, as their last Refuge, they have recourse to Saint Joseph, daily beseeching him to reclaim and bring back this Pro­digal Child, by taking him under his Protection. The third day they had earnestly Offer'd these daily De­votions, the Young Man return'd home, cast himself at his Parents Feet, beg'd their Pardon for his [Page 153]follies, began a new Life, and cor­responded to his former Vocation, by entring into Religion; in which God Rewarded him with Perseve­rance; all which Favours he ob­tain'd by Saint Joseph's Intercession.

We have in our Church in Lyons a Votive Picture of a Woman ex­treamly afflicted for the Debau­cheries of her Husband, no endea­vours for Reclaiming him prevai­ling, she had Recourse to Saint Jo­seph, making a Vow to him, for the obtaining her Husbands Conversion, which she had no sooner perform'd, but, her Husbands Thoughts were quite chang'd, and he was never af­ter Disloyal to his Consort.

A Person of Worth and Confident Friend of mine, writ to me a little while ago, knowing I had a Piece of Work in Hand in honour of Saint Joseph, assuring me, that Saint Joseph had Deliver'd her from a most miserable slavery and thraldom of Mind, which happen'd to her after the following manner. She having fail'd in a matter of great Impor­tance, even against a Vow made to God, cou'd not bring her self to a plain and clear Confession of her Fault; finding this great difficulty and repugnance, she fully resolv'd to overcome so dangerous a Bashfulness, and for this end that she might ob­tain Grace of God, to put her Soul in [Page 154]a good State, for nine Days together she sayd the Hymn and Prayer of Saint Joseph, Printed at the end of this Book; Page. 20. and upon the ninth Day, she felt a strange Re­morse for her Offence, found a suf­ficient Courage to declare all, and to make a good Confession, which she perform'd with a very great Sor­row, and a firm purpose of Amend­ment; and ever after resolv'd to carry about her an Image of Saint Joseph, even in the Night, to pre­serve her from bad Dreams, where­by she acknowledges to have Re­ceiv'd very singular help and As­sistance.

CHAP. XII. The Miraculous Assistance which Saint Joseph giv's in Curing Corporal Di­seases, especially the Plague.

THE Examples I here set down, I have chosen out of many more; they being what I was either an Eye Witness of, or was very well acquainted with the Persons upon whom they were wrought, in this our City of Lyons, where I now live; or else are such as have irrefragable Authority to [...]rove their Truth.

None can doubt of what Saint Te­ [...]sa her self recounts of the Mira­tulous Cures he wrought upon her [...]n her Youth; and in those very [...]ong and lasting Distempers. She [...]ad after she was Religious. Who for eight Months together lost the [Page 156]use of all her Limbs, suffer'd fre­quent Faintings, Soundings, Pal­pitations of the Breast, all which were her ordinary Distempers, that held her for three Years together; from all which she was Deliver'd by the Intercession of Saint Joseph, to whom she was extreamly Devoted, and whose Feast she kept every Year, with very great Solemnity; she being upon it, suddenly free'd from those long Distempers, that had kept her for so long a time in her Bed, and able to rise and walk about the House, as if she had never been Sick.

Sister Jane of the Angels being brought to Deaths Dore, by a Mor­tal Plurisie; there being, according to the Physitians Opinion, no hopes of her Recovery, receiv'd it by Saint Joseph's Assistance; who Ap­pear'd to her, and layd his Hand upon that side where the Pain was; and so Cur'd her: But this being a very Miraculous Cure, and the cir­cumstances very extraordinary. I cannot omit to give you in short, a particular account of the cheif Pas­sages, leaving the rest to a Printed Relation of it, approv'd by the Bi­shop of Poicters; and shewing how she Recover'd by a most Miraculous Oyntment, that the Saint apply'd: And because the most satisfactory relation I think that can be made [Page 157]of it, is what she Relates her self in a Letter to a Friend; I shall there­fore put it down in her own Words.

I fell into very violent Convulsion Fits, like one ready to give up the Ghost; I found my self depriv'd of all Sense, yet my Judgment was still at liberty, and as I lay in this sad Con­dition, there appear'd to me a great and beautiful Clow'd, in which on my right side, stood my Good Angel, of incomparable Beauty, like a Youth of eighteen Years of Age, with fair de­shevel'd Hair: This Youth had in his right Hand a fair Wax flaming Ta­per; on the other side in the Clowd was my Holy Father Saint Joseph, with a Countenance outshining the Sun in Brightness, and a Majesty more than Human, resembling in Age, a Man of forty or forty five Years Old, with a goodly Head of Hair, of a Chesnut colour very long and I per­ [...]eiv'd he look'd upon one of the As­sistants that stood by me, after a very sweet manner, full of Amity and Af­fection. Then beholding me he layd his Hand upon that side, where from the beginning was the principle Source if my Distemper, he anointed me With Oyl, or some such kind of Liquor, and the place he anointed remain'd something moist: And at that same in­ [...]ient I found my self perfectly re­ [...]ever'd, and told the standers by as much.

This is what she her self Recounts, now see what follow'd. she finding her self very well, ris out of her Bed, which she had kept upon ac­count of her Feaver, for fourteen Days together, occasion'd by a form'd Plurisie that gave her extraordinary pain; she had been let Blood nine times in twelve Days space, which caus'd such a Weakness and Feeble­ness, as she was scarce able to turn her self in her Bed, none expecting any thing but Death. But Mr. Faveon her Physitian and a Protestant was most of all astonish'd, when entring into her Chamber, not know­ing any thing of the Miracle, he saw all the Company on their Knees, the Sick Womans bed empty and cover'd, and saw her, who but a lit­tle before he had left as a Dying Person, riseing from her Knees, walking in her Religious Habit about the Chamber without any help, and coming towards him with a Smiling Countenance: To whom she recoun­ted her Miraculous recovery, give­ing him also thanks for the Pains he had taken. This surprise was so sud­dain, that he remaind for along time in a silent astonishment, not know­ing what to say or think, but in the end coming to himself, he ac­knowledg'd it to be a wonderful change, but God says he is Om­nipotent.

But another, yet greater Miracle soon follow'd this; of which this was partly the occasion; for the rest of the Oyntment, remaining upon a Linnen Cloath, wherewith the re­cover'd Person wip'd the Place Saint Joseph had Anoynted, not only re­tain'd a Sweet and Aromatick Smel, as I my self experienc'd, as this Re­ligious Person, so Miraculously Cur'd, past by Lyons, but has also the power of Working Miracles, which it like­wise Communicates to Beads, Me­dals, Images and Papers that have only touch'd this Miraculous Oynt­ment, or the Cloath that Wip'd it off the Religious Persons Side.

The second Miracle wrought by the Oyntment is as follows. Ma­dame. de Laubougemont, about eight Days after Sister Jean of the Angels had so Miraculously Recover'd, being big with Child, happen'd after the self same manner to fall Sick of a Plurisy at Trevoux, which four of the ablest Physicians of that place judg'd Incurable, and therefore thought it in vain to apply any Remedies. But God Inspir'd both the Patient and her Husband to make use of the Remedy, Saint Joseph had afforded the foresaid Religious; and there­fore they sent an Express to Loudun to desire they might make use of the Cloath that had Wiped off the Hea­venly Balsome, from the Place Saint [Page 160] Joseph had Anointed. This being brought to the Sick Lady the very Smel of it's Divine Perfume, fill'd her Soul with Joy, and the Appli­cation of it to her Right Side per­fectly recover'd her, and a few how­ers after she was Deliver'd of a Child, which the Doctours and Sur­geons judg'd to have been a whole Month Dead in her Body.

A Young Man call'd Claud Mur­ner at Laubougemont, afflicted with an extraordinary swelling in one of his Ribs, that reach'd quite to his Reins, and caus'd a very violent Feaver: So that all concluded he wou'd ei­ther be a Cripple as long as he liv'd, or else the breaking of the Ulser wou'd occosion his Death, such an abundance of humours being gather'd together, and had caus'd so great an inflamation and swelling, as gave him a very great deal of pain; so that he cou'd not lye in any other Posture in his Bed, but upon his Belly. Which mov'd a great com­passion in those that visited him, amongst which was one of his Re­lations, a Father of the SOCIETY, from whom I receiv'd this account. Who hearing the Doctours and Sur­geons of Mascon conclude there was no hopes of a Cure, caus'd the Youth with all Confidence to make a Vow to Saint Joseph: The Father sayd Mass in honour of the same Saint, [Page 161]to procure his powerful Intercession, and advis'd the Youth to Confess and Communicate. This done he caus'd the Name of JESUS to be written and brought to the Sick Per­son who swallow'd down the Paper, it having touch'd the Heavenly Balme of Saint Joseph, I before spoke of; they rubb'd also the inflamation with a piece of the same Paper. The same Day the Feaver left him, his appetite return'd, the swelling wasted by degrees, and his strength re­cover'd after such a manner, that within three or four Days he found himself able to perform a journey of seven Leagues on Hors-back, and this happen'd not only to these Persons I have Nam'd, but to several others both at Lyons, Trevoux and Loudun were cur'd of very Desperate Feavers by the same means.

Sister Margaret Rigaud a Profess'd Religious of the Monastery of Saint Elizabeth at Lyons, fell from a flore one story high, the fall caus'd such a bruise in her Head, as made the Blood gush out of her Ears, and depriv'd her of her Senses; they us'd all remedies, but nothing cou'd ease her Head, which was so bruis'd, that for several Months together she was not able so much as to lean, or rest it even upon the softest Pil­low. Her Mind was in no less pain, being very much disquieted; caus'd [Page 162]by the weakness of her offended Brain; and the Evil very much in­creasing, a Consult of Doctours and Surgeons were call'd, who all con­cluded that her Head was to be open'd by being Trapan'd, and un­less this Remedy were us'd, she wou'd soon be depriv'd either of Life or at least of her Senses. At the Patients request, who extreamly apprehended this Violent Operation, it's execu­tion was defer'd, and in the mean time the Superiour of the Monastery by God's Inspiration, took a reso­sution to apply another Remedy which had it's effect: She order'd that a Communion for nine Days together, shou'd be Offer'd for the Recovery of this Religious, in ho­nour of Saint Joseph, thereby to obtain his Intercession; the Dis­temper notwithstanding continu'd very Violent, and caus'd great and sharpe pain to the Patient, during eight Days, and the ninth Day being begun without an appearance of Health, some of the Religious pro­pos'd that the Sick Person shou'd make a Vow to Saint Antoline, who was wont by her Intercession to Cure such kind of Distempers. Ano­ther Religious hearing this, and be­ing unwilling that any but Saint Joseph shou'd have the honour of this Cure, addresses her self to him, with a great deal of Fervour begging [Page 163]of him that he wou'd take to himself the honour of this Cure, whose honour was now at stake, she being first recommended to him, and that he wou'd not permit another to deprive him of it; especially since he had full power to effect it; and last of all she conjures him by those Emi­nent Prerogatives of his being the reputed Father of JESUS, and Spouse of Mary, to assist rhe Sick Person, Promising him if he did so, that in thanksgiving, she wou'd perform nine Mortifications, and say nine times his Prayer in his honour, but whilst she Offer'd these Devotions in behalf of her Sick Sister, at the ex­piring of the ninth Day, she was suddenly Cur'd, and so perfectly well, that she cou'd not contain her self from running about the House, and crying out a Miracle a Miracle, I am quite recover'd, I am perfectly well again, and so she was indeed; for she not only receiv'd health of Body but of Soul also; enjoying ever af­ter a continual Peace and Repose of mind; a Love of Devotion and regular Observances; whereas be­fore, it was a Mortification to her to be at the Quire, and Plainsong was insupportable to her; whereas now she is, the most Punctual and Zealous observer of this Duty, and takes a most particular Satisfaction therein, and in exactly following [Page 164]the Community in all other Regu­lar Observances: Having receiv'd so great Light from Saint Joseph as to see and value Perfection, and what­ever tends to it, even before her Corporal Health or any other Sa­tisfaction whatsoever; and therefore Honours him as her cheif Patron, since together with the Health of her Body, he bestow'd upon her such Interiour Blessings, and Bene­fits to her Soul.

In the same Monastery about eight Years ago, a Religious newly Pro­fess'd, was taken with so violent an Headach, that she cou'd take no rest at all, and Prayer even became impossible to her to perform; here­upon her Superiour, orders her to Communicate nine Tuesdays follow­ing, in honour of Saint Joseph, to obtain his Intercession, for her De­livery from this Violent Distemper; upon the fourth Tuesday, which that Year happen'd to be the Feast of Saint Joseph, in time of the Ser­mon, which was made in their Church in honour of Saint Joseph, in which his Prayses were set fourth, her Tor­ments were so redubl'd, that she was scarce able to hold up her Head, and scarce knew even where she was, or what she did. But this pain as great as it was, was not able to make her neglect her Duty and De­votion of hearing out the Sermon; [Page 165]nor hinder'd her afterwards from [...]aying in the Church to Pray with [...]he rest of the Religious, tho' she [...]on'd say, or think of nothing else [...]et these two Words O Saint Joseph! [...]hich from time to time she re­ [...]eated with incredible joy of Heart, [...]ejoycing that he was such a Saint; which joy was attended with that [...]f her being deliver'd from her Headach, and that so intirely, that [...]ever since she has felt the least [...]ain in her Head.

The Superiour of the Congre­gation of the Word Incarnate, being [...]fflicted for ten Years together with [...]ore Eyes, so that she cou'd not Read; and a continual Defluxion fell upon 'em, that so darken'd her Sight, that the Occulists thought she wou'd never perfectly recover it; who no sooner had made a Vow to Saint Joseph to say his Office for a Year together, [...]ut she was immediately deliver'd from this dimness of Sight.

How successfull Saint Joseph is also in Curing his Clients defen­ding 'em even from the greatest of all Distempers the Plague, we may gather from his defending the City of Avinion from being utterly De­stroy'd by the Plague, about ten Years since, upon account of a So­ [...]emne Vow made to him of for ever Celebrating his Feast, and this Ex­ample caus'd several at Lyons to [Page 166]have Recourse to him by their Prayers, and receive Succour from him also in time of the Plague, of whom I shall relate two or three of the most remarkable Examples.

Mr. Augery an Advocate in the Parlament of Dauphiné, being at Lyons, and understanding July the 15. 1638. that Theodor Augery his Son, seven Year, of Age, was seiz'd on by the Plague, a hard swelling ap­pearing under his right Arm, ac­companied with a violent Feaver, which were evident sign's of the Plague, which the Day following very much increast, together with the Bubo or Swelling; he made a Vow to God that if Saint Joseph by his Intercession wou'd procure his Sons Recovery, and preserve his Family from the Plague, he wou'd for nine Days together hear Mass at his Church, in his Honour, and offer Tapers and wax Candels at his Altar, with a Votive Picture, as a lasting memory of this Favour. In the mean time the Sick Youth be­ing visited by the Plague Surgeons, who gave him over for Dead, was taken out of the House, and carri'd to Saint Laurence the Pest-House, for fear of Infecting others; where he found himself perfectly well, nor were any more of his Family In­fected, which were nine in number, whereupon he perform'd his Vow, [Page 167]and hung up a Picture at Saint Jo­seph's Altar, in which he and his Wife and Children were all Pain­ted on their Knees, giving thanks to God for this Favour, obtain'd by the Intercession of Saint Joseph, with the Story written at the bottom of the Picture, and sign'd by him­self.

Father Melchior of Faug a Reli­gious of the SOCIETY of JESUS, being a Month ago expos'd to serve those who were in the Quarantin, or Pest-House, having catch'd the Plague, and lying in extremity of Death, all despatring of his Reco­very, after having been three Days in his Agony, a Friend of his of the same Order, made a Vow, and invited the Sick Man to do the like, in case he recover'd; which was to Offer Nine Masses in the Church of Saint Joseph, in thanks­giving for his Recovery. At the self same hower that the Vow was made, he Recover'd his Speech and found himself out of all danger.

Tevenet a good Old Man of Saint Laurence Dauger, a Village neer Ly­ons, Infected with the Plague, ask'd the Viccaire of the Place, whether there were no means for his Re­covery; who answer'd him that there was none, but by having Re­course to Saint Joseph; and by make­ing a Vow every Year to keep his [Page 168]Feast, and to Confess and Com­municate upon it; and for nine Days to say seven Paters and Aves, and conclude them with JESUS, MARIA, JOSEPH. The Pious Old Man immediately made the Vow, and at the same time found him­self free'd from the Plague, won­dring what was become of his Bu­bo's and Swellings, which all Va­nish'd upon a suddain.

Martin de Ba [...] a little Child of four Years of age, was struck with the Plague as he was at play; all gave him for lost, and his Mother being in very great Desolation and Affliction, was Councel'd to Re­commend him to Saint Joseph, which she immediately did in these Words, Saint Joseph to you I Recommend my Child, about two howers after the Childs Father perceiving some signs of Death, calls his Wife, who now giving him for Dead, made a kind of Pious Complaint, saying Ah Saint Joseph! She comes to the Child and finds the Evil diminish'd, who a lit­tle after call's to his Mother for some Meat, recovers his wonted Countenance, rises from his Bedd, and cry's out I am well, Saint Jo­seph has Cur'd me. And the Mor­ning following there was not the least sign of any Disease, and he felt no more Weakness than if he had never been Sick; whom his [Page 169]Parents carried to the Church of Saint Joseph to give thanks, where they hung up a Votive Picture to testifie not only the Childs, but the Fathers Delivery from the Plague; who afterwards was visited and De­liver'd also by Saint Joseph's Inter­cession, from the same Evil; by the Application of some Cotton or the Bubo or Swelling, that had touch'd the Oyntment of Loudun, whereby Saint Joseph Miraculously cur'd one of the Religious of that place, as I before mention'd, whereby he was immediately cur'd.

Bennet Gontelle a Gardner liveing in a Garden, that joyns to Saint Joseph's Church, every Day lost one of his Family, consisting of seven­teen Persons, out of which one Daily fell sick and was led to the Pest-House, where his Wife and all his Children were already Dead of it; and he and one Servant only left alive in the House, who Daily ex­peeted to follow the rest. I visiting him, being his nex Neighbour in this sad Affliction, Councel'd him to make a Vow to Saint Joseph, which he did, and I joyn'd with him in it; promising him to Offer se­veral Masses and Communions in his Honour, if by his Intercession he wou'd obtain his and his Ser­vants Preservation from the Plague, God hears his Prayers and pre­serv'd [Page 170]'em both from the Infection.

To Conclude this Catalogue o [...] those, whom Saint Joseph assisted af­ter a very extraordinary manner, who were either cur'd when Infected or preserv'd from the Infection; [...] must also add the following Rela­tion: Those who were appointe [...] Masters of Health in this City o [...] Lyons, appointed to take care of the Infected, and to prevent the encrease of the Infection, having after a par­ticular manner recommended them­selves to Saint Joseph were all pre­serv'd from it; notwithstanding for the discharge of their imployment they were Daily expos'd to the dan­ger of gaining the Infection. Where­fore they all came in a Body to Saint Joseph's Church, in the Year 1638. to Confess and Communicate, and to Offer Wax Candles at Saint Joseph's Altar, to express their Gra­titude to him, for so signal a favour, which by his Intercession he had obtain'd both for them and for the whole Town.

CHAP. XIII. The Assistance which God gives upon all occasions by Saint Joseph's Intercession.

WHOSOEVER desires to expe­rience the effects of Saint Joseph's Intercession, will find him a true Father; for he for­sakes none in their necessities, but assists those who have recourse to him in all their exigencies, especi­ally, if what they desire do's any way conduce to God's Honour and Glory. Thus he assisted Saint Teresa in the Foundation of the greatest part of her Monasteries; as is set down at large in the History of her Order. And I know a person who was in great pain about the success of an affair of importance, whereupon he caus'd Mass to be sayd in honour of Saint Joseph, beg'd his Inter­cession and it succeeded as well as be cou'd wish it shou'd have done.

Saint Joseph also has concern not [Page 174]only for Spiritual but even tempo­ral Affairs, and by his Intercession assists those that beg his help here­in; as we may see by the Example Saint Teresa relates of her self, who was in great pain about some Debts she had contracted, in building the Monastery of Avila; not knowing what course to take, for the pay­ment of the Work-Men: In this perplexity Saint Joseph Appears to her, bids her confidently to agree with the Work-Men, and engage for all necessaries for the building, promising she shou'd not want Mony to Defray the Expences; and in ef­fect she found he perform'd his Promise, she receiving Monies from such Persons, from whom she least of all expected so great Charities, both to her own and other Persons Astonishment.

The Carthusians also experienc'd in the last Age, how powerful his Intercession is with Almighty God; for fearing so great a Desolation, as the fayling of their Order wou'd have been for want of Subjects, none presenting themselves to un­dertake that sort of Life; a general Chapter held at their great Char­ter-House by Grenoble, to the end they might obtain Saint Joseph's powerful intercession, in what was of the greatest concern for the sup­port of their Order, they made a [Page 173]Decree in General Chapter, in which they chose him for the Patron and Advocate of their Order; and they ordain'd, that his Feast shou'd for the future not only be kept as a Feast of Obligation, throu'out their whole Order, but with very great Solemnity; which singular Devotion of theirs, was so favour'd and ac­cepted by Saint Joseph; and his In­tercession was so Efficacious in the Court of Heaven, that in all Parts of the World where they are esta­blish'd, they have never since wan­ted proper Subjects to encrease their Holy Order; and if any par­ticular House at any time wants Subjects, 'tis but addressing them selves to him, and they find his powerful Assistance; as their House at Lyons did some five Years ago, where by making a Vow that the Priests shou'd every Day make a Commemoration of him in their Mass, they have never since wan­ted fit Subjects to Encrease their Number.

But Saint Joseph not only brings Subjects to Religion, but even whole Nations to the Catholic Church; and this was the reason that our Fathers gave the Name of Joseph to the first Tarquois whom they Bap­tis'd: New France also owns him for it's Patron, and for the Propa­ [...]atour of the Catholic Faith, in the [Page 174] Southern Parts of America; and one of the cheif Missions in those Parts is call'd The Mission of Saint Joseph, and in the Year 1626. two hundred Families were Baptis'd, and their Example mov'd six Neighbouring Townships to unite themselves to the True Faith, that they might al­so become partakers of those Spi­ritual and Temporal Blessings, which Saint Joseph Visibly obtain'd for these happy Converts.

Saint Joseph also favours Marry­age, and unites the Hearts of Mar­ried Persons, procuring them a True and Constant Conjugal Assection, [...]s appears in the Example of a very Rich Marchant of Lyons, who had great Inclinations to Marry with a Young Woman of quality; but she rejected all Propositions in that kind, whereupon he addresses him­self to Saint Joseph, Vow's the give­ing an Alms of a hundred Crowns in his Honour, if he wou'd move her to hearken to his proposal of Marriage. The Vow was no sooner made, but he gains her Consent, and the Marriage is made up, and they liv'd a most happy Couple in a Constant Peace and Union of Af­fections, which is one of the great­est Blessings in this Sacrament.

He assists Chast Persons also and preserves them from all attempts, that the Enemy makes to Destroy [Page 175]in them the admirable Vertue of Chastity; as appears in an Example of a Pious Virgin, who being at­tack'd in this Point, her Confessour advises her to have recourse to Saint Joseph, and causes her to wear a­bout her, a Paper that had touch'd the Miraculous Oyntment at Lou­dun, whereby she presently found Help and Comfort. As another also did, who recommended her self to the same Saint, promising to wear his Image for nine Days together. I had this Relation from the Person her self, who receiv'd this benifit by Saint Joseph's Intercession,

Saint Joseph also hears and helps Persons with Child, as appears by a Votive Picture in the Church of Saint Joseph at Lyons, on the side of his Altar; her Child being Dead for some Days within her, she cou'd not be deliver'd thereof. Yet she no sooner beg'd his Assistance, but she was Deliver'd of it half putrifi'd, with safety also of her Life, which all dispair'd of. The like favour happen'd to a Woman at Trevoux who by a very hard Labour for three Days together, was brought to the last extreamity and danger of Death, in these streights she thought of Recommending her self to Saint Joseph, and Purpos'd to Confess and Communicate in his Honour, and to swallow a Paper that had touch'd [Page 176]the Miraculous Oyntment of Loudun, which she had no sooner done but she was happily Deliver'd.

He favours also Married Prisons, giving them Children, one of the cheif Blessings of Marriage. as a Votive Picture in Saint Joseph's Church testifies, of one who wan­ted this Blessing, who had no sooner beg'd his Intercession, but within a Year she obtain'd it.

But to save the setting down many other Examples of Saint Joseph's powerful Assistance; the Testimony of Saint Teresa, and of many others of his, Clyents, whom I have heard avouch the same Truth, is that he refuses nothing that is ask'd him, but provides a remedy in all ne­cessities, which is a sufficient mo­tive to make us all have Recourse to him, with all confident assu­rance of our obtaining our Pe­titions.

CHAP. XIV. To exhort all to have Recours to Saint Joseph and Con­fide in his Powerful Protection.

WE ought Piously to beleive, that the Mother of God has a knowledge from her Son, of what is good for our Salvation; wherefore if we do but Consult her, and desire her to advise us what is best for us to do to secure our Sal­tation, we cannot doubt but she will tell us, Be Devout to Saint Joseph, love my Dear Spouse Saint Joseph.

To prove this Assertion I will relate what Father Balthasar Alvares, a great Clyent of hers, and Con­fessour to the great Devote Saint Teresa, affirm's. Who being one Day Sick at Valedolid of a Violent burning Fevaer, one of the Religious that help'd him, shew'd him an I­mage of our Blessed Lady and Saint [Page 178] Joseph; and put him in mind of Re­commending himself to the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. You have Rea­son, says he, for the Mother of God has expressly Commanded me to do so. And as afterwards he own'd, 'twas in the Holy Chappel of Laurette where she gave him this Command. She gave the same advice also to Saint Teresa, who was Father Bal­thazar's Penitent, which caus'd her to have so great a Devotion to Saint Joseph and such a Confidence in him, that she stil'd him her Father, and those that follow our Blessed Ladies advice in this particular, may ex­pect such a particular mark of her kindness and encouragement upon this account as she shew'd S. Teresa.

It happend that at Avila upon the Feast of the Assumption, whilst Saint Teresa was carrying on the Founda­tion of that Monastery, under the Name of Saint Joseph, that one Day whilst she was at her Prayer, she saw our Blessed Lady upon one side, and Saint Joseph on the other, shewing her extraordinary expressions of kind­ness; and amongst others, that which gave her an incredible Consolation, was a familiar treatment our Blessed Lady us'd towards her, takeing her by the Hand, and giving her thank's for her Affection to her doar Spouse; and for her particular Devotion to­wards him. After these thanks she [Page 179]ptomis'd her all sorts of Assistance in her Pious design, and in confir­mation of her Affection, she made her a Present of a Collar or Chain of Gold, with a Cross hung at it, set with Precious Stons so resplen­dent, as she never beheld the like. This made Saint Teresa use her ut­most endeavours to induce and per­swade all to a Devotion to her Glo­tious Patron. And without doubt were we so happy as to Converse with the Saints now in Heaven, they wou'd joyn with her in per­swading us to so Pious and Profitable a Work, by their own Example: For we Read in Saint Gertrud's, Life that upon the Vigil of the Annunciation of our Blessed Lady, she perceiv'd all the Saints in Heaven bow their Heads in honour of Saint Joseph, whilst his Name was Recited in the Quire, they looking upon one ano­ther with signs of Joy and Congra­tulation, to see Saint Joseph Ho­nour'd upon Earth as they Honour him in Heaven.

Since therefore the Queen of Saints and Angels, and all the Saints and Angels themselves, take such a Sa­tisfaction in seeing Saint Joseph Ho­nour'd, can we think it proceeds from any other reason, than because they see this Honour done Saint Joseph, highly pleasing to God, and most pro­fitable to Man. Wherefore let us [Page 180]upon this account renew our Pious Resolutions, of rendring him all Ho­nour, and of Honouring him abore all next to Jesus and Mary. Let us resolve to honour him all the Days of our Lives, especially upon his Feast Days, since ther's none more Belov'd, nor none more Worthy of our Love, than he, next to Jesus and Mary; Who obliges his Lovers by all sorts of Favours, Wins their Devotions by Miracles, especially in matters of Life and Death, both in Body and Soul, as well for this Life as the next, and who most ea­sily and favorably grants what ever is ask'd, and procures us a free ac­cess to Jesus and Mary.

Wherefore it was a profitable and imitable invention of the Devour [...] Henry, Canon of Charters, to have Re­course to Saint Joseph; since as th [...] Learn'd Gerson remarks, having him on his side, he was sure also of his Son and Spouses Protection, Saint Joseph having their Power at his Disposal; and 'tis sufficient to take him for our Protector, to have his and their help in all our Necessities at the very first Petition, or ever without asking it, as appears by the following Examples.

Saint Teresa making a Voyage with some of her Religious to Found Vies was gon out of the right way, and so engag'd with her Company among [Page 181]the Rocks, which hung over a Brow of a Precipice, so that the Wagoner cou'd not go either forwards or back­wards. Presently she go's to her wonted Refuge Saint Joseph, order­ing her Companions to joyn with her in begging the Protection of her Dear Father, they had no sooner [...]one so, but they saw an Old Man, who crv'd to them with a lowd Voice, Stand, for you will be lost if you go on. Wherefore they ask'd him, what way shall we go then? That way, reply'd he, which seem'd impossible for a Wagon to go to; but on a suddain they found themselves Miraculously put into it, at which time they en­deavour'd to find out the the Old Man to thank him, but in vain as S. Teresa foretold, who assur'd them 'twas her good Father Saint Joseph, who had freed them from the great langer they were in.

'Twas for this Reason that the Exorcist of Sister Jean of the Angels, Prioress of the Vrsulins at Loudun, who knew his goodness and power, those him for his Protectour in this work: For the Devils complain'd of Saint Joseph, by whose means they cou'd not molest the Religious at her Devotions.

And to prove that Saint Joseph even helps without being ask'd, or ex­pecting our Prayers, the following passage that hapen'd at Lyons in the [Page 182]Month of September last past, 1638. do's evidently prove; which I had from the Persons own Mouth, and is as follow's.

Mr. Peter Evialvin a Rich Mar­chant, coming upon the eighth of September, our Blessed Ladies Nati­vity, with a Friend of his to the Church of Saint Joseph, after some Discourse with his Friend, who was a Client of Saint Joseph's, about se­veral Graces and Favours that Saint Joseph bestow'd upon his Clients; and of the Merits of this great Saint; conceiv'd a great desire to take him for his Advocate, and resolv'd to frequent his Church and to heat Mass in it the Thursday and Friday following. The next Sunday, within the Octave, upon which he put him­self under Saint Joseph's Protection, as he walk'd in the Fields for his di­vertisment, he met two Men un­known to him, one of which shot at him with a Blunderbuss, charg'd with thirty hail-shot, all ente [...]'d his Body without giving him any Mortal Wound, two or three stayd in his Belly, and one of them was beat flat upon his fore-head: His Wife and some Passengers coming to his Assistance, found him upon the Ground, and thought him Dead; but being taken up, the Wounded Man seeing himself all Bloody recom­mends himself to Saint Joseph, to [Page 183]whom his Wife also makes a Vow; which succeeded so well, that her Husband recover'd his Hurts, within five Days and came to give thanks at Saint Joseph's Church for this Preservation, being perfectly well, and there Offer'd a Picture of this Miraculous escape, as a memory of his Gratitude.

Give me leave therefore to end this Treatise by joyning my Petition with Saint Teresa's and beseeching you if you'll not Beleive me yet, for the Love of God that you wou'd make tryal how advantagious the De­votion to this great Saint is, and how prosperous you'll find it by Expe­tience: For I have not sayd all I might have sayd, there being greater Advantages in Loving and being Devout to Saint Joseph, than the most perswasive Panagerist, is able to Ex­press. But beleive me who will, and let them that will Imitate me also, I for my Part am resolv'd to Love Saint Joseph for Time and Eternity, not with a languishing but flaming Love, thereby to redeem time lost, nor will I prefer any object under God be­fore him; for next after Jesus and Mary, Joseph shall have place in my Affections, in which I will persever to my last Breath, which shall be im­ploy'd in pronouncing these Sacred Names Jesus, Maria, Joseph: Live Je­sus, Mary and Joseph. Amen.