A spiritual spicerie containing sundrie sweet tractates of devotion and piety. By Ri. Brathwait, Esq.

A Christian Diall; By which hee is di∣rected, how to dispose of his houres while he is living, how to addresse himselfe for the houre of his dying, and how to close his dayes with a comfor∣table ending.

Faithfully rendred accor∣ding to the Originall.

To the Generous, Ingenious, and Judicious, Sir WALTER VAVASOR Knight and Baronet; together with his Vettuously accom∣plished Lady: R. B. Zealously consecrates this Christian Diall.

To your Grand-father have I welcom bin, Receive this Gage in memory of him; Whil'st no Sun-Diall may more truly give The houre oth' day, than this the way to live.

THE LIFE of JOHANNES JUSTUS LANSPERGIUS, a Carihusian; Authour of these Medita∣tions entitled, A Christian Diall.

IOHANNES JUSTUS LAN∣SPERGIUS, borne of honest parents at Lan∣sperge a Towne in Bavaria, after such time as hee had finished his course in the stu∣dy of Philosophy at Cullen,

hee gave there the name to the Order of the Carthusians, wherein being growne Fa∣mous for the space of 30. yeares, both by example of manners and piety, as also by writing Books of De∣votion and Sanctity, he slept in the Lord the 4. of the Ides of August, in the yeare of Christs Nativity, M.D.XXXIX.

A Christian Diall; By which he is dire∣cted how to dispose of his houres while he is li∣ving, how to addresse himself for the houre of his dying, and how to close his daies with a comfortable end••ng.

Faithfully rendred ••cording to the Originall.

A briefe Institution, with an Exercise for an happy death: ex∣pressed in a familiar Conference be∣twixt God and the Soule.

AS there is nothing, O Soule, which may make the love of the world more distastfull ••nto thee, or that may bring thee to so great

contempt of it, and of all creatures in it, as the consi∣deration of the shortnesse of this life, and certainty of death, whereby all thy ende∣vours, all thine honours, all thy pleasures, thoughts, de∣sires, and all thy joyes shall perish: So is there nothing that may solace or refresh the loving Soule with greater joy, than the beleefe and hope she hath to become associa∣ted to mee, united to me, and swallowed up in mee: where there is hereafter no offence, no sinne, no separation, no danger, no feare, no sorrow. Where the Soule full of cha∣rity may alwaies praise mee, alwayes magnifie me, become most perfectly obedient, most perfectly pleasant unto

mee, and that shee may bee with mee, where shee may desire nothing, love nothing, feele nothing else beside me, where she may wholly possesse me, & be wholly possessed by me. These things, forasmuch as they cannot firmly nor ••ul∣ly befall thee in this life, but then onely, when thou shalt bee with mee in my King∣dome, to wit, when all thy desires shall bee satisfied, both in praising and loving mee, and when I shall bee all i•• all. Therefore it is, that ••hou justly cravest, and justly with thy whole heart de••irest in that Prayer which I gave ••hee, Let thy Kingdome come. Wherefore, O daughter, if thou lovest mee rightly, ••aithfully, fervently: thou

wilt desire with all thine heart, this Kingdome, that is, this state or condition; for this with sighs thou wilt pray, to wit, that my King∣dome may come, wherein thou maist with most sweet love bee to mee united, wholly in mee melted and molded.

And because (as I said be∣fore) this cannot come to passe but by death, therefore this Death, which is the gate and passage to life, is to my Saints in desire, and life in pa∣tience. Hence thou seest, how a soule perfectly loving mee, feareth not death. For whath hath such a Soule to lose by exchange of this mi∣serable-unhappy life, but the sta••e of sinning, snares of of∣fending, occasions of ruine,

deceits of enemies, self-frail∣ty, feares, with other innu∣merable Occurrents, which straiten the Soule, either ignor••••t, or weake, or luke∣warme, (not to speake here of the dangers of the body) and therefore alwayes fain∣ting and falling. Manythings here would the soule have which shee ought not, or w^ch she even knowes nor though shee would have them. Many things would shee which she cannot. In many things is the soule ignorant, blind, and walking among Snares, or in darknesse, whence shee knows not how to free her selfe. How then may shee not worthily wish, how not rejoyce, that shee is delive∣red from these sorrowes,

and dangers? Why there∣fore, O Soule, doest tho•• feare, why dost thou not de∣sire death? For tell mee what evill shall death bring unto thee? If thou fearest nothing in this world, death can take nothing from thee. If thou love any thing in this world, it is with danger, yea thou lovest thine owne dan∣ger. Cease therefore to love the world before death, that thou maist nothing at all feare death. Furthermore, if thou love me onely in this life, joy for that thou shalt dye, for that thou shalt never enjoy what thou lo∣vest, before thou dye. But I know what thou fearest: Truly, thou lovest nothing in this world, thou possessest

nothing which thou wouldst not lose, or grievest to lose; yet feare and terror surprize thee, because thou knowest not whether thou beest wor∣thy of love or hate; thou knowest not how thou art to bee entertained by mee, whether to rest or punish∣ment.

O daughter, thou oughtst not to bee too curious after the knowledge of these things, yea it is not expedi∣ent for thee to know them. Stand constantly, although thou feare; in hope and af∣fiance, both living and dy∣ing, set thy rest upon mee. Thou canst not live well of thy selfe, neither canst thou dye well of thy selfe. Thou hast both from mee. What,

if I shall give thee grace to live holily, shall I not also give thee grace to die happi∣ly? Seeing thou hast all things from mee, exp••ct•••• all things of mee, how can•••• thou expect the one, and despaire of the other? Of thy selfe thou canst nei∣ther live well, nor dye well. Put thy trust th••re••ore in m••, cast thy thought upon mee, ground all thy feare and care upon mee. As thou canst re∣sist no tentation, avoid no sinne living, so neither dy∣ing. If I forsake thee no•• li∣ving, if I faithfully prevent tentation, and moderate it in thy life, that thou maist beare it: I am ready to doe the very same unto thee at thy death, that thou maist

vanquish it. Never goe to fight with thine owne wea∣pons, but rely on mee. If thou rely on mee, I will fight for thee. And if thou have mee fighting with thee and for thee, what hast thou to feare, who art nothing of thy selfe? And as concerning the condition or quality of death, feare nothing. There is no kind of death that can hurt the just: for the just man, with what death soever hee shall bee surprized, shall bee at rest. Wherefore, let it trouble thee nothing, whe∣ther thou die at home or a∣broad, in thy bed or in thy field: neither art thou to feare, whether the death bee naturall or violent, which takes thee away. For if one

kind of death were more unhappy than another, all my Saints (surely) were most unhappy, the most part whereof in times past, in the judgement of the world, and eye of flesh, most unhappily ended this life. Which of mine holy Martyrs dyed a naturall and timely death? Whom hath not the vio∣lence of the Crosse, racke, fire, or sword extinguished? Nothing therefore shall it hurt thee, whether thou dyest of the plague, or an a∣poplexy, or any other kind of death, in the bed, or in the field. Onely watch, that thou maist bee found in faith, hope and charity: and no death or kinde of Buriall shall harme thee. But forasmuch as

speaking to thee, I likewise speake to them, who are as yet imperfect in my love; I advise you all in this, that yee love innocence, and hate iniquity. If thou hast at any time sinned, what Soule soe∣ver thou bee, cease, grieve, repent, that thou hast sinned, so long as thou livest. Yet so repent, if thou wishest to thy selfe a fruitfull repen∣tance, that thou returne not againe to thy sins, or to thy former state of sinning. Al∣wayes expect death, and pre∣pare thy self for it, as if thou wert at this very present to dye. But lest some devout institution should be wāting to the weake in spirit, by which supported, they may learne in some sort how to

dye, I will adde something more to these. First there∣fore, thou oughtest to re∣member what mine Apo∣stle saith, and what Truth it selfe speaketh, Yee have not here an abiding City, but ye se••ke for one that is to come; unto which here in this world, no otherwise than in a journey yee walke as Pilgrimes. Now your Pilgrimage is ended, when your life is clo∣zed. Death therefore is the very last line, running be∣twixt this exile wherein yee are, and the Countrey whereto yee goe; so as, there is no o∣ther gate, by which yee may passe from this valley of your Pilgrimage, and enter your Countrey, your heavenly in∣heritage, but by death. Death

then most certainly doth wait for you, like as a most certaine end is limited to your life. But this difference there is betwixt the good and evill, that here in your Pilgrimage yee all travaile mixtly, all, I say, albeit not all in a right way; yee long after your blessed Countrey: all yee, so long as yee are in your journey, although yee wander, may returne un∣to the true way. But when yee shall come to the end of your journey, in the gate it selfe, that is, at the point of death, yee are discerned, that Some of you may passe from exile unto life, others to mi∣sery and eternall death. It is not then lightly to bee con∣sidered, nor negligently ob∣served,

how every one is to bee prepared before death come. For there yee leave all things after you, in which yee trusted. Bee they riches, honours, friends, or any o∣ther vaine thing whatsoever, they shall availe you nothing at the houre of death, but leaving these behind you, ye shall goe naked unto the Tri∣bunall of God, to receive according to your works. What blindnesse, nay what madnes is it then, to rejoyce here in your journey, to love fraile things, which profit nothing; to neglect the time and occasion of li∣ving well, and as if without all sense of God, through drousinesse and drynesse of mind, to rellish those things

onely which are of the flesh, to have in pursuit those things onely which are out∣ward, and not at all to consi∣der the dangerous state of the inward man, and so to come unto death? Alas; how in∣numerable are those misera∣bly wretched ones who are here deceived, with the love of the world ensnared, and ••y drawing after them the yoake of the Devill, how un∣happily slaved? And thus un∣expectedly they come unto death, with hearts both hard∣ned and blinded. Alas; how unhappy is the end of their life, with whom there was never Meditation of death, nor preparation for health?

Such things therefore are to bee rejected, as hinder the

spirit, delight the flesh; Such things to bee relinqui∣shed as are not expedient; In such sort is every one to live every houre, as if that were his very last, wherein he should dye and goe to judge∣ment. This is the most fruit∣full, profitable, & soveraigne counsell, O Daughter, that thou maist live after this manner, and that death may be to thee no terrour. Now then, if not continually, yet frequently, should that houre bee presented before thee, as if it were before thine eyes, wherein thy soule going out of thy body shall be judged for all thy workes, words, and thoughts. This therefore oughtst thou even at this present to injoyn thy

selfe, that thou maist live so even now, to the end thou maist be found so prepared, is thou wouldst thy selfe to bee prepared, whenso∣ever death shall undoubtedly come. It is the property of a most sottish and senselesse heart, to deferre amendment of life to that time, when time expireth, when thou canst live no longer, when now thou art not to amend thy life, but to appeare be∣fore God as thou art already amended. Surely, not sinnes only, but even all things doe leave thee going out of this life. Thou art not then pro∣perly said to leave thy sins, when thou canst now sin no more: But if whilest thou hast ability to sin, thou cease

from sin; true repentance is never to be called late: but this which is deferred to the end of thy life, it is to be fea∣red that it is seldome true. For if through feare of dam∣nation only, being even now to die, thou sorrowest, and art ready for the avoiding of punishment to performe any taske, be it never so extreme, to obtaine pardon: Thou sorrowest not out of charity, in that thou hast offended God, but out of selfe-love, for that thou wishest to thy selfe good and not evill. For thou sorrowest, because thou hast brought to thy selfe eternall damnation by thy sinnes: Wheras, if thou rightly sor∣rowest, for this only wouldst thou sorrow, in that thou, so

disobedient unto me, so un∣thankfull to me, so reproach∣full to me, hast not exhibited due honour and reverence unto me: whom thou ough∣test with al affection to have honored, whatsoever should befall thee. Whereas now, forasmuch as thou only sor∣rowest for thy selfe, if dan∣ger were avoided, or no re∣venge on sinne inflicted, thou wouldst never lament, though thou hadst offended me a thousand yeares toge∣ther. True Repentance, which reconcileth the soule unto me, springeth from Charitie, and bewaileth this especial∣ly, that shee hath so greatly and grievously contemned and offended mee her best, greatest, gracioust, and most

faithfull LORD GOD, her Creator and Redeemer. Hence, I say, is his heart wounded, for as much as so unthankfully, so disobedient∣ly, and so proudly, being bu•• dust and nothing; hee hath lifted up his head against me Whosoever therefore desi∣reth to dye happily, let him (as mine A postle admonish∣eth him) live soberly, justly, and holily. An evill death follow∣eth not a good and just life but precious in my sight is th•• death of my Saints; yea, after what sort of death soever they die, that is, whether they dye by water, or fire, or in bed. But to prepare thee all the better for death, the Meditation whereof is the life of every wise man; take

here along with thee this short exercise, by which eve∣ry one may instruct and ad∣dresse himselfe, that he may take a course to be found in that state, in which he may not feare to dye.

Wholesome Admo∣nitions, teaching a Christian how to dye well,

WHATSOEVER dying thou wouldst wish that thou hadst done, doe the same even now. Whatsoever thou wouldst have done, doe not commit this unto others to be done after thy death, but doe thou

it thy selfe, for if thou thy selfe bee negligent of thine owne salvation, and a tray∣tour to thy selfe, how shall strangers tender thy happi∣nesse? Doe not repose trust in uncertaine and vaine pro∣mises: neither commit thy selfe to doubtfull events. So live and so doe, that thou maist bee safe in thy consci∣ence, and as if thou wert this day to dye. Never goe to sleepe, till such time as thou hast examined the expence of the day, with the condi∣tions and actions of thy life. Discusse and call to judge∣ment thine heart, and exa∣mine all thy senses, and whe∣ther thou art become better or worse this day. Never goe with that conscience to

sleepe, with which thou da∣rest not dye. If thou findest thy selfe in that state, where∣in thou fearest to dye, search out the cause of this feare. For (peradventure) some sins are in thee, whereof thou hast not as yet repented, or refusest to confesse; or else thou forbearest to abstaine from sinne, and occasions of sin, or thou takest upon thee some profession, office, or vocation, which I admit not of; or thou continuest in ha∣tred, or in the unjust possessi∣on of others goods, or too much affected to the desire or delight of temporall af∣faires, or taken with the in∣ordinate love of some crea∣ture, or drowned with the delight of earthly and visible

things (as of honour and riches) thou canst not turne thy selfe to mee, tasting no∣thing of those things, which are of the Spirit, but onely let loose to outward things, and loathing those which are divine, therefore it is that thou fearest death: Because thy soule guiltie of evill in her-selfe, foretelleth what torments shall befall her after death. If any of these shall be in thee, thou oughtest to abhorre, pursue, and with all thine endevour to free thee of them. For which purpose, and the better effecting of so glorious a designe, it may helpe thee much to imitate my steps, embrace my crosse, and with rigour of mind, and with holy hatred commen∣ced

against thy selfe, to de∣nounce warre upon all thy vices, to have a purpose to sinne no more, frequently and infatigably to renue the same, with no infirmitie or pusillanimity to be dejected, to contemplate the exam∣ples of me and my Saints, to commend thy selfe to the prayers and exhortations of good men, to give way to my inward and divine inspi∣rations, to exercise prayer and holy reading, never to admit of idlenesse, to love silence and retirednesse. These and such like doe change the naughtinesse of the mind, and chase away the feare of death. When thou shalt come in the end of eve∣ry day, say thus to thy selfe:

Now is my life become shorter by one day. Eare∣ly when thou risest, say thus to thy selfe: O Gracious God, now am I nearer to death by one Night.

An Exercise, whereby earely, or whensoever thou willest, thou maist poure out thy heart unto God, for a good death.

O Omnipotent, eternall God, my Creator and Lover, I praise, laud, adore, and blesse thee, for that thou so mercifully and patiently hast suffered mee, groveling

in my sins and my unthank∣fulnes, even unto this houre, to which thou of thy good∣nesse hast brought mee, en∣riching me with thy benefits, conferring this life with things necessary for this life upon me, with an angelicall guardian protecting me, and inlarging towards mee thy mercy, who am injuriously ••nworthy, and a spectacle of misery. Ah gracious God, who knoweth whether the terme of my life shall be pro∣••ogued to the evening? O what death shall I desire? O ••ost mercifull Lord, God, and Father, give unto mee contrition, whereby with all mine heart I may bewaile my sins, and my offending thee. And doe not suffer my soule

to goe forth from her bodie, till she be reconciled to thee in mercy, adopted to thee by grace, adorned with thy me∣rits and vertues, inflamed with most perfect chari∣tie, and accepted according to thy all-good-will and pleasure. O most gracious Lord Jesu Christ, if this I desire of thee do please thee, grant it unto me, although I bee most unworthy to bee heard of thee; grant unto me, I beseech thee, for thine infinite mercies, and the me∣rits of thy passion, that I may bee purged in this life from all my sins, that dying, and through vehement and true contrition pricked, and in most ardent charitie to thee united, I may goe out unto

thee, my most sweet Redee∣mer, being forthwith freed and secured from all damna∣tion, and future affliction. Notwithstanding, O most loving Jesu, I doe offer and resigne my selfe unto thee, whether it be to poverty, pe∣nury, or any other extremi∣tie, for thy glories sake, ac∣cording to thy good-will and pleasure: beseeching thee only this, that thou wouldst bee mindfull of my frailty, vilenesse, weaknesse, and mi∣sery, as also of thy goodnesse and charity, that thou woul∣dest never forsake mee, nor depart from mee, but that thou wouldst alwayes whol∣ly governe and possesse mee, according to thy good plea∣sure. Amen.

An oblation of Christ and his me∣rits to his Fa∣ther.

O Omnipotent most gra∣cious Father, I doe of∣fer unto thee all those pains, dolours, reproches, stripes, and rebukes, all adversities, extremities, and labours of thine onely begotten Jesu Christ, the Lambe immacu∣late, which hee suffered in his body for me; likewise all his actions, and every of his members afflicted for me, his bloud shed for me, and with prophane feet trampled; also

his most noble and devout Soule, separated from his lovely Body for me, his me∣rits likewise and infinite ver∣tues. Likewise the powers or faculties of his Soule and body, and all those vitall parts in him, given up unto death for mee, albeit insepa∣rably united to his Divini∣ty: yea, the whole Christ, thy blessed Sonne, God and man, omnipotent and in∣firme, despicable and glori∣ous, doing wonders and hanging upon the Crosse, these (I say) doe I offer unto thy sacred Majesty, to the expiation and satisfaction of all my sins, and of all the world, and to the mortifica∣tion and extinction of all mine evill passions, affecti∣ons,

and vices, to the supply of all my negligences, and to thy praise, and thanksgiving for all thy benefits. O God be mercifull unto me a mise∣rable sinner, for his sake. Have mercy on mee for the love of Jesu Christ, thy be∣loved Son.

THE DYING mans Diary, Or A Christians Memento mori; Divided into a five dayes Exercise.

THere are, who all the yeare long present the figure and feature of Death before them by some certaine Exercise, and pre∣pare themselves no other∣wise

for death, than if they were even then to dye, and that for the space of five dayes continually. The first day, they meditated of the griefes & infirmities which goe before death, and hor∣rour of death: unto all which they resigne them∣selves. The next day, they thinke of their ••ins, confes∣sing them with so great dili∣gence and intention, as if they were to dye presently after their confession. There∣fore they spend this day in sighs and teares. The third day, they come unto the bles∣sed Eucharist with all the fervour they may, receiving it as their Viaticum in their passage from this their ex∣ile. The fourth day, they

make continuall supplicati∣ons unto God, for the un∣ction of the Holy Spirit, whereby they might be illu∣minated, and the hardnesse of their hearts mollified: And this they do, as it were, for extreme unction. The fifth day, they become most fer∣vent Supplicants unto God for a spirituall death: wher∣by they may perfectly dye to the world & to themselves, and live with God. And to everie of these dayes may be applyed proper Psalmes and Prayers, as also divine invo∣cations, & giving of thanks, for all benefits conferred by God upon them all their life long.

Profitable Counsell for one approaching neare the point of death.

O Daughter, seeing thy selfe in this extremitie, prepare thy soule for God; so order and dispose here in thy life time of thy goods tem∣porall, that after thy death no difference nor debate may arise. It is most profita∣ble for thee to dispose of thy goods in thy life time, and to redeeme thy sins, whilest thou livest, with works of mercie. Whatsoever thou wouldest recommend to o∣thers to doe for thee, labour

to doe it of thy selfe. For if after death thou go to eter∣nall torment, the Provision of a Will, a pompous Fune∣rall, Almes and Doales after death, what will these availe thee, when thou art damned? Offer these Oblations to me now whilest thou art living, that thou mayest not onely be delivered from thy sins, but by increasing in my grace, never fall into damna∣tion, but by my preventing grace preserving thee from sin, persevere in good works even to the end. When death draweth neare, see that thou wholly free thy selfe then from all unnecessarie cares and imployments, strive to meet me immaculately, affe∣ctionately, faithfully, pro∣mising

nor presuming no∣thing of thy works, but through my assured mercie to obtaine Salvation: And in this faith committing and commending thy selfe, and all thou hast in this world, to my providence and good pleasure, receive the Sacraments humbly and devoutly. Those peculiar priviledges and graces al∣so, which have power in them through my merits, and are given by mee as a treasure unto the Church (albeit many oft∣times abuse them, as they do other most holy things) if thou canst have them, cause them to be applyed unto thee. For even this, verie holy persons of both sexes,

and famous for their mira∣cles, have formerly done.

An Exercise, where∣in the sick person with sighs and groanes (because otherwise it can scarcely be done) may resigne himselfe unto God, and fervently desire, that he may deserve to be joyned unto him.

O Most faithfull Lover, most mercifull Lord Je∣su Christ, grant unto mee, that with heart and mind I may feele, what I say: As the Hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my Soule after thee, ô my God. I have chosen to be an Abject in the house of

the Lord, rather than to dwell in the Tabernacle of sinners. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, ô Lord, for ever and ever shall they praise thee. My Soule hath thirsted after thee, ô God, when shall I come and ap∣peare before thy face? Why art thou sorrowfull, ô my Soule, and why art thou so disquieted with∣in mee? Trust in the Lord; therefore will I now confesse my selfe unto him, the Salvation of my countenance, and my God. Shew the light of thy counte∣nance upon thy servant, ô Lord, save me for thy mercies sake. Let me not be confounded for ever, for I have called upon thee. Be not far from mee, ô my God. Looke downe upon mee and help mee, ô my God. The poore is left unto thee, Thou wilt be the Orphans

helper. Thou art my refuge in my tribulation, which hath com∣passed mee: O my joy deliver me from these that encompasse mee. Make hast to helpe mee, ô Lord God of my Salvation. For thou art my strength, and my refuge, my helper and my protector. Doe not then leave me, nor despise me, ô God of my salvation. Behold I come unto thee, ô my God, whom I have despised and offen∣ded: for the whole earth is full of thy mercie. Therefore doe I flie unto thee, my most mercifull Father. Receive mee according to thy word, when thou sayest; (I WILL NOT THE DEATH OF A SIN∣NER) and let mee live, and confound mee not in my hope. O my God, I doe not pray un∣to thee, for a life temporall,

but I call upon thee for the Salvation of my Soule, who art life eternall. O my sweet Lover, O my Lord God, for as much as I have offended thee; for that I have negle∣cted thine inspirations and admonitions, for that I have at any time loved ought be∣••ide thee, or without thee, for this, O my Lord God, for this doe I grieve: And I beseech thee, that thou wouldest give unto mee so much grace, as I may with all mine heart grieve a••d la∣ment during everie moment of my life. Would to God that I might poure out and offer unto thee everie drop of my bloud with teares, for griefe and love, into thy most sweet heart. O sweet Jesu, I

neither desire nor expect of thee life nor death, but thy good will and pleasure: may it be done unto mee ac∣cording to thy will. If it be thy will, O my sweet Je∣su, that I shall dye, receive my spirit: And although I come in the Evening, as the verie last of all, grant unto mee, that I may receive eter∣nall rest with thee, and in thee. But if it be thy will that I shall live longer, O sweet Jesu, I purpose this, and I crave the assistance of thy grace for this, to amend the rest of my life, and to of∣fer my selfe wholly as a burnt Sacrifice unto thee, to thy glorie, and according to thy good will and pleasure. O most desired Jesu, for as

much as I have consumed my life in sin, to the reproch of thy glorious name, nor to this day have begun to serve thee: grant unto mee, that I may now at last per∣fectly begin, and employ all the powers of my Soule an•• Body, and all the remainder of my time given mee by thee, to thy glorie, and ac∣cording to thy best and most perfect will.

O most mercifull Jesu, be thou neare mee in these my paines and miseries, with which I am straitened, and i•• any more grievous than these shall come upon mee, for that I have deserved not onely more grievous, but most grievous by reason of my sins: grant that I may

patiently beare them. O sweet Jesu, if I had never at any time sinned, nor at thine hand evilly deserved, not∣withstanding to thy glorie, and for thy love, good will, and pleasure, I offer and re∣signe my selfe unto thee, ei∣ther in these or any other punishments, to deale with mee according to thy will, not my worth, but in the multitude of thy mercies, on which I relye, and on which I call, that by thy power thou wouldest raise and rouze up the frailtie of my flesh, and strengthen with longanimitie, and confirme with patience the pusillani∣mitie and instabilitie of my Spirit: that I may not ••all downe, as one either vanqui∣shed

with tentation, or faint through pusillanimitie: but swallowed up with the most burning heat of thy love, I may onely sigh after thee, onely desire thee, and leave, loath, and contemne the world, with all that is in it: giving thee thanks with all mine heart, for all things, whether ministring unto me occasion of joy or sorrow.

O most loving Jesu, I chuse thee, I wish thee, I de∣sire thee, I meet thee, and I renounce whatsoever thou art not in mee: what thou willest, I will: what thou nillest, I nill: whatsoever thou abhorrest, I abjure. And though sometimes, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is contrarie to this will in mee, may be incident

unto mee, I beseech thee, O my God, that thou wouldst not impute it unto mee, nor judge mee according to that depravednesse of Will in mee, but according to this Election of my mind, by thy grace wrought in mee. Be∣cause I contradict all those things which I ought not to will: yea, though (which for thy mercie sake avert) I hereafter vanquished, should consent unto, yet now doe I accurse and abjure them.

O most loving Jesu, if it please thee, and redound to thy glorie, grant unto mee that I may be pre••erved in this life from all sins and pu∣nishments, into which after death I ought otherwi•••• to come, to which I am sub∣ject,

or may possibly come, and that thou wouldst re∣ceive my Soule by the hand of thy mercie, immediately from this life to eternall joyes.

O Lord Iesu Christ receive my Spirit, &c.

A CHRISTIANS LAST-WILL, OR TESTAMENT. Containing A PROTESTATION or Testament, not unpro∣fitable to be repeated, or me∣ditated of everie Christian at the point of death.

Composed, as may be probably gathered, by JOANNES LANSPER GENSIS, and faithfully rendred ac∣cording to the Originall.

A CHRISTIANS LAST-WILL, OR TESTAMENT.

Containing A Protestation or Te∣stament, not unprofitable to be repeated, or meditated of everie Christian at the point of death.

Composed, as may be pro∣bably gathered, by JOANNES LANSPER GENSIS, and faithfully rendred ac∣cording to the Originall.

IN the name of the Father, and the Son, and Holy Ghost. I. M. an unhappie Sinner, redeemed

with the most precious bloud of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that for his great love towards mee, no merit of mine, doe confesse and acknowledge publikely, or by this hand-writing, or in these words, before the Om∣nipotent God, and before the whole hoast of Heaven, and before you, so many as stand here as witnesses about me, (if necessitie shall so re∣quire) that I am, and desire so to dye, a son truly obedi∣ent to the holy Catholique Church, with that ••inceritie as becommeth a Christian. And I beleeve and confesse generally, all and everie part, particle, portion, or article of the Christian faith, to the beleefe whereof everie Chri∣stian

stands bound: especial∣ly all those particular points whether plainly expressed, or necessarily implyed in the twelve articles of Christian faith, for as much as they were delivered unto us, from the holy Spirit, by the twelve Apostles, and recom∣mended to us for Evangeli∣call truth. And I farther be∣leeve and adhere to their in∣ter pretations, or expositi∣ons, yet not to all or everie one, but to those onely, which were published by the holy Fathers, received, admitted, ••pproved and con∣firmed by the most sacred Councells, and tried by the truest touch-stone of infalli∣ble Scripture. And to be briefe, I beleeve whatsoever

a Christian ought truly to beleeve. In which faith so immoveable and firme, I re∣joyce with all mine heart to dye, holding and offering this writing in mine hand, as a most impregnable and in∣vincible shield against all the insults, assaults, deceits, and subtilties of the Devill. And if it so come to passe (which God forbid) that by instiga∣tion of the Devill, or vio∣lence of sicknesse, I should thinke, speake, or doe any thing contrarie to mine At∣testation aforesaid, or should fall into any aposta∣cie, diffidence, or despera∣tion: I wholly revoke and reverse that, whatsoever or howsoever it shall be, here in the presence of you all, and

make it as voyd and of no effect, as if I were distraught of my wits when I did it. Wherefore I appeale unto you all that are here present, and to thee, O holy Angell, to whose guard I am com∣mitted, that yee beare wit∣nesse of this my Protestation before the Omnipotent Judge. Now, for as much as concerneth my selfe, I doe pardon and forgive all inju∣ries of what nature, qualitie, or condition soever, as have beene done mee, desiring heartily that the like may bee done to mee by those, whom I have at any time of∣fended, either in word or deed. I doe likewise crave and desire with all mine heart, that I may bee made

partaker of all good works, which either are already done, or shall be hereafter done by holy men through the whole Church: when∣soever, or whereinsoever their office or ministerie may be usefull to mee: but principally of the most bitter Passion, and most in∣nocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ. And may this my naturall, voluntarie, and desired approch of death, stand through his merits and mercies, for all my sinnes. And I wish to God that I had never at any time sin∣ned, either against God, or his Lawes, or my Superi∣ours, or my Neighbours, or my selfe.

Lastly, I give thanks to

mine Omnipotent God, for all his benefits bestowed up∣on me, and I commend my body and soule into his hands, and to the bitternesse of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be praise, and honour, and dignitie for ever∣more, Amen.

AN ELEGIE OF S^t. Dionysius, a Car∣thusian, of the judgement of death, and the sun∣drie casualties thereof.

TO Earth returnes, whats'ere from Earth had birth; Flower fades, shade vades, what's bred is brought to Earth. Nought judge I long that doubtfull bound can stay, To morrow day may be my onely day. Short is that day to day: which well may be My day, my doome, a fearefull day to me. A fearefull horrid day, when all my store Is clos'd in clay, and I can earne no more. Who thinks his dayes long ('las) he thinks amisse, Nor long nor safe is one whole day of his. In vaine speake I of dayes, dayes not exprest, When not one day nor houre can promise rest.

Thy long liv' d hopes (if so thou like) extend, Yet nought of nought, shall come to nought i'th'end. Thou••ands, ten thousands, thousand thousands were On Earth, now Earth, whose names lye buried here: This onely rests, that each receive his hire, Good works deserve good gifts, ungodly fire. Behold the fearefull judge, thy finall doome! Prepare thy selfe, this dreadfull day will come. Feare then and quake, compose, direct thy mind, Live to dye now, and suffer what's assign'd.

An Epistle of Ludovicus Blosius, written to an especi∣all friend, upon the per∣fecting and publishing of his worke entituled, The Parlour of the Soule.

BEhold thou hast, my dearely be∣loved in Christ, a The Parlour of the Soule, which thou hast so long time desired. Having now lately written The spirituall Glasse, both for

thy selfe and mee, I had purposed to have added nothing thereto: how∣beit afterwards, I could by no meanes satisfie thy desire, unlesse I an∣nexed unto it, The spiri∣tuall Iewell, Crowne, and Casket, all which this our Parlour containeth. Which truly came later to the Presse than thou wished: but take it in good part, being done by the p••rpose and ordi∣nance of God. Now if thou setting aside some∣times thy more weigh∣tie cares and employ∣ments, become deligh∣ted

with the reading of such simple bookes as are published by mee (as thou seemest to be de∣lighted) I doe advise thee that first thou en∣ter into this Parlour, and diligently consider and discusse those things which are therein: And afterwards that thou take into thy hand that Psychagogia, which I have collected some yeares agoe, out of Au∣gustine and Gregorie. For the doctrine of the Fa∣thers set downe in these two Books, shall migh∣tily comfort and con∣firme

thee being of so good disposition, and inflame thee to the love of God & thy heavenly Countrey. Let it not be tedious to thee ofttimes to read over these and such like devout works, yea, though thy reading afford small or no sweet relish to the palate of thine heart. For too de∣licate is he, who casteth aside all such holy and wholesome directions as he had once read, or heard, and will not read nor heare them any more. I give thanks un∣to my Lord Jesus, for

that thy Brother, after such time as he had read over that Tract of mine entitled, Comfort for the weak hearted, and now by mee published, hee be∣comes now lesse affli∣cted with inordinate feare, than before. Let him ascribe that reliefe, as received solely from God and his holy Do∣ctors, who speake unto him in that Tract of comfort. He does well surely, to grieve and sor∣row for that hee hath offended God without measure or number all the by-past time of his

life: neverthelesse hee is to have his affiance and confidence in the boundlesse sweetnesse of Gods mercie. Let him thinke how most of those who had slaine Christ, afterwards recei∣ved pardon by beleeving in Christ: to the end truly, that all men should learne, that no crimes or offences are so grievous, which God most gracious and full of the fatnesse of mercie, will not forgive to such as are faithfull Converts and true Peni∣tents before him. For it

is an especiall propertie ••est becomming our most holy God, to have mercie and spare these, who humble themselves before him, and heartily ••eg pardon of him. Rightly doth thy Bro∣ther confesse that at all times he is verie imper∣fect: yet let let him re∣member, that the imper∣fect cost Christ as deare as the most perfect. That inconstancie or in∣stability of mind, where∣with hee saith, that hee is afflicted in his prayer, is common to innume∣rable servants of God.

There is no cause then that hee should be here∣by so much amated. For if hee suffer this di∣straction against his will, and strive wirh his best endevour to be∣come attentive, his pray∣er humbly poured forth in this distraction, is ofttimes more usefull and fruitfull, than if it were performed with great attention of heart. For God approveth his desire, affection, and de∣vout endevour, and pur∣geth the soule with such like griefes as these, or else conserveth and a∣dorneth

it being purged and purified from these distractions. Exhort him alwayes, that hee be of good courage. If with a patient and resig∣ned heart, hee suffer for the love of God his af∣flictions, and want of health, whereof almost hee daily laboureth, hee need not doubt, but so soone as he shall lay off this grievous, onerous, and bitter load of cor∣ruptible flesh, hee shall enjoy eternall joy and health. Goe to then, my Beloved, let us ob∣serve our selves, I pray

thee, vigilantly, and so endevour to live circum∣spectly, as becommeth true Christians, who beare both the style and state of Christianitie. Let us passe over all the residue of our present life profitably. In all things that wee doe, let us wirh sing••enesse of heart principally respect the praise and glorie of God. Let us love Iesus, who loveth us with a most ardent and unmea∣surable love. For his honour let us mortifie in us as much as wee may, our owne proper

and depraved wills and vices. Let us subject and conforme us in all things to Gods will. Let us beare a mind humble and resigned: continually desiring and studying to please God. For by this meanes wee shall at last come to that chiefe and most joyfull good: which that wee might possesse, wee were created to the image of God, and re∣deemed with the preti∣ous bloud of Christ. Wee shall come, I say, unto God, who is the amiable abysse & foun∣taine

of all light, life, beautie, excellencie, sweetnesse and abun∣dance. Then shall wee be truly blessed, seeing the vision of all beautie infinitely exceeding and excelling all the sense-attracting objects of this whole world: for wee shall behold in the light of glorie the melli∣fluous countenance of God, and in him, by a most sweet fruition of him, shall wee rest, and obtaine imperturbable peace. Then shall wee abound with unspeaka∣ble joy, & shall be fully

satisfied, and shall per∣fectly love, and praise God for evermore. O how great felicitie is it to attaine to the cleare vision of God; and a∣gaine, how great infeli∣citie, to be deprived of it, and to be drenched in hell, and there horribly to be tormented with∣out end! Farewell in the Lord, and pray for mee.

That excellent part of the Dialogue composed by D. Henricus Suso, wherein the praises and profits of affli∣ctions are expressed, and ma∣ny other precepts usefully delivered, some few dayes

since I inserted in my Com∣fort for the weake hearted, that I might gratifie thy brother. He shall easily procure it, so soone as it shall be reprin∣ted. As touching the say∣ings of the aforesaid Suso, which thou desirest should be sent unto thee, here re∣ceive them, as I have compi∣led them for thee, and addressed them to thee.

CERTAINE choyce or se∣lect sayings of D. Henricus Suso.

Of the love of the world, And Of the love of God.

THat most holy and beloved man of God, Henricus Suso, lamenting the infelicitie of such, as intan∣gled in vaine love, and wholly given over to this

present world, doe neglect God and their owne salvati∣on, exhibiteth his com∣plaint be••ore God after this manner. Truly, O Lord, it is a thing much to bee la∣mented, that so many hearts fit for holy love, so many ex∣cellent and beautifull soules stamped with Gods image, which by a spirituall wed∣lock with thee contracted, might become Q••eenes and Empresses, and have domi∣nion over heaven and earth, should so foolishly and im∣prudently estrange them∣selves from thee, deject them∣selves so basely, and perish so wittingly. Surely I am perswaded, that if the in∣ward eyes of all men should so see thee, as I see thee, all

transitorie love would be forthwith extinguished in them. I cannot sufficiently admire, O Lord, (albeit I stood sometimes far other∣wise affected) that any ones soule should possibly rest in any thing but in thee, the most vast and unbounded depth. O incomprehensible good, and inwardly to be embraced! O most sweet Lord, how well is it with that soule which onely lo∣veth thee, and which thou with the divine streames and beames of thy grace, excel∣lently enlightenest, and to to thy selfe more nearely joynest and couplest! What heavenly and mellifluous consolation doth such a soule draw from thee, what

secret delights of sacred love doth shee conceive in thee? Thou art the boundlesse Sea of most pure and inestimable pleasures. What amiable∣nesse, comelinesse, beauty so∣ever can by any meanes be conceived, all that above all measure, is to be found in thee plenteously stored. No∣thing that is pleasant, grate∣full, or plausible, can bee found in any creature, which is not in a most pure and ex∣quisite manner infinitely more aboundant and excel∣lent in thee. So often as I behold the formes of beauti∣full objects, when I take a view by inward contempla∣tion of heaven, earth, woods, and fields, and of the whole world, all these things seeme

to convent, and summon my heart in these words:

Con∣sider how amiable and beautifull he is, who hath made us, who is the foun∣taine of all beautie.

O Lord Jesus what joy doe I re∣ceive from thee? Surely, while I doe thinke, how I am beloved of thee, the most high God; whatsoever is within mee, melteth through the joy which I conceive of thee. For this therefore doe I rejoyce in my mind, for as much as thou art so good, as thou vouchsafe••t to be my friend, as I constantly hope, and confidently trust.

Of the Passion of our Lord.

THe same Suso in a Dia∣logue bringeth in the eternall wisdome, that is Christ Jesus, talking with his Minister of his Passion, after this manner: The heart of man is much more grate∣full unto me, if it be freed of earthly love, and by perpe∣tuall diligence intentive to imitate the excellent exam∣ple of my life, than if hee should follow mee with con∣tinuall laments, and should shed so many teares as there be drops of raine which fall from the aire. For in the

suffering of my most bitter death, this especially have I intended & aimed, that men sho••ld imitate mee: albeit pious and devout teares bee likewise verie acceptable un∣to me. If thou canst not re∣member my most bitter Pas∣sion with watrie eyes, doe it notwithstanding, with a cheerefull mind, for these unmeasurable good things which thou derivest from it. But if neither joyfully nor dolefully thou canst medi∣tate of it, yet with a drie heart to my praise trace cur∣sorily over it. For so shalt thou performe an office of observance, no lesse gratefull to me, than if with teares of compassion and sweetnesse of affection, thou shouldst

wholly melt into a floud of devotion. For by this means shouldst thou effect a work through love, without re∣spect unto thy selfe. But to the end that this my Passion may pierce nearer thine heart, and thou become more affected to it, heare what I shall speake unto thee.

The soule which hath bound her selfe in many sins, may with the treasure of my Passion so much enrich her, and apply it to her, that though she deserved a thou∣sand yeares to be punished, and with a thousand kinds of exquisite tortures to be afflicted, in a short time both the sin and punishment due for the same may sue release, and in her passage hence

comfortably depart in peace, and bee translated to hea∣ven as her true resting place. But this must be done by this meanes; by weigh∣ing and discussing with a contrite heart frequently and fervently the greatnesse and multitude of those odi∣ous sins, wherewith so irre∣verently shee ••a••h offended the eyes of her heavenly Fa∣ther; afterwards for works of Satisfaction, as hee is not to omit them, so is hee to disvalue them, as such, that if compared with his sins, they are no more than one drop of water in comparison of the maine sea; but hee is to advance and extoll wonder∣fully the greatnesse of my Satisfaction, seeing the verie

least drop of my pretious bloud, which everie where streamed from my whole bo∣dy, had beene sufficient for taking away the sins of a thousand worlds: of which Satisfaction of mine, never∣thelesse so much everie one applyeth to himselfe, as hee conformeth himselfe to mee in suffering with mee, and as hee humbly and seriously crowneth the smalnesse of his satisfaction, in the infi∣nitenesse of my Expiation.

Of the holy Eucharist.

IN that selfe-same Dia∣logue of Suso, the wis∣dome

incarnate discoursing of the holy Eucharist, saith to his Minister; The least gift that proceedeth from mee in the venerable Sacrament, shi∣neth and beameth much more gloriously unto all e∣ternitie, than any splendour of this visible Sun, and is much more brighter and clearer than the verie bright Day-star it selfe. Briefly, it adorneth thee much more excellently, by a certaine e∣ternall comelinesse & beau∣tie, than at any time any Summer, be it never so plea∣sant, beautifieth the earth. But dost thou not (perhaps) doubt whether this most il∣lustrious Divinitie of mine be more bright than any Sun, and my most excellent soule

more sparkling than any Star, and my glorious body more delightfull than the pleasantnesse of any Sum∣mer? All which in verie truth thou conceivest in the Eucharist. Where I am the Bread of life to the devout and well-prepared: but to the unworthy, who conti∣nue by affection or action in mortall sins, I am a tempora∣rie Plague here, and an eter∣nal curse hereafter: for on these waiteth certaine dam∣nation, unlesse they be re∣conciled to mee by true re∣pentance. Surely, if any one were endued with the natu∣rall puritie of all the An∣gels, & renowmed with the the integritie and sanctitie of all the Saints, and ador∣ned

with the good works of all mortall men; yet, though thus accomplished, were not hee worthy to receive mee in the Sacrament. But when man doth all that hee can, nothing more is required at his hands, seeing wha••soever is wanting through him, I supply in him. But far bet∣ter it is to come to this ve∣nerable Sacrament in love, than to abstaine from it through feare.

Of resigning, deny∣ing, and mortifying himselfe.

SVso likewise wrote these singular sentences tou∣ching

resigning and denying ones selfe. A perfect life con∣sists not especially in this, that thou abound in com∣fort, but that thou submit and resigne thy will to the divine will. That thou hum∣bly obey his will in the bit∣ter sop of affliction, and the sweet syrupe of consolation; and that thou place and de∣base thy selfe under the feet of all men. For nothing is more pleasing to the su∣preme Angelicall spirit him∣selfe, than in all things to sa∣tisfie the divine will: In so much, as if hee knew that it would redound to the praise of God, to pull up nettles, or other weeds by the root, he would most de∣siredly performe this taske

before all others. There is no Resignation more per∣fect or excellent, than to be resigned wholly in the for∣saking of himselfe: neither ought any one to bee too much grieved in mind, if he have small experience of spi∣rituall sweetnesse: Let him rather think how hee is un∣worthy of it. A true Resig∣nation of himselfe to the will of God, both in affaires cer∣taine and uncertaine, with∣out all doubt freeth and se∣cureth man from all perils and occurrents, causing him to rejoyce with true peace in all things. So great is the pietie and benignitie of God, that hee can by no meanes at any time forsake him, who with a confident

heart relyeth on his good∣nesse, and recommendeth and resigneth himselfe wholly to his Divine Providence. True submission, depression, and abnegation of ones selfe, is the root of all ver••ues, of all health and happinesse. It grieveth one surely to bee wise and eloquent, and not∣withstanding to be enjoyned silence: to be by others dis∣esteemed, derided, iujuried, to heare himselfe calumnia∣ted and traduced, and not to defend & revenge his cause: or for a wise and honoura∣ble man to give place to a naughtie wretch, and one of no reckoning, a••d not to withstand it: and yet all this is nothing else surely than by deniall of himselfe,

to become conformable to the excellent patterne of Christ. Now albeit, in suf∣fering affliction wee be not alwayes of a mind equally resigned, yet are wee not to conclude therefore, that ••ope of salvation is taken a∣way, or the grace of God lost: so that wee doe not kick and rebell against God with a stubborne mind. Works, exercises, and in∣structions, whether perfor∣med with our owne proper will, or affection derived from it, although they may seeme joyes, yet are they of small consequence, so long as denying and resigning of our selves bee not joyned with them. It becommeth a man that is partaker of rea∣son,

to doe these works not out of a naturall propension, or appetite, like bruit beasts following the instinct of nature, but with reason, to the praise of God, and for the love of God, so as hee in no place seek his owne private gaine, delight, praise, re∣ward, but onely God. So to deny, mor••ifie, and relinquish our selves ought wee, that wee may in no case refuse to bee disvalued, or suffer ad∣versitie for God, that wee may diligently refraine both our tongue▪ and senses, suf∣fering no inordinate delight to possesse us, or the desire thereof to surprize us. As a Plate or Lamell of gold set unto our eyes, doth no lesse hinder our sight, than a

plate of iron: so it beho∣veth us to renounce, and re∣move from our minds all in∣stable mortall creatures, be they never so noble, if wee will enjoy that most excel∣lent Good, which is God. In true deniall, the whole Summe of Perfection consi∣steth: without which none shall profit, what way soever hee turne him. Almightie God grant us grace, that with incessant endevour wee may perpetually strive to de∣ny, mortifie, relinquish, re∣signe, goe forth of our selves, and dis-esteeme our selves. Amen.

Notes

• The love of God is the faithfull soulesguide.
• Nec locus sufficeret cruc••••us, ••ec cruees corpo∣ribus. Jo∣seph. lib. 5. de Bell•• Iud. cap. 28.
• Exce••lent Motives for the weake i•• Spirit, pre∣paring them how to die.
• A divine Memoriall.
• No true Re∣pentance without Charitie.
• Meditation of death, the wis•• mans life.
• Motives of fearing Death.
• Spirituall Physick a∣gainst this fe••rfull di∣stemper.
• Christian Memorials.
• Jam. v. 14.
• Mar. 6. 13.
• Christs mercies, my merits.
• a

  Conclave animae.