Verus Christianus, or, Directions for private devotions and retirements dedicated to ... Gilbert Ld. Arch Bishop of Canterbury ... by David Stokes.

1. Scrutinium, & Inquisitio, vel Examen.

Aug. Vir bonus praeponit scire infirmitatem suam magis quam scire fundamenta terrae, & fastigia coeli.

Illa verò scientia infirmitatis suae, non paratur abs{que} inquisitione diligenti, sine qua coecus ple∣rum{que} est animus, at{que} in propriis nihil videt.

Cicero. Multae sunt in animo latebrae, mul∣ti{que} recessus, &

Seneca. Deprehendas te oportet, antequam emendes.

Ignotum ulcus in deterius abit, & curatione destituitur.

Jer. 17. 9. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉—

Cor profundum est & tortuosum.

Homo vetus mille involucris obtegitur.

Ita{que} 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Attende Tibi ipsi. Hoc autem maximè inquirendum,

Quid hodie

• ...
  • Egeris,
  • Dixeris,
    • Legeris,
    • Scripseris.
• quod
  • deceat Christianum, Sacerdotem. Patrem, &c.
  • confirmet fidem, obedientiam augeat Scientiam.
  • vel Regimen
    • animi,
    • corporis.
  • operetur Salutem
    • tuum,
    • aliorum.

Deum ipsum videmus singulos primae Creationis dies non aliter claudentem, quàm per recognitio∣nem operum cujus{que} diei.

Et vidit quod bona essent, Gen. 1.

Cicero. Cato diurni negotii à se rationem exigebat. & Pythagoras etiam.

Ausonius ex Pythag.

Nec prius in dulcem declinent lumina somnū, Omnia quam longi repetiveris acta die.

Rex David, exacto die, meditabatur, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

In hoc Areopagitico & nocturno Examine, Vide ne Patronum te ostendas peccatorum sed judicem. Et in tribunali mentis Tuae dic, (Dic cum dolore & indignatione) Iniquitatem meum agnosco, Domine, Psal. 51.

O! Quis dabit menti meae flagella, Quae peccatis meis non parcant? Ecclus. 23. 2. 'El 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 1 Cor. 11: 31 Oratio est

• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, dormientiū custos.
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 vigilantiū fidueia.

Gr. Nys. Neque eum tutum arbitramur qui non fueric Orationis armis praesidioque munitus, Rectè igitur Rab. J. de poenitentiâ non in crasti∣num differendâ. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (i. e.)

Ecce spes fructus & salutis falsa tibi erit in aeternum nisi animam tuam etiam hac nocte eri∣pueris.

Et hujusmodi examen si per aliquot dies aut unum saltem mensem fiat (cum poenitentia) suf∣ficiet ut perfectus virtutis habitus generetur.

And now (my Lords papers failing me) I must make use of my own paines, and my En∣glish tongue again, for the present help of those of whom I would, but cannot otherwise be understood.

Can we carelesly cast our eyes over such powerful Motives to a nocturnal scrutiny, and Inquisition into our sinful souls? Dare we ven∣ter to fleep in sin, & so perhaps to loose those souls, before we know where to find them a∣gain? May we not (in such a necessary task) prevail with our selves, to bestow a peice of a

night, or two, in that employment, which is able to make them prove the happiest nights, that ever we spent in our lives. There was a time when the Royal Prophet found it so, that (many a night) watered his bed with his teares, or rather made it swimme, (so emphati∣cally doth he himself express it, (Psal. 6. 7.) with an Hyperbole) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Would not S^t Aug. make us fear, that the omitting, or deferring of that Scrutiny may bring us into extream hazard? For he hath said, that which may prove too true, in many, Poenitentia, quae ab infirmo petitur, infirma est, quae autem à moriente petitur, timeo ne ipsa mo∣riatur. that is, It is best to make strict exa∣mination, and compleat our Repentance, while we are in health, and have time enough to look into all that is past, and prevent all Relapses into the like sins hereafter. For the future is a time most uncertain to us, and wherein we know not what, Indisposition, Sicknesses, Hinderances, or Obstructions may suddainly fall out, though we might chance to live longer. Now therefore, while it is called to day, and our day, lest us make haste to break off our sins, and let us take a penitenti∣all Psalm into our mouthes, or one of the pub∣lick Confessions (in the first or second Ser∣vice) or one out of the good Bishop's Peniten∣tial papers. And make a sad, and serious re∣solution, for present and real amendment of life, and have a great care against all Relapses

into sin (especially into our darling, and habi∣tuall sins) without which Intention and Re∣solution, all our Nocturnal Scrutinies, will bè fruitless and to no purpose.

Shall I say a little more to help you for∣ward?

First then, I will propose several places of Holy Writ, wherein we are most earnestly ad∣monished, to beware of Relapses.

2. After you have chew'd a litle, upon them Iwill prescribe a Prophetical Antidote, by way of prevention, against the foul returns of sin.

1. The First shall begin with the words of the two great Apostles.

Grow in grace, and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. 3. 18.

Receive not the grace of God in vain, 2 Cor. 6. 1,

—Giveing all diligence adde to your Faith Virtue, &c. 2 Pet. 1. 5.

He that lacks these things is blind—and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. verse 9.

—If they are again intangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them then the beginning, 2 Pet. 2. 20.

For it had been better for them, not to have known the way of Righteousnes, then after they had known it, to turn from the ho∣ly Commandement—But it is happened to them, according to the true Proverb, The Dog is returned to his own vomit, &c.

Continue thou in the things, that thou hast learned, 1 Tim. 3. 14.

Be not shaken in mind,—2 Thes. 2. 2.

If I build again the things which I destroy∣ed, I make my self a transgressor, Gal. 2. 18.

What these two cheif Apostles have said, we may find to be the frequent advise of holy Scripture elswhere.

Such as return back to their own wicked∣ness, the Lord will lead them forth with evil doers, (i. e. to be punished with them) Psal. 123. ult.

When the Righteous turnes away—&c. Ezek. 18. 29.

He that hath washed himself after the touching of a dead body; if he touch it again, what avails his washing? Ecclus. 34. 25.

No man having put his hand to the Plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdome of God. Luke 9. 61.

Therefore let not your goodness be as a morning cloud, or the early dew (that soon vanish away) Hos. 6. 4.

What God hath cleansed, doe not thou make common. Act. 10. 15.

Be not weary of thy repenting of thy sin, least God be weary of his repenting of thy punishment Jer. 16. 6.

Turn not your backs, and start not aside like a broken Bow, Psal. 78. 5.

Slide not back, as a back-sliding Heifer, Hos. 4. 16.

But follow on to know the Lord, cap. 6. 3.

And bring forth fruites worthy of Repen∣tance, Mat. 3. 8.

Walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his Kingdome and glory, 2 Thes. 2, 12.

O how I wish, that all men would make good use of all that refers to this Inquisition, and narrow search into the state of our souls; that should have more care taken upon them then is ordinarily spent upon the body every day. Therefore, I hope, none will be offend∣ed, that I mustered up so many good Admo∣nitions together, with such a noise about your eares, as it were, with so many Drums and Trumpets (at such an unseasonable time of the night) rather to keep you waking, then to afford some help towards your quiet rest.

I think indeed, the first night (though you make choice of a Fasting night) wherein you settle your selves, to the purpose, about this most Christian, and most necessary expression of our duty unto God, and love to our selves, will prove full of trouble, for that part of the night: and your prayers may seem to be the voice of crying (as the Royal Prophet speaks of his, in his several nights, Psal. 8. 6.) But this is your happiness, that such a troublesome, and sad peice of such a night, may (by God's bless∣ing) work as great a Miracle, as the turning

the Water into Wine, and the changing a Face sullied with salt teares, into a most cheer∣full countenance.

The solitariness of that part of a night, may be answered with the company of a merry heart of our own (which is a continual Feast) all the dayes, and nights of our life. And (after this uncertain life ended) it may be crowned with everlasting Joy and Happiness, in that only place of blisse, where all teares shall at once be wiped quite away from all faces; and all hearts compleatly filled with true Joy.

2. In hope of this beleif in you, I will now goe on to that, which I promised in the se∣cond place, Of an Antidote and Preservative against future Relapses, worthy to be remem∣bred every night: You shall receive it from the hands of St. Basil, that you may know to whom you are beholden for it.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉—&c. Basil. Regul. brev. Interogat. 28.

That is, If a man hath repented of a sin, and after fallen into the same sinne again, it is a sign, that he pulled not that sinne up by the rootes.

For there are some sinnes rooted, and grounded in other sinnes (as Envy, and Con∣tention in Pride, and Vain glory) In all such, till the root be quite pulled up, and Humility set in the place of it; cut the branches as you please, some what will bud up, and appear a∣gain.

And as some sinnes are the root of others, so some sinnes are the food of others; as we use to say (sine Cerere & Baccho friget Venus) Lust useth to feed well, to fare deliciously and plentifully. Therefore there is a Devil that cannor be cast out but by prayer and Fast∣ing. And we may safely say, that Fulness of Bread, and Idleness, as they are the Sepul∣chers of many Virtues; so they are the Che∣rishers of most Vices. But when we know the true Root, and Cause, and Food of a Di∣sease, it is half cured. It grows late, and we need say no more of this, Verbum sapienti.

You may think, that I am ready to take my leave of you, and bid you Good night, adding not a word more of that hard Scrutiny, or what else, belonging to it, may fit it for a happy conclusion. And indeed, I and all the world must leave you, when you are for that business, which (though it be most pro∣fitable) is the most unpleasing to us all, that are great sinners.

Yet, that I may take my leave the more cha∣ritable, and that you may find the better night, I will say one word more (a word of Com∣fort.)

If in the foot of your accompt, you find sinnes so great, and so many, that great and many terrours begin to disturb you. Strive to arm your selves with all the armour of God, and be not so much affrighted, as in∣couraged

to goe on. For if your inward eyes (with the use of your best optick Instru∣ments) have found out so many of your own sinnes, or multitudes of your worst enemies: let your other eyes (by the help of your pray∣ers) furnish you with as good store of the best weapons, that can be used, in your defence.

Lachrimae arma. Prayers and Teares are the weapons that David used so long, that he washed his bed with them. Psal. 6, 6, 7.

Teares are the weapons that Mary Mag∣dalen's Eyes had such plenty of, that she could wash our Saviors feet with them.

Bitter Teares are the weapons made Peter goe out of the place where he denied his Sa∣viour, into a fitter place, wherein he might presently beg that mercy of God, that charm∣ed the Divel from ever haunting of him, with the memory of that foul Deniall.

And if you fain would, but cannot weep as they did, think of those Prayers (without any mention of teares) that long before these Weepers were born, turned Jacob into Israel, and moved God to let him and us know, that the Lord of Hostes was overcome with his im∣portunate way of [non dimittam nisi—] which shewed the power of his Prayers, that wonne him the Name of Israel.

And let us prove out selves true Israelites, by so following of him; if we can extort no Teares, or so few dropps as cannot be poured into God's bottle, and intitle us to the name

of Followers of the other great Champions. For if we can begin with no weapons of Tears, but (without them) broken and sorrowfull penitent Hearts, yet, if we resolve to fight the more valiantly hereafter, under Christ's ban∣ner, in the use of some other spiritual wea∣pons, doubt not but the Father of all Mercyes, and Mercy it self, will gratiously receive us; having invited all so freely to come to Him, that are weary and heavy laden with the un∣supportable burden of their sinnes: and have∣ing not by his teares only, but by his pretious blood so fully satisfied for poor penitent sin∣ners.

I am not sorry that I have shewed you the way how to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and use such weapons in your prayers, since God Himself hath shew∣ed us the way, how he may be overcome. And, I hope, you are not sorry, that I have shewed you the way, how to make the night of your Scrutiny (whensoever you make choice of it) a happy and joyfull night, in the close,

But when you have well passed over the time of your Scrutiny (in all the nights after) a short Meditation of the Affinity that is be∣tween Sleep and Death, will easily produce a Prayer and Resolution, with an eye to that, before you make to much haste to lye down, and rest in your bed, betweèn those sheets, that may prove your winding sheets, for ought you know.

A further supply for the Evening, you may take out of the pious Bishops Devotions, which shall now follow, that you may see, how he usually prepared himself for his quiet sleep and rest, after his daily labours. I wish, all may use them whith his spirit: and remember that like the winding up again of the Clock, such is the necessary Recollection of our selves at night, after the disturbances and discompo∣sing of our selves in the day time, by the or∣dinary employment, and duties of our Call∣ing, and our occasional Commerce with other men.

In this task, our best method will be

1. First to reflect upon our sinnes of the day.

2. Then upon the hazard of the night, against which we had need to be armed by our prayers.

3. Then upon the blessing and praising of God, for his former works of mercy and pro∣vidence; and the confidence which we have in his custody of us this night, and for ever.

In this part I find no papers of the good Bishop, but only in Greek, which I shall re∣represent in that order.

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Amongst the•…•…e preparations for night, the very thoughts of the affinity betwixt Sleep and Death, or the Bed and the Grave, produ∣ced these following Ejaculations and Prayers, against the sudden and violent approach of Death.

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Such true Devotions and Prayers are the surest meanes to procure a Guard of blessed Angels against the greatest dangers of the darkest times. Surer then Salomons valiant men that walked about his Bed every one with his Sword upon his Thigh, because of the pe∣rils of the night. Therefore the pious Bishop thought of no confidence, and no repose like that of the Royal Prophet. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

In this confidence he might well conclude his Prayers thus.

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We are now coming to the incomparable Bishop's last Hymn, and sweetest Anthemn in which he was wont to shut up and conclude the Devotions of the whole day.

Hark, Hark! stand a little and listen, and admire, for it is a full Anthemn, and all his best faculties of body and soul make up a Con∣sort in the delivery of it, with all his skill and strength. Observe the Deepness of the Base, and the Height of the Trebles; I mean, the Lov Descent of his Reverence and Humility, with the High Strain of his Joyes and Thank∣fulness, while he Sings a Requiem to his body and soul, in a full expression of his service, and

the glory which he heartily ascribes unto his God.

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Is not this rare Musick? Is it not farr a∣bove the strange imaginary Musick of the Spheres? Doth it not exceed the natural Consort of the pretty chirping Birds, that seem all to joyn together, in a kind of Mar∣tens, and Evensong to the Honour, and Glory of the All-creatour, that opens his liberall Hands, every day, to fill all things living with plenty. Nay, doth it not emulate our Church Musick (the cheifest Musick in the world) and the best kind of that Musick, when the skill∣full Artists joyn the sweetest Voices, with the variety of sweet Instruments?

Why shall we not then think, this Musical close of all his other Devotions to be his In∣troduction to conduct him and wellcome him to the Heavenly Quire above, to be made

acquainted with their Halelujah's, and Trisa∣gium's, and Doxologies, and other wayes of Divine rapture, which cannor be learned, or practised, but in that place, whereof the Holy Land was but a Figure (For how can we learn, or sing the Lords song in a strange Land?

After this Anthem, I can furnish you with no more out of the holy Bishop's papers; God be thanked for these, which I have received from several hands, and laid together, to be ready for your use, in your private Closets, where somwhat would be done, besides that which others see you doe, in God's House.

But if you know not how to use them, yet may you, perhaps, be willing (after your Scru∣tiny or Inquisition) to go on with, these short Meditations and Prayers, and Thanksgivings that follow here, contracted into a narrow roome, for your accommodation.