Devotions in the ancient way of offices with psalms, hymns, and prayers for every day in the week and every holiday in the year.

Thursday MATINS.

Introduction, as page 1.

Invitatory. Come let's adore our God that feeds us.

Come le'ts adore our God that feeds us.

Psal. LIII.

HE freely opens his bounteous hand; and fills with his blessing every living crea∣ture: he gives even Kings their dayly bread; and all the world's maintain'd by his Pro∣vision.

Come let's adore our God that feeds us.

He feeds our understanding with the know∣ledg of truth; and strengthens our wills with his holy grace: he refreshes our memorys with a thousand benefits; and feasts our whole souls with everlasting hopes.

Come lets adore our God that feeds us.

With Himself and with his sacred Flesh he feeds us, and nourishes up to immortal life: be∣gining even here that blessed union, which shall fully be perfected in his own Kingdom.

Come let's adore our God that feeds us.

Come all we servants of so gracious a Lord; whom he daily entertains with innumerable

mercys: come all you children of so loving a Father; for whom he has provided an eternal feast.

Come let's adore our God that feeds us.

Glory be, &c. As it was, &c.

Come let's adore our God that feeds us.

Come let's adore our God that feeds us.

Hymn XVII.

RIse royal Sion! rise and sing Thy souls kind Shepherd, thy harts King: Stretch all thy pow'rs; call if you can, Harps of heaven to hands of man: This soveraign subject sits above The best ambition of thy love.

Lo here the bread of life, this day's Triumphant Text, provokes thy praise: The living and life-giving Bread, To the great Twelve distributed: When Life Himself at point to dy Of love, was his own Legacy.

But, lest That dy too, We are bid, Ever to do what He once did; And by a mindful mystick breath, That we may live, revive his death; With a miraculous Bread and Wine Transum'd, and taught to turn divine.

The heav'n-instructed House of Faith Here a mysterious Dictate hath; That they but lend their form and face, Themselvs with reverence leave their place, Nature, and Name, to be made good By a nobler Bread, more needful Blood.

Where nature's law no leave will give; Bold Faith takes hart, and dares believe: In different species, Names not Things, Himself to me my Saviour brings: As meat in That, as drink in this; But still in Both, one Christ he is.

Yet the receiving mouth here makes Nor wound nor breach in what he takes: Let one alone, or thousands be Here the Dividers; single he Bears home no less, All they no more; Nor leave they Both less then before.

Lo the life-food of Angels, then, Bow'd to the lowly mouths of men. Lo the full final Sacrifice; On which all Figures fixt their eys; The ransom'd Isaac, and his Ram, The Manna, and the Paschal Lamb.

Jesu, to Thee we sinners sue; O Thou our Food, and Shepherd too!

Still by Thy self vouchsafe to keep, As with thy self thou feed'st thy Sheep. Blest be that Love which thus makes Thee Mix with our low mortality.

O may It raise and set us up Convicters of thine own full Cup; Coheirs of Saints: that so all may Drink the same wine, and the same way: Nor change the pasture, but the place; To feed on Thee, in thine own Face. Amen.

Antiph. Upon this rock will I build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Psal. LIV.

HE, who made the Sun to enlighten our steps, * in the pilgrimage of this short life.

Has he ordain'd no guide to conduct our souls, * in the difficult way to their eternal home?

He who feeds the ravens that call upon him; has he not provided bread for his children?

He has; and still his mercy furnishes means, * to perform whatever his justice commands.

Long since he espouds'd to himself an unspot∣ted Church; and promis'd It his presence to the end of the world:

Establishing his truth on a firm pillar; a solid foundation to sustain our faith:

That we waver no longer as litle children; nor be carried about with every wind of do∣ctrine:

Nor consume all our days in studying to be∣lieve; without ever proceeding to life and action.

This Spouse, O Thou glorious King of hea∣ven, * and admirable Lover of poor ruin'd man!

This humble Spouse Thou cam'st down to woo, * and dearly purchase with thine own blood.

Thou hast indow'd her with eminent prero∣gatives, * above the rest of the daughters of the earth:

Preserving her in the midst of Jews and Pa∣gans; and the subtler Enemys, Politicians and Hereticks.

Preserving her bright and conspicuous as the Sun; that every open ey may see her light.

Preserving her still in perfect unity; while all that divide from her are divided among them∣selves.

Thou hast adorn'd her with the beauty of or∣der; and the precious jewels of heroick vertues.

Thou hast strengthen'd her hands with the power of miracles; and crown'd her head with a diadem of Saints.

Thou hast given her the keys of all thy trea∣sures; and open'd to her the mysterys of heav'n it self.

Mysterys that free our souls from the domi∣nion of sense; and place them above the reach of reason.

These thy whole Church unanimously at∣tests; as deriv'd from Thee their original source;

And, runing along through every age, * have always maintain'd their constant chanel.

O may they still bear on their course; and still spread wider their wholsom streams.

May all the world be water'd with this dew of heav'n; and bring forth fruit to everlasting life.

But O unhappy you, who seek new paths; and blindly follow your misleading guides!

You who forsake the known Church-way to truth; and charge the whole Christian world with malice and error.

Tell me, can any reason considerately think, * that so many witnesses should conspire in a falshood?

Such as must necessarily damn themselvs; and desperately endanger all their posterity.

Such as by every ey may easily be discern'd; and the credit of the forgers confounded with shame:

Stay till a thousand Mothers freely agree, * to poyson themselvs and their beloved children:

Stay till a Nation solemnly vote, * that a wave of the Sea is firmer then a rock.

When you have seen this done; and the de∣luge of Antichrist himself invade the world.

Yet shall that holy Ark still float above; and save the Just from the fury of the waves.

O the excessive goodnes of our merciful God; who has made his Testimonys even too credible:

Too credible to be doubted by any thing but ignorance; too credible to be deny'd by any thing but passion.

We are almost now constrain'd to believe; Lord grant us grace but to hope and love.

Glory be, &c.

Antiph. Upon this rock will I build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Antiph. How admirably, O Lord, has thy Wisdom contriv'd our salvation: infusing even by our senses grace into our souls!

Psal. LV.

SAfe in this hand has our provident Lord * deposited the richest treasures of his Kingdom:

Commanding his Priests to conserve them with reverence, * and dispense them to others with a prudent charity:

Soon as we're born into this world of danger; his vigilant Baptism stands ready to save us:

Ready to wipe out the guilt of our birth; and write our new names in the book of life:

What all eternity could never have worn off, * a litle sprinkling of water washes away.

When we are come to riper years; and a fit capacity of professing our Faith:

His holy Bishops mysteriously anoint our foreheads; to cherish and Confirm our grow∣ing beleef:

That we never be asham'd of the Cross of Christ; but to the face of death freely confess him.

If in our spiritual combat we receive a wound; he has appointed persons expresly to cure us:

Only he requires we should open our sores before them; and hartily repent our wilful rashnes:

He requires we should satisfy the world and our own souls; in repairing the damage they sustain by our trespas.

Heal'd by the bitter waters of Pennance; we are imediatly invited to all the sweetnes of Pa∣radise:

To tast the delicious bread of Angels; to eat even the Flesh it self of the Son of God:

So to become intirely one with him; while we feed on his Body, and are govern'd by his Spirit.

That the world may continue in a blest succes∣sion; he solemnly sanctify'd the rites of Mar∣riage:

Exalting that state to the honour of a Sacra∣ment;

that we might more regard the holines of its dutys:

To prevent the failing of Governours in the Church; the Church, for which this world continues:

Themselvs are impowr'd to kindle fresh lights; who stil may shine on when the old ones are spent.

Yet is there one important period of our life; the sicknes that summons us to the bar of death.

Nor has our gracious Lord forgotten this; but carefully provided a holy Unction:

To allay our fears in that sad hour; and strengthen our hopes of everlasting felicity:

That we may finish our course in peace; and go up with joy to receive our crown.

Thus by thy wise indulgent care; O Thou sweet Conductor of our Souls!

Every station of our pilgrimage has a fit en∣tertainment; and every defect a proper remedy

Glory be, &c.

Antiph. How admirably, O Lord, has thy Wisdom contriv'd our Salvation; infusing even by our senses grace into our souls!

Antiph. We confess we are bound to do ma∣ny things against our will; why not believe some few above our understanding?

Psal. LVI.

THese are the seven bright golden Candle∣sticks, * set up to enlighten and adorn the Church:

But behold, in the midst, One like the son of man; but is indeed the Son of God:

Behold One disguis'd in the shape of bread; but is indeed the Son both of God and man.

He whom the Seraphims prostrate adore; and fly with all their wings to perform his com∣mands:

He who came down to dy for us sinners; and ascended again above the highest heav'ns:

Himself is there, and graciously stays our coming; to receive our pray'rs, and send us home with his blessing:

He's there, though not discern'd by sense; nor the mysterys of his presence comprehended by reason:

Yet may a lively faith pass through the veil; and confidently enter into the holy of holys:

A faith that works by love may enter; and fill it self with celestial Manna.

But the uncharitable faith shall be cast into darkness; among them that believe and trem∣ble.

Behold O Lord, we believe and hope; per∣fect by thy vigorous grace our faint endea∣vours:

Quicken our half dead faith into a ready as∣sent; where ever thou art pleas'd to engage thy word:

Why should we doubt the Power of God can do somthing, that the weaknes of man cannot understand?

Which of us knows how the common bread we eat * is naturally turn'd into our own substance?

And shall we dispute the supernatural con∣version * of this blessed bread into the substance of our Saviour?

Shall we submit our reason to the secrets of nature; and make it judg of the mysterys of grace?

Shall we rely on the reports of men, where we do not see: and distrust the word of God, because we do not see?

No, let us now believe, that herafter we may see; when our eys shall be open'd in the King∣dom of light:

Where our dark faith shall cease into vision: and our hope expire into full enjoyment:

Where all our affections shall be contracted into love; and love extended to eternity.

Glory be, &c.

Antiph. We confess we are bound to do many things against our will; why not believe some few above our understanding?

Our Father, &c.

First Lesson.

CHrist loved his Church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the Laver of water, in the word of life; that he might present to himself a glorious Church: not having spot or wrinckle: And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors, and Doctors: for the consummation of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying the bo∣dy of Christ; til we all meet into the unity and knowledge of the Son of God, into a perfect man, into the measure of the age of the fulnes of Christ: That henceforth we be not children, wavering, and carry'd about with every wind of doctrine, by the wickednes of men, and their craftines to circumvent into error; but follow∣ing the truth in charity, let us in all things grow in him, who is our head, Christ. And I beseech you, Brethren, by the name of our Lord JESUS Christ, that you all say one thing, and that there be no schisms among you; but that you be perfect in one sense, and in one knowledge. Mark them that make dissentions and scandals, contrary to the Doctrin which you have learn't, and avoyd them: for such serve not Christ our Lord, but their own belly; and by sweet speeches and benedictions seduce the harts of the simple. Beleeve not every spi∣rit,

but prove the spirits whether they be of God; for many false Prophets are gone out in∣to the world: Therefore, Brethren, stand fast, hold the traditions which you have learn'd, whether by word of mouth, or our Epistle. Obey your Prelats, and be subject to them; for they watch, as being to render account for your souls.

R. My God, if ravenous Wolvs seek by force to devour me, and with threats and penalty's fright me from thy Faith; this shal be my shield against all their fiery darts, * I beleeve my Creed, and, in it, One holy Catholick and Apostolick Church. If subtle foxes seek by fraud to deceive me, and with wit and fallacy's seduce me from thy truth; this shal be my an∣swer to all their Objections, * I beleeve —

Second Lesson.

ANd JESUS coming near, spake to his Disciples, saying, All power is given me in heav'n and in earth; Go therfore and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and behold I am with you always to the end of the World.

The Apostles hearing that Samaria had re∣ceiv'd the word of God, sent to them Peter and John; who when they were come pray'd for

them, that they might receive the holy Ghost, for he was not yet come upon any of them; but they were only baptiz'd in the name of our Lord JESUS; then they impos'd their hands on them, and they receiv'd the holy Ghost.

And JESUS said to his Disciples, As my Fa∣ther sent me, I also send you: And He breath'd on Them, and said, Receive you the holy Ghost; whose sins you shal forgive, they are forgiven, and whose you shal retain, they are retain'd.

The Chalice of benediction which we bless, is it not the Communication of the Blood of Christ? and the Bread which we break, is it not the participation of the Body of our Lord?

When they had ordain'd to them Priests in e∣very Church, and had pray'd with fastings; they commended them to our Lord in whom they beleev'd.

For this cause shal a man leave his Father and Mother, and cleave to his Wife; and they shal be two in one flesh: this is a great Sacrament; but I speak in Christ and in the Church.

Is any one sick among you? let him bring in the Priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anoynting him with Oyl in the name of our Lord; and the prayer of faith shal save the sick, and our Lord shal raise him up; and, if he be in sins, they shal be remitted him.

Now to him that is able to do all things more

abundantly then we desire or understand, ac∣cording to the power that works in us; to Him be glory in the Church, and in Christ JESUS, to all generations, world without end. Amen.

R. Blessed, O Lord, be thy holy Name, who hast provided the Scriptures for comfort of the Faithful; and blessed be thy gracious Wis∣dom, who hast left in thy Church a Rule to in∣terpret Them: Lest the unlearned and instable should pervert them to their own destruction. Renew, O merciful Lord, a right spirit in the world: a spirit of humility and obedience: that, in reading those sacred Books, none may pre∣fer their private fancys before the testimony of the Church; but readily submit to Them, whom he that hears; hears Thee, and he that despises despises Thee: * Lest —

Third Lesson, 1 Cor. 11.

FOr I received of our Lord that which also I have deliver'd to you; that our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betray'd, took bread, and giving thanks, brake, and said, Take and eat, This is my Body which shal be deli∣ver'd for you: this do in Commemoration of me. In like manner also the Chalice, after he had supt, saying, This Chalice is the new Te∣stament in my Blood; this do, as often as you shal drink it, in Commemoration of me: For as often as you eat this Bread, and drink the Cha∣lice,

you shall shew our Lords death, till he come. Therefore, who ever shall eat this Bread or drink the Chalice of our Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of our Lord: but let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of the Chalice; for he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning our Lords Body.

R. I am the Bread that came down from heav'n, not as your fathers ate Manna and dy∣ed: he that eats of this Bread shall live for e∣ver; and the Bread which I give is my Flesh, for the life of the world. * These, O my dear∣est Saviour, are thy very words; O give us al∣ways of this Bread! As the living Father sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eats me shall live by me, and I will raise him up at the last day: for my Flesh is meat indeed, and my Blood is drink indeed. * These—

Glory be, &c. * These—

Pause, &c. as page 17.

Thursday Lauds.

O God incline, &c. as page 18.

Antiph. How great is the multitude of thy sweetnes, O Lord; which thou hast hidden for those that love Thee!

Psal. LVII.

WHere, O thou boundless Ocean of Cha∣rity! where will thy overflowing streams stay their course?

We, and our ingratitude strive to oppose thee; but nothing can resist thy almighty Goodnes.

When the impiety of man was at the hight; and their treacherous heads ploting to betray thee:

Then did thy wisdom mercifully consult, * to overcome our malice with thy bounty:

Immediately thou contriv'dst an admirable way, * to invite all the world to a feast of mi∣racles:

A feast where thy sacred Body should be our food, * and thy precious Blood our drink:

A feast where thy whole all-glorious Self * is freely given to the meanest guest.

A feast of peace and love and incomparable sweetnes; to which thine own blest mouth thus kindly cals us,

Come to me, you that labour for holines, * and are opprest under the weight of your sins:

Come to me, you that hunger after heav'n, * and thirst to drink at the fountain of blyss:

Come to me, and I will refresh you, * with the wine of gladnes, and the bread of life:

Come you that are weak, that you may grow

strong; and you that are strong, lest you be∣come weak:

Come you that have leisure, and here enter∣tain your time; come you that are busy, and here learn to sanctify your imployment:

Come all, and gather freely of this celestial Manna; and fill your souls with the food of Angels.

Glory be, &c.

Psal. LVIII.

THus does our gracious Lord invite, and shall we go? shall sinners dare to sit down at his table?

Thus He invites, and shall we not go? shall wretches presume to refuse his Call?

Rise then, my soul, and take thy swiftest wings; and fly to the presence of this great Mystery:

Soon as thou com'st, bow low thy head; and humbly adore our hidden God:

Our God, who is come thus far to meet us; and brings along with him a whole heav'n to en∣tertain us.

Arise, and leave the world behind thee; and run with gladnes to salute thy Lord:

Enter the Palace of that admirable Taberna∣cle; the house of his own most glorious Re∣sidence:

There we shall see the Eternal Word, * that

descended from heav'n to become man for us:

We shall see him still more wonderfully a∣bridg'd; * into a lesser space and lower shape:

There we shall see the Lord of glory, * vest∣ed with the familiar forms of bread and wine:

There we shall see the Prince of Peace, * sa∣crifice himself to reconcile us with his Father:

There we shall see, O stupendious mercy! the Son of God stoop even to the mouths of men.

Can we, O dear Redeemer! believe these Wonders; and not be ravisht with admiration of thy love?

Can we acknowledg thy supream Veracity; and not believe (were they possible) stil greater wonders?

What though our eys say ther's nothing but bread? our faith assures us there's nothing but our Saviour:

Shall not the almighty Power, that made our senses, * exceed the operation of his own crea∣tures?

Shall we refuse to believe our God; because his mercys transcend our capacitys?

No, no, 'tis thy very self we see, O Blessed JESU! 'tis thine own light by which we see Thee:

None but an infinite Wisdom could ever have invented * so strange and high and prodigious a mystery:

None but a more then infinite Goodnes would ever have imparted * so dear and tender and rich a blessing.

Glory be, &c.

Psal. LIX.

LOrd, who are we, unworthy sinners; that thus thou regardest our wretched dust?

What is all the world compar'd to Thee; that thus thou seem'st to disregard thy self?

'Tis for our sakes, and to draw us to thy love; that thou personally vouchsafest to dwell a∣mong us:

'Tis for our sakes, and to spare the infirmity of our nature; that thy brightnes appears not in its proper luster.

Blessed, O JESU, are the eys that see thee in this kind disguise; and the mouth that reve∣rently receives Thee:

Blessed yet more is the hart that desires thy coming; and longs to see thee in thy beauteous self.

O Thou eternal Lord of grace and glory; * our joy and portion in the land of the Living!

What hast thou there prepar'd for thy ser∣vants; who bestowest such pledges of thy boun∣ty here!

What dost Thou there reserve in thine own Kingdom; who giv'st us Thy self in this place of banishment!

How will thy open vision transport our souls; when our dark faith yields such de∣light!

Nothing on earth so sweet, as to kneel whole hours before thee; and one by one consider thy innumerable mercys:

VVhat must it be in heaven to shine continu∣ally before Thee; and all in one contemplate thy u••••speakable glorys!

O my ador'd Redeemer, when will that hap∣py day appear; that mine eys may behold thee without a veil?

When will these clouds and shadows pass a∣way; that thy beams may shine on me in their full brightnes?

Object not against me, dearest Lord; that none can see thy face and live:

Those fears thy love has chang'd, and all my hope * is now to live by seeing thee:

Say not, O thou mild and gracious Majesty! if I approach thy presence I must dy:

Rather instruct me so to dy; that I may live for ever in thy presence.

Glory be, &c.

Antiph. How great is the multitude of thy sweetnes, O Lord, which Thou hast hidden for those that love Thee!

Capit. 7. Apoc.

A Men, Benediction and Glory and VVis∣dom, and Thanksgiving, Honor, and Power, and Strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn XVIII.

VVIth all the pow'rs my poor soul hath, Of humble love and loyal faith; Thus low, my God, I bow to Thee, VVhom too much love bow'd low'r for me.

Down busy sense, Discourses dy; And all adore Faith's Mystery: Faith is my skill, Faith can believe As fast as Love new laws can give.

Faith is my ey, Faith strength affords, To keep pace with those pow'rful words: And words more sure, more sweet then they, Love could not think, Truth could not say.

O dear Memorial of that death, VVhich still survives and gives us breath! Live ever bread of Life, and be My food, my joy, my all to me.

Come glorious Lord, my hopes encrease; And fill my portion in thy peace:

Come hidden life, and that long day For which I languish, come away.

When this dry soul those eys shal see, And drink the unseald source of Thee: When glory's Sun faith's shade shal chase And for thy veil, give me thy face.

Antiph. He feeds the young Ravens that call on Him; and says, He esteems us much better then them: behold a full proof; He feeds them and all things else, but to feed us: behold yet a fuller; O Riddle of Bounty! even out of the Feeder himself comes food for us.

V. The bread of life which came down from heav'n.

R. Feed us with the bread of science and understanding.

O Lord hear our pray'rs,

And let our supplications come to Thee.

Let us pray.

O Bounteous Lord, the continual supplier of thy creatures with all convenient suste∣nance; to advance our growth and strength, fit to take heav'n by violence, and rise at length eternal Injoyers of thy self! Fix, we beseech Thee, our eys and adoration on that open Hand which thus graciously gives us our dayly bread: and grant that the miraculous Feast of thy Sons Body and Blood, may duly sanctify our tasts to all other thy bountys; that they

may relish, as they are, only thy great love to us, and feed, as they ought, purely thy dear love in us: through the same our Lord —

Commemorations, as Page 29.

Thursday Vespers.

OUr Father, &c. as Page 33.

Antiph. Whether, O my God, should we wander, if left to our selvs? where should we fix our harts, if not directed by thee?

Psal. LX.

UNhappy man! at first created just; as e∣very work comes fair from the hands of God.

At first endow'd with dominion o're the Earth; and, which was more, with dominion o're thy self:

At first, not only made sole Lord of Paradise; but heir apparent of the Heav'n of heav'ns.

All this thou lost by one rash act; * disobeying the Law of thy wise Creator.

All this, alas, we lost by thy transgression; which brought in sin, and death, and universal misery:

Our bodys were deprav'd by thy distemper; and our souls made fit for such depraved bodys:

Our senses quickly rebel'd against reason; and both together conspir'd against grace.

Dulnes and ignorance o'respred the world; error and vice possest mankind.

The Law they observ'd was their own unruly appetites; and the Deity they worship'd, the work of their own hands.

Even the selected people of the true God; the favourite Nation of the Almighty Providence:

They who were brought out of Egypt with so many wonders; and seated in a Country flowing with Milk and Honey:

They, who had seen the sea divide before them; and stand on each side, as a wall to de∣fend them:

They who had tasted the quails and manna from heav••••n: and drunk of the streams that came gushing from the Rock:

Even they forgot their great Deliverer; and set up for their God a Golden Calf:

They could not worship what they did not see; they must have Gods to go before them.

Thus lay the miserable world all cover'd with darknes; and the thickest mists of gross Ido∣latry:

Thus had poor man quite lost his way; and all he could do was to wander up and down a while:

Til, when his few vain years were spent, * he suddenly descended to everlasting sorrows:

This mov'd thy pity, gracious Lord! who of∣ten art found by those that seek thee not:

VVho never withdraw'st thy hand in time of need; but constantly supply'st us in all our di∣stresses:

This mov'd thy pity to undertake our relief; and come down thy self, and dwel among us:

That as our nature us'd to worship what it saw; we now should see what we might safely worship:

But thou again, dear Lord, must leave our world; and, though it be good for us, 'tis hard to part from Thee:

Thou must again ascend into thy Fathers bo∣som, to prepare a place for thy faithful Fol∣lowers.

Yet, even then, O thou wise and infinite Good∣nes! thou didst not wholly forsake our earth:

Only thy usual cloaths and shape were chang'd; but thy former Self stil dwels among us:

Stil thou art really here to move us by thy presence, * and entertain our devotions with∣out fear of excess:

VVe know 'tis impossible to adore our God too much; O that 'twere possible to adore him enough. Glory be, &c.

Antiph. VVhether, O my God should we wander; if left to our selvs? where should we fix our harts, if not directed by Thee?

Antiph. Blessed be thy Providence, O God, that so tenderly nurses up the world; stil grow∣ing on to new degrees of perfection:

Psal. LXI.

LOrd, what a happy change has thy com∣ing wrought! what glorious effects has thy Doctrin produced!

Narrow was once the gate, and strait the path to bliss; and few there were that found it:

Once in a populous City not ten that were just; and on the whole earth but eight that were sav'd:

Now we see thousands, with a strong and generous love, * run swiftly after Thee in the ways of thy Counsels:

Now, we see millions, with a fair degree of hope, * walk constantly towards Thee in the ways of thy Commands:

Now we see Kings and mighty Nations sub∣mit to Thee; and hope all the world will ere long adore Thee.

Whence, O my God, could this strange im∣provement come; but that JESUS ascending left himself on our Altars?

Whence could this blessing spring, but from his holy life; and the infinit merits of his pain∣ful death?

Both which are here miraculously united; and the fruits of both abridg'd into this one Mystery.

This is the Mystery that gives life and spirit to the Church; and works all the wonders that adorn the world:

This builds our great and sumptuous Temples; to bestow on our God the best house we have:

This with our richest treasures beautifys our altars; to entertain our Lord in the best way we can:

This breeds the reverence we pay to Priests; and excellently disposes us to believe and obey them:

This keeps alive our dear Redeemers death; and applies to our souls all the vertue of his Passion:

This fills our hearts with heroick courage, * to do and suffer for the Name of JESUS.

This is, in fine, the food of faith, and hope, and love: and these 3 fit us for eternal happines.

O blest memorial of my Saviours love; and faithful Seal of all his promises!

If I forget to sing of thee, * let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth:

If I forget to meditate on Thee, * let my head forfeit its power to think:

All the short time I remain in thy presence, * I will wholly employ to adore thy Majesty:

Thee will I bless for all thy mercys; to Thee will I open all my necessitys;

Beging thy pardon for my past offences, * and thy gracious assistance for the time to come:

Imploring thy peace for the souls departed; and thy blessing for all the world.

O spotles Lamb, once slain for us on the Cross; and dayly sacrificed on the holy Altar!

Be thou our powerful Advocate with thy heav'nly Father; and solicite by thy Merits his mercy for us:

Offer thy sacred Self before his Throne, and turn away the wrath we deserve for our sins;

So slaves are rescu'd from their chains, * and prisoners from the doom of death:

While they appease their offended King, * with the pleasing remembrance of his beloved Son:

And so hope we, and infinitely more; from the infinitely greater Mediation of JESUS.

If Thou, O Lord, shalt thus restore our liber∣ty; and cloath thy servants in the robes of in∣nocence:

Then shall we all delight to be still in thy presence; and follow thee, where're thou goest:

In thy Processions, we'l wait on thy triumph; in thy visiting the sick, we'l attend thy charity:

When thou art lifted up, we'l bow before Thee; when solemnly expos'd, we'l publickly adore thee:

Where e're Thou art we'l never forsake Thee; where e're we are our harts shall be with Thee.

Glory be, &c.

Antiph. Blessed be thy Providence, O God, that so tenderly nurses up the world; still grow∣ing on to new degrees of perfection.

Antiph. This is the greatest charity that God himself can bestow: since God can bestow nothing greater then himself.

Psal. LXII.

ANd does our glorious God not only visit; but dwelt perpetually with us men upon earth?

He whom the heav'n of heav'ns cannot con∣tain; does he make his residence in our litle Ta∣bernacles?

Where are you holy Angels, that you fly not swiftly down; and in your whitest robes attend your Lord?

Where are you careles men, that you run not quickly hither; and with your lowliest homage bow to your King?

Who though he shines out clear to the Blessed alone; and the beams of his glory strike bright upon their faces:

Yet have his mercys to us far more of mira∣cle; far more of care and tender Providence:

VVhile he not only is pleas'd to be among us; but condescends to become even one with us:

VVhile he not only is our God to go before us; but our very food to enter into us.

O souls redeem'd by the Blood of JESUS; and nourisht with the flesh of his sacred Body!

Why melt you not away into tears of joy; for being so regarded by the King of heav'n?

Why not, at least, dissolve into tears of sor∣row; for so litle regarding him?

Who will not tremble with an amorous re∣verence * that stands in the sight of so great a Majesty!

Who can forbear to be transported with joy; that thinks, I'm going to receive my God!

Who can contain the overflowings of his hart; while his brest can say, here I have my God!

My great and glorious God, who, meerly out of love, * thus gives me Himself in pledg of my salvation:

O infinite sweetnes, how good is it for us to be here; and behold our Lord transfigur'd be∣fore us!

Here let us make a thousand Tabernacles; one, O my JESU, for Thee, and one for each of us:

That in our litle tents we may dwel about thee; and sing and bow and rejoyce before thee:

What should the captive wish but liberty? and the weary Pilgrim, but to be at rest?

What should the sick desire, but helth? and what can I, but to be with my God?

But stay, am I drest like a friend of the Bride∣groom, * that I safely may come to this Mar∣riage Supper?

Have I consider'd how chast those eys should be, * which go to behold the God of purity?

Have I consider'd how clean that mouth should be, * which presumes to eat the Bread of heav'n?

But most, how all-celestial that soul should be, * which aspires to an union with the Body of our Lord?

Look, look my hart, look well into thy self; and strictly search every Corner of thy brest.

Alas, how poor and dull and empty are we! how infinitely unworthy so divine a Sacrament!

Yet are we cal'd by Him that can command; by Him that sees and pitys our misery.

He bids us come, he surely will receive us; and with his bounteous fulnes supply our de∣fects.

Go then my soul, go to that sacred Table; and take thy part of that delicious Banquet:

Go all inflam'd with love, and joy, and hope; and quench thy holy thirst at that Spring of Blyss.

When thou hast tasted the sweetnes of thy God; and feel'st his heav'nly streams flow gent∣ly on thee:

Open thy happy brest, and suck those wa∣ters in; and let them freely run over all thy powers:

Let them soak deep to the root of thy hart; and turn thy barren heath into a fruitful land:

Fruitful in holy thoughts, and pious words; fruitful in good and just and charitable deeds.

Fruitful to thy self, in thine own improve∣ment; fruitful to others in thy good example.

No more ingratitude to so gracious a God; no more neglect of so glorious a Majesty:

Away false pleasures, sin and vanity; for the God of holines hath touch't my hart:

He has himself gone in, and taken full pos∣session; and seal'd it up for his own service.

Glory be, &c.

Antiph. This is the greatest charity that God himself can bestow; since God can bestow no∣thing greater then himself.

Capit. 1 Cor. 13.

IF I speak with the tongues of men and An∣gels, and have not charity; I am become as sounding brass, or a tinckling Cymbal: and if I should have Prophecy and understand all my∣steryes, and all knowledg, and if I should have all fayth, so that I should remove mountains, and have not charity; I am nothing. Charity is pati∣ent, is benigne; Charity envyes not, deals not perversly, is not puft up, is not ambitious, seeks not her own, is not provok't to anger, thinks not evil, rejoyces not upon iniquity, but rejoyces with the truth; suffers all things, beleevs all

things hopes all things, bears all things. Charity never fayls: but whether Prophesyes, they shal be made void; or tongues, they shall cease; or knowledg, it shal be destroy'd: for we know in part, and Prophecy in part; but when that which is perfect shal come, that which is in part shal be made void. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Now we see dark∣ly through a glass, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shal know, even as I am known: and now there remain faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is Charity.

Hymn XIX.

DO I resolve an easy life, Stor'd with plenty, free from strife? When, dear Lord, thy days and nights Pass'd in poverty and fights.

Do I design a gentle death, Singing out my aged breath? When, my Saviour! tortures tore Thy dear soul out, drown'd in gore?

O dread dayly Sacrifice! Acting in a sweet disguise JESUS Passions o're again; Such undue conceits restrain.

Keep stil lively in my mind; How I ought to be resign'd: How this Pattern ought destroy All my sensual greif or joy.

Are suffrings Ills? no; goodness chose His and our way to blyss through those: Are pleasures Goods? no; wisdom scorn'd Their daliance, and us forewarn'd

This, this make my Ditty be, At least, whenever Thee I see; Thee it's ground so oft repeating, To prevent my souls forgetting.

JESU! thus arm'd no terrors shall Make my vertuous courage fall: No flatterys here my blest hope; drown; Since thy Cross led to thy Crown.

Live for ever glorious Lord, Live by heav'n and earth ador'd May both their praises give They who see, we who beleeve. Amen

Antiph. Thou art ascended our glorious Re∣deemer, to prepare a place for us; yet conti∣nuest stil here our gracious Emmanuel to pre∣pare us for it.

V. 'Tis thy delight, O Lord, to be with the children of men;

R. O make it ours to be with the God of heav'n.

O Lord hear our prayers,

And let our supplications come to Thee.

Let us Pray:

O God, who, seeing the dulnes of our spi∣rits need so often fresh impulses of sense, hast wonderfully contriv'd our alone saving Object, thy sacrific'd Son, continually to soli∣cite our harts by his own dear Presence, stil re∣ally among us! Reclaim, we humbly beseech Thee, all our wandring affections; with this miracle of goodnes, and compose them into such a diligent and devout attendance on our graciously veild JESUS, that we may dayly feed our adoration and love of Him, and dayly grow in our desires of seeing eternally his glo∣rious Face; who with Thee and the holy Ghost lives and reigns One God world without end:

Amen.

O Lord hear, as Pag. 45.

Thursday Complin.

OUr help, &c. as Pag. 46.

Antiph: What could'st thou say dear Lord, more sweet then this? Thy delight is to be with the Children of men.

Psal. LXIII.

VVHo will give me this happy favour; that I may find my God alone?

That I may find him in the silence of retire∣ment; where the noise of this world can no way interrupt us:

But that my God may speak to me, and I to him; as dearest friends converse together:

That I may unfold before him all my wants; and freely ask the charity of his counsel.

VVhat shall I do, O my gracious Lord, to be happy here? VVhat shall I do to be happy herafter?

Nature already has thus far taught me; that in all I undertake, I seek my own good:

Only I have cause to fear, I may mistake that good; and set up an Idol instead of thee:

Unless my God vouchsafe to instruct me; and shew my soul its true felicity:

Hark, how the eternal wisdom gives thee ad∣vice; and let every word sink deep into thy soul:

Seek with thy first endeavours the Kingdom of heav'n; and all things else shall be added to thy wish:

Love with thy whole affections the injoyment of thy God; and all things else shall conspire to thy happines.

All these, my lips confess, are excellent truths;

but when O my God, shall my life confess them?

When shall I perfectly overcome my passions; and guide them so, that they may draw me to thy light?

While they are mine, alas, I cannot govern them; behold dear Lord, I offer them all to Thee:

Check thou their lawles motions by thy grace; lest they violently carry me away from my duty:

Wean thou my hart from the follys of this world; and quicken its appetite to thy solid joys:

That I may hunger and thirst perpetually af∣ter Thee; and those glorious promises thou hast made to thy servants:

That my whole soul may seek Thee alone; since Thou alone art all my heav'n.

Glory be, &c.

Psal. LXIV.

WHen O my soul, shall thy God find thee alone; free from those busy thoughts that fill thy head?

O with what ready charity would he then in∣struct thee; and let thee in to his blessed Se∣crets:

Himself would become thy familiar Guest; and dwell with thee in perpetual joy.

Lord, Thou must enter first, and chace those

fancys away; and consecrate my soul a temple to thy self:

Take thou entire possession, and hold it fast for ever; and suffer not the enemys of my peace to return:

Sit thou as Soveraign King, and absolutely command; for thy government is mild, and rewards are infinite.

What hast thou promis'd, gracious Lord, * to him that receives thee with an humble love!

All that's contain'd in those sweet and my∣stick words, * he dwels in me, and I in him.

O blessed words, if once my soul can say, He dwels in me, and I in him!

He is my refuge in all temptations; He is my comfort in all distresses:

He is my security against all enemys; He dwels in me, and I in him.

What can an infinite bounty give greater then it self? and what can an empty creature receive greater then his God?

O glorious God, my life; my joy; and the only center of all my hopes!

VVere my unsteddy soul once united to Thee; or once had relisht the sweetnes of thy presence:

How would all other company seem dull and tedious: and the whole world be bitter to my tast!

How would my thoughts cleave fast to thee; and gladly seal this everlasting Covenant!

If Thou, O Lord, wilt dwel with me, my hart shall continually attend on Thee:

Night and day will I sing thy praises; and all my life long adore thy mercys.

Glory be, &c.

Psal. LXV.

THou art my only hope, O blessed JESU! and thy favour alone is all things to me:

In thee I find the providence of a father, * and the tender kindnes of an indulgent mother:

In thee I enjoy the protection of a King * and the rare fidelity of a constant friend.

In thee I possess what ever I want; and thy fulnes exceeds even my utmost desires:

Thou art, O JESU, my God and all things; what can I think or wish for more?

Already enough is said for them that love; and know the value of those precious words:

O sweet and charming words, my God and all things! sweet in excess to those that tast them:

Not to the corrupted palates of the world; who relish nothing but the food of sense.

VVordes that revive the fainting mind; and fill its darkest thoughts with light and joy:

O may these blessed words dwell on my tongue; and live for ever in my faithful me∣mory!

VVhere e're I am in this inconstant world; and what ever busines entertains my hand:

Still let my inward ey look up towards Thee; and fix my sight on thy glorious face:

Still may I wish and long for that happy day, * which opens to my soul so blest a view:

Where I shall see, and no longer darkly be∣lieve, * that thou, O Lord, art my God and all things.

Glory be, &c.

Antiph. What couldst thou say, dear Lord, more sweet then this! Thy delight is to be with the children of men.

Hymn XX.

COme my thoughts, who fondly fly At every toy that passes by; Spending so your strength in vain, While what you court, you ne're can gain.

Come, my soul, who sure must be Quite tir'd with all this life can see; Losing oft thy hope and time: Come take advice of this plain rime.

Seek no more abroad thy rest; But seek at home, in thine own brest: Let thy mind from guilt be clear; Then look for all thy comfort there.

With thy Self, and with thy God, Delight to make thy chief abode:

There repose secure and free; And no mischance can trouble thee.

Should death's self thy walls assail, Still thou art safe and canst not fail: Still thy soul's thine own, and she To a new house remov'd shall be.

New and lasting there above, All built and furnish't with pure love: There shall this mud wall of thine, Repair'd, the brightest stars outshine.

There thy Lord, who feeds thee now VVith his own flesh, will more bestow; He came down, to be like thee; Thou shalt go up, and like Him be.

King of glory! King of peace! May these our praises never cease: Still may we adore thy Throne, Still bow and sing to Thee alone.

Capit. 1. Pet. 5.

HUmble your selvs under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the day of visitation: casting upon Him all your solici∣tude, for He has care of you. Be sober and watch, for your adversary the devil, as a roar∣ing lyon compasses about, seeking whom he

may devour: whom resist, strong in faith.

Antiph. Be vacant, and see how sweet our Lord is; get above the eclipse of earth, and be ravisht with the light of his countenance.

V. I said to all creatures, Peace, be gone.

R. Let me injoy my God in solitude and silence.

O Lord hear our prayers.

And let our supplications come to Thee.

Let us pray.

O God, whose delights are to be with the children of men, when thy grace can prevail with us to quit all other Converse, and retire to Thee alone! Grant, we humbly be∣seech Thee, that thy Providence's withdrawing every night all the world from our senses, may efficaciously prompt us to clear our heads and harts of all its distractions; and thy holy Spi∣rit, finding our minds happily vacant, may fill them with acts of love and reverence and ado∣ration of Thee, as our only God and all things; through our Lord—

Vouchsafe, &c. as page 54.