A journal of meditations for every day in the year gathered out of divers authors / written first in Latine by N.B. ; and newly translated into English by E.M. in ... 1669.

Of Christs Obedience to his Parents. Part. 2.

* 1.1COnsider 1. That you may be the more excited to imitate this admirable example of Obedi∣ence in Christ, towards Superiours, Governours, and Directours under whom God hath already, or shall hereafter place you; Consider the many ad∣vantages that accompany Obedience. And first, nothing more acceptable can be offered to God. God, indeed, is pacifyed with Victimes, and Sa∣crifice, as the chiefest act of Religion, and worship, that man can exercise; and yet he assureth us, that Obedience is more gratefull unto him. Better is Obedience then Victimes (saith he by his Prophet) and to herken, rather then to offer the f••t of ramms. And with good reason (saith S. Gregory) for that

in Sacrifice the flesh of an other, but by Odedience ou•• own will is killed, and the whole man offered in Sacrifice.

* 1.2Consider 2. There is no safer way to Heaven: for, as the holy Saints teach us, there is nothing more dangerous in a spiritual life, then to be ones own guide, and to follow his own judgement, whence S. Bernard saith excellently well. He that is his own Master, hath a fool for his Scholar; for (as Solomon saith) The way of a foole is right in his eyes, but he that is wise, heareth counsels.

* 1.3Consider 3. In this one Vertue are included all others; whence by the Holy Fathers it is called the Mother and Guardian of other Vertues: for he that is Obedient, is also humble, patient, meek, charitable, continent, and Master of himselfe, for, (as the Wise man saith) An obedient man shall speak Victory.* 1.4 Procure therefore to be well affected to this Vertue, and to exercise it when occasion is, in imitation of Christ.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1 Reg. 15.22.
• * 1.2

  Pro. 12.15
• * 1.3

  August.
• * 1.4

  Pro. 21.28