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 first word on the Cross. Father forgive them, &c.* 1.1

* 1.2COnsider 1. Christs was given to the world by his Eternal Father, as a Doctor or Master, to teach us the way of Salvation. This is my beloved Son, bear him. Hear him then from the Cross, as his Pulpit, or chaire, reading seven admirable lessons unto you: and seek to prove a diligent disciple in his schoole, that you may say with the Apostle.* 1.3 I judged not my self to know any thing among you but Jesus Christ, and him crucifyed.

* 1.4Consider 2. Christs first Lesson is of loving our Enemies, and praying for them. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they doe. He doth not call fire down from Heaven upon his perse∣cutors, as did Elias, nor curseth them, as Elizeus; but asketh pardon for his enemies, and (as Isaie saith) prayeth for the transgressors, fullfilling by deeds what before he commended in words Pray

for them that persecute,* 1.5 and abuse you. See whether you doe so, I say not only for your enemies that persecute you, but for your familiars and neighbours, who may perhaps offend you with some light word, or injury.

Consider 3. More particularly each circum∣stance. Who is it that prayeth? The Son of God. Whom doth he pray? His Eternal Father. Where? On the tree of the Cross. At what time? When he was quite spent, and exhausted with suffering, and now ready to dye. In what manner? Not sitting, or lying at his ease, but strait erected upon his feet, and stretching forth his hands. In what termes? Not many, but full of affection, and mingled with sighs, teares, and blood. For whom? for sinners, for his enemies, persecuters, and tormen∣ters. What doth he ask? Mercy. Before whom? To the hearing of all, even his Adversaries, that you might learn Mildnes, and Charity towards all, and in all occasions.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Luc. 23.34.
• * 1.2

  Luc. 9.3••.
• * 1.3

  1 Cor. 2.2.
• * 1.4

  Is. 53.12.
• * 1.5

  Mat. 5.44.