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 the Preaching of S. John Baptist, Part 2.

COnsider 1. The Subject of his Preaching was nothing but Penance, saying, Do Penance, &c. to which he exhorts his Auditors, by proposing to them first hopes of the Kingdom of Heaven, then the fear of Gods most severe judgment, represent∣ing him with his Fan in his hand, to cleanse the Wheat from the Chaff. Think how much you stand in need of this Penance; see whether you be Wheat, or Chaff; if the first, see you do not de∣generate; if the second, endeavour to convert your self, by the Divine Assistance, into pure Wheat, that you may not deserve to be cast into unquencha∣ble fire.

Consider 2. Those words; Every tree that doth not yield good fruit, shall be cut down, and cast in∣to the fire. It is not enough to produce any kind of fruit, but it must be pure good. Examine your works, what they are, whether good, solid, and perfect, or not rather counterfeited, and fair only to the outward appearance, or at least imperfect, and not of full growth and maturity, least that may be said of you; I looked it should yield grapes, and it hath yielded wild grapes: And that other, Cut it down, whereto doth it also occupy the ground?

Consider 3. John beginneth not, but at a mature Age, and after a long preparation by Prayer and Mortification: But then by the impulse of the Di∣vine

Spirit, by whose Inspiration also he had be∣fore retired himself, entereth with an invincible courage upon his charge: For the Holy Ghost is wont to set them, whom he hath once perfected, upon the perfecting of others. Your Desart is a private retired life, wherein you must prepare your self by Prayer, Mortification, and holy Solitude, attending to God alone, that you may prove the sitter Instrument, either of the Gospel (if such be your calling) or of your own and your Neighbour•• perfection.

Notes

• Mat. 3.2.
• Is. 5.4.
• Luc. 13.7.