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 sending the Apostles to Preach.* 1.1 Part 2.

* 1.2COnsider 1. Those words: Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves: An unheard-of kind of warfare; he sendeth sheep to combat with wolves: So true it is,* 1.3 The weak things of the world hath God chosen, that be may confound the strong. Moreover, he admonisheth his Preachers to be like sheep, that is, meek, not returning evil for evil, but

imploying themselves wholly to the benefit of their▪ Neighbour, like unto sheep, which give their milk, and wooll, and flesh, and all they have, for mans use.

Consider 2. Those other words; Be ye wise as Serpents,* 1.4 and simple as Doves: He would have the Serpents Wisdome joyned with the Doves Simplici∣ty: He requireth Prudence in taking fit occasions of time, and place, &c. to help our Neighbour: Sim∣plicity in doing all things sincerely, without double dealing, or malice, and proceeding without bitter∣ness and gall (which Doves are said not to have) Thine eyes are as Doves (saith the Spouse in the Can∣ticles) that is,* 1.5 pure: Such therefore ought to be the eye of your intention.

* 1.6Consider 3. The Subject they are enjoyned to preach on: Going preach, saying, that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, &c. And going forth, they preach∣ed that they should do Penance. They preached not of vain and curious matters, but of such only as were profitable for the good of Souls; such ought to be the endeavours, and manner of preaching of those that have care of Souls, speaking inwardly, to their Hearers spiritual profit, and not to the out∣ward shew:* 1.7 Let your applause (saith S. Hierom) be your Auditors tears.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mat. 10. Luc. 10.
• * 1.2

  Mat. 10.16
• * 1.3

  1 Cor. 1.27
• * 1.4

  Mat. sup.
• * 1.5

  Cant. 1.15
• * 1.6

  Mat. 10.7. Marc. 6.12
• * 1.7

  Hieron. ad Nepot.