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 curing the Centurions Servant.* 1.1 Part 2.

* 1.2COnsider 1. The rest of the Centurions dis∣course; For I also am a man subject to Au∣thority, having under me Souldiers; and I say to this go, and he goeth; and to an other come, and be cometh; and to my servant, do this, and he doth it: As if he should say, if I who am but an Under-Officer, and under the command of my Captains, yet can say to my servant, do this, and he doth it; how much more will all creatures obey your Word? An ho∣nourable confession of Christs Power. Rejoyce that he is truly such, and withall be confounded that servants perform stricter obedience to their Masters in things of this world, then you perhaps do to God, or your Superiours that are in his place.

* 1.3Consider 2. Christ having heard these words, extolled the Faith of the Centurion, being but a Gentile, above the Israelites: Amen I say to you; I

have not found so great Faith in Israel. Whereupon he adjoyneth; And I say to you, that many shall come from the East, and the West, &c. but the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out, &c. The children of the Kingdom of Heaven formerly were the Jews, but now they are become Out-casts, because they obey'd not Gods call, and we are made the children of that Kingdom, and after a special manner, an Elect Generation, and a Kingly Priesthood.* 1.4 Let us therefore behave our selves worthy of such an ho∣nour: Hold that which thou hast (saith our Lord) that no man take thy Crown.* 1.5

Consider 3. How his Request was granted; Go, and as thou hast believed, be it done to thee;* 1.6 for our Lord will do the will of them that fear him, and will hear their prayer.* 1.7 Perhaps you entertain in your Soul a Will, or Affection, that lieth sick of the Palsey, that is, seized upon with the Spirit of Sloth, and Sluggishness. Imitate therefore the fer∣vour and humility of this Centurion, and by means of your good Friends, that is, the Saints your holy Patrons, beg remedy of our Lord, but especially when you go to Communion, use those words of the Centurion, and with like Faith, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof.* 1.8

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mat. 8. Luc. 7.
• * 1.2

  Luc. 7.8.
• * 1.3

  Mat. 8.10.
• * 1.4

  1 Pet. 2.9.
• * 1.5

  Apoc. 3.11
• * 1.6

  Mat. sup. 13
• * 1.7

  Ps. 144.20
• * 1.8

  Luc. 7.6.