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 crooked Woman cured.* 1.1

* 1.2COnsider 1. Christ being again in the Syna∣gogue, according to his custome, Behold a Wo∣man that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and she was crooked, neither could she look upward at all. This infirmity was caused by the Devil, as Christ himself witnesseth; and this either in pu∣nishment of sin, as it was in Giezi's Lepre, or by Gods permission, for exercise of her virtue, as it happened to Blessed Job. Mystically, the Devil causeth the like crookedness in all those souls which he makes to stoop down to worldly things, and keeps them so fixedly bent upon them, that they cannot look up, nor raise their thoughts to Heaven. Of such it is said, They declined their eyes, that they would not see Heaven, nor remember just judgments. See whether you be not likewise crookedly bent, in your works and intentions.

Consider 2. The Mercy of Christ, of his own accord calling the Woman to him, and curing her:

Woman, thou art delivered from thy infirmity: And the effect presently seconded his Omnipotent word; for having imposed his hands upon her, she was forthwith made straight, and glorified God. Observe and imitate this Womans gratitude, who as soon as she saw her self cured, glorified God. See how much more reason you have to be ever grateful, and to glorifie God, who healeth all thine infirmities;* 1.3 say with David, My strength, and my praise, is our Lord, and he is made unto me a Salvation: This is my God,* 1.4 and I will glorifie him.

* 1.5Consider 3. The perverse Zeal of the Arch-Sy∣nagogue, who had indignation that Jesus had cured on the Sabboth; as if it were not lawful to do a good work, although not servile, on the Sabboth day; Thus many pretend Zeal for their passions: Procure to do all your actions with a sincere and upright intention, as in the sight of God, and you will not fear what judgments men pass upon them: Fear ye not the reproach of men, and be not afraid of their blasph••mies, for as a garment, so shall the worm eat them; and as wooll, so shall the Moth devoure them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Luc. 13.11 &c.
• * 1.2

  Dan. 13.9.
• * 1.3

  Ps. 102.3.
• * 1.4

  Exod. 15.2
• * 1.5

  Is. 51.7, 8.