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 some Historical Narrations, and Parables of Christ.

Of the Rich Glutton,* 1.1 and of Lazarus. Part 1.

* 1.2COnsider 1. There was a certain rich man, and and he was cloathed with Purple, and Silk, and he fared every day magnifically. Observe the Vices which commonly follow Riches, Pride in Apparel, Riot in Feasting, Contempt of the Poor, and the like, that you may keep your self from the desire of them: For they that will be made rich, fall into tentation, and the snare of the De∣vil.

* 1.3Consider 2. The rich man died, and was buried in Hell: How sad an Obit to so pleasant a life? but such, for the most part, is the end of riches, and pleasures: They lead their lives in wealth, and in a moment they go down to Hell. Ponder here his tor∣ments; for Purple, and Silk, he is invested with Flames; for Delicious Fare, he is tormented with Intollerable Thirst; for his Contempt of the Poor, he is now contemned by him; and he that denied the Crums of his Table, cannot obtain one drop of water. Thus the punishments are proportioned to the offences:* 1.4 The Mighty (saith the wise man) shall mightily suffer torments.

* 1.5Consider 3. The just Judgment of God: The rich man is not heard in his Torments, who neg∣lected to do Mercy in his Jollities: Therefore when he begged, it was answered him, Remember that thou didst receive good things in thy life time: As if it were not lawful to receive good things here, and there too; and so it is; For all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. Seek not therefore to enjoy prosperity in this life, least you come to miss of it in the next:* 1.6 For by many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of God.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Luc. 16.19 &c.
• * 1.2

  2 Tim. 6.9
• * 1.3

  Job 21.13
• * 1.4

  Sap. 6.7.
• * 1.5

  2 Tim. 3.12.
• * 1.6

  Act. 14.21