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.

* 1.1Of Christs going up to the Temple, &c. Part. 1.

COnsider 1. It was a law among the Jews that all of the Male kinde should thrice in the yeare appear before our Lord at Jerusalem. Hence S. Joseph and the blessed Virgin also went; He in obedience to the Law, she out of devotion to the house of God. Christ went up also with them, both to glorifie his Eternal father, and to give solemn thanks for all benefits received, as well general as particular, for which end or cause that Law was instituted. Learn willingly to visit the house of God, as often as you may, and to observe exactly the Laws or rules of the place where you live.

Consider 2. His Parents went every yeare unto Hierusalem, &c. according to the custom of the festival day; to teach you Constancy and Perseverance in good works. Besides, allthough they had a good custome of going, yet they did it not meerly for custome sake, but with devotion and spirit; which we ought greatly to observe in all matters of Religion, and chiefly in frequenting the Holy Sacraments.

Consider. 3. When they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. Our blessed Lord would leave his parents for a time; to give us example of re∣nouncing flesh and bloud, where the service and honour of God is concerned. Whence, afterwards

he pronounced,* 1.2 He that loveth Father or Mother more then me, is not worthy of me. All carnall friends are to be left for God, neither are they to be con∣sulted withall in this point, much less to be heard or followed, if they prove contrary. Whence is that renowned saying of S. Jerome.* 1.3 Trample over your father, trample over your mother, and with dry checkes fly away to the standard of the Crosse.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Luc. 2.41.
• * 1.2

  Mat. 10.37
• * 1.3

  Hieron, apud. Bern. Ep. 351.