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 Holy Bishops Confessors.

COnsider 1. Almighty God, out of his Pater∣nal Providence, hath raised some among men, who should be 1. As Fathers to others, in be∣getting them spiritually to Christ. 2. As Pastors, by governing, and feeding them with the Pasture of Divine Doctrine. 3. As Leaders and Guides to∣wards their Heavenly Country. 4. As Mediators be∣tween God and Men, to appease his wrath against them. 5. As Legats to represent their necessities to God, and to declare his will to them. 6. As High-Priests, in the name of the whole Church, to do Divine Worship and Honour to God, to offer Sa∣crifice, to present our Prayers, Oblations, and Thanksgivings; and by means of these Duties, to obtain for us the return of heavenly blessings. These were the proper Offices and Functions of the Holy Bishops.

Consider 2. In regard the Calling of Bishops is the same with that of the Apostles, whose Succes∣sors they are, God endowed them with special Gifts of Grace and Virtue, answerable to the Dig∣nity and End of their Calling. Ponder therefore 1. Their Apostolical Spirit, and Zeal, in all things belonging to the service of God, and good of Souls. 2. Wisdom in governing their Flock. 3. Ful∣ness of Faith, and Devotion in themselves, and in∣defatigable endeavour of propagating the same in

others. 4. Profound Knowledge in Scriptures, 5. Interiour Light, Purity, and Perfection, joyned with Eminency of Doctrine, to purge, illuminate, and perfect Souls committed to their charge.

* 1.1Consider 3. How well they corresponded with the Grace of their Vocation, both as to them∣selves, and their Flock: For 1. They were Holy, and Irreprehensible, in their Life and Conversation, as persons of an other world, and consecrated to God. 2. Notwithstanding their Eminent Dignity, and the honours done them by men, they were humble of heart, Despisers of themselves, and am∣bitious of nothing but to serve, and do good to all. 3. They were poor of spirit, though in pos∣session of great Revenues, which they imployed no: in superfluities upon themselves, or their Relations, but in relief of the Poor, necessities of Virgins, Pupils, and Orphans, and in other Works, and Mo∣numents of Piety. As to their Hock, they were always intent, discharging to the full the above∣mentioned Offices of Fathers, Pastors, Guides, Me∣diators, Legats, and High-Priests, by Sacrifices and Sacraments, by Incessant Prayer, by Counsel, Exhor∣tation, Preaching, &c. Remember therefore with gratitude your Prelates (saith the Apostle) which have spoken the word of God to you, the end of whose Conversation beholding, imitate their Faith, and other Virtues.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Heb. 13.7.