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Syn is an inordinate, and deliberate worke, word, or desire, against the eternall law of God. S. August. lib. 22. contra Faustum. cap. 27.
1. O Mary Mother of Mer∣cy; and example of inocency, who didest see thy on∣ly Sonne dye most lamenta∣bly vpon the crosse, to deliuer vs
from the bondage of syn; obtayn for me, blessed Virgin, light to know, and hatred to abhor so great a mischiefe, as thou thy self didest knowe it, and abhor it. Amen. Pater noster.
1. That I may vnderstand the blessings and gifts of God, wherof it depriueth me. Aue Maria.
2. To foresee the Euills into which it bringeth me. Aue Maria.
3. And feare the Punishments, which so great an euill deser∣ueth. Aue Maria.
1. Yt damned the Angells and cast them downe from Hea∣uen. Aue Maria.
2. Yt caused eternall fyer for their torment. Aue Maria.
3. Yt banished our first parēts out of Paradise. Aue Maria.
4. Yt depriued them of inno∣cēcy & originall iustice. Aue Ma.
5. Yt disordered, & confoun∣ded humane nature. Aue Maria.
6. Yt subiected the same to er∣rors, dolours, & death. Aue Maria.
7. Yt put the earth vnder per∣petuall malediction. Aue Maria.
8. Yt filled the world with all kind of miseries. Aue Maria.
9. Yt drowned the same with the waters of the deluge. Aue Ma.
10. And at the last shall con∣sume it with fire from heauen. Aue Maria.
1. Yt taketh from vs the grace of Baptisme. Aue Maria.
2. The Inheritance of heauen, and euerlasting blisse. Aue Maria.
3. The peace and comfort of a good conscience. Aue Maria.
4. The priuiledges of the iust. Aue Maria.
5. The spirituall Ioyes of the deuout. Aue Maria.
6. The rewardes of good workes. Aue Maria.
7. The harmony, and concord of vertues. Aue Maria.
8. The gifts of the holy Ghost. Aue Maria.
9. The inward beauty & dig∣nity of the soule. Aue Maria.
10. The meanes and helpes for saluation: yea and God him selfe. Aue Maria.
1. Yt causeth the hatred of God Almighty. Aue Maria.
2. A desire in man that he were not, nor could punish him. Aue Maria.
3. The neglect of his holy wil
and Cōmaundments. Aue Maria.
4. The abhorring of his wol∣some counsailes. Aue Maria.
5. Ingratitude for his mercyes and benefits. Aue Maria.
6. Rebellion against his Di∣uine power. Aue Maria.
7. Treason against his gouern∣ment. Aue Maria.
8. Contempt and Mockery of his seruice. Aue Maria.
9. Infinite opposition to his infinite goodnes. Aue Maria.
10. And finally blindnes of hart, and bondage to Sathan & hell. Aue Maria.
1. Yt bringeth sorrow and re∣morse of conscience. Aue Maria.
2. Feare and horror of death. Aue Maria.
3. Infection from bad to worse.
Aue Maria.
4. A sore without salue. Aue Maria.
5. Misery without mercy, or refuge. Aue Maria.
6. Subiection to all curses and misfortunes. Aue Maria.
7. Yt renounceth God by works. Aue Maria.
8. Yt presumeth (against rea∣son) of his mercy. Aue Maria.
9. Yt aduentureth foolishly a∣gainst his iustice. Aue Maria.
10. Yt exchangeth the grea∣test good, for the greatest euill. Aue Maria.
1. Yt looseth the Suffrages of holy Church. Aue Maria.
2. The participation of the meryts of Christ. Aue Maria.
3. Yt treadeth vnder foote his
precious bloud. Aue Maria.
4. Yt reneweth his sacred wounds and passion. Aue Maria.
5. Yt crucifieth him againe. Aue Maria.
6. Yt preferreth the sayings of the world, before the Iudgments of heauen. Aue Maria.
7. Yt leaueth Truth for Fal∣shood. Aue Maria.
8. Yt changeth wisdome for Folly. Aue Maria.
9. It selleth the eternall for the momentary. Aue Maria.
10. It looseth heauen and gay∣neth hell. Aue Maria.
1. He that perseuereth in one syn, deserueth that God should permit him to fall into others. Aue Maria.
2. He deserueth also losse of
honor and goods. Aue Maria.
3. Of health, & life. Aue Maria.
4. And of all other temporall prosperity. Aue Maria.
5. To haue his memory chan∣ged into forgetfulnesse. Aue Maria.
6. His desire, and affections depraued & peruerted. Aue Maria.
7. His vnderstanding darkned not able to discerne his good, nor to beware of his euill. Aue Maria.
8. That counsaile and succour fayle him in his greatest necessi∣tyes. Aue Maria.
9. That he be not heard, ney∣ther by himselfe, nor by his Ad∣uocates, in life, nor in death. Aue Maria.
10. That his person, and all his affayres be abhorred of God for euer. Aue Maria.
1. Obtaine, that I may vnder∣stand the blessings, and great gifts of God whereof it depriueth me. Aue Maria.
2. And foresee the miseries without number, into which it bringeth me. Aue Maria.
3. And feare the dreadfull pu∣nishments which so great an euill deserueth. Aue Maria.
O Eternall Maiesty author & fountayne of all purity, which so louest it in soules made to thy in owne Image, that to clense them from syn, thou hast washed them with thy precious bloud, neuer suffer me to loose the beauty of thy grace: And graunt to all synners that haue lost the
same, true sorrow & repentance. Amen. Credo in Deum.
O Diuine, and indiuiduall Trinity, who hast manife∣sted thy Iustice, and Mercy, and withall thy infinite Power, wisdome, and Goodnes, in the Redemption of mankynd, more then in all the other works which thou hast done: teach me the Soueraigne mysteryes & ex∣amples of the life and Passion of my Redeemer; that I may wor∣thily reuerence them, and pro∣cure
to imitate them for thy loue. Amen.
1. To the Omnipotency of the Father. Aue Maria.
2. To the infinite wisdome of the Sonne. Aue Maria.
3. And to the incomprehensible goodnes of the Holy Ghost. Aue Maria.
1. O Eternal Prouidēce who didst work this so great and incomprehensible a won∣der, by giuing to the Diuyne word a Mother of the Children of Adam; make me worthy to serue her with all humility, and purity of hart. Pater Noster.
1. In honor of her immaculate Conception. Aue Maria.
2. To her birth so much de∣sired of mankind. Aue Maria.
3. To her Presentation in the Temple. Aue Maria.
4. How she cooperating care∣fully with the diuyne inspirati∣ons, increaseth continually in vertue and grace. Aue Maria.
5. By consenting with faith & humility to the embassage from heauen, God is incarnate, and she becommeth mother remayning a Virgin. Aue Maria.
6. She goeth with diligence vp to the mountaynes, to con∣gratulate with S. Elizabeth her cosen. Aue Maria.
7. And with her presence and voyce S. Iohn exulteth, & his mo∣ther receyueth the spirit of pro∣phesy. Aue Maria.
8. The Virgin Queene in the house of Zachary imployeth her
selfe in workes of Charity and humility. Aue Maria.
9. S. Ioseph wondereth at that which he seeth: and remay∣neth perplexed, vntill the An∣gell reuealeth to him the Myste∣ry. Aue Maria
10. Such a new and incom∣parable worke required appro∣bation from heauen, and an An∣gel for witnes, although the con∣uenience be manifest, that God becomming man should be born of a Virgin mother. Aue Maria.
2. O Prince of all Eternity, thy Fathers best be∣loued, whom Legions of Angells do serue in heauen, seeing thou vouchsafest to come downe to earth; reason it is, that all thy
Creatures should go forth to meet thee and serue thee: admit me, o Lord for one of the meanest seruants of thy family. Pater Noster.
1. He that of nothing made, and vpholdeth all that is created, is borne poore and naked in a stable at Bethleem. Aue Maria.
2. His Angells sing to him, glory, and peace vpon earth, to men of good conscience. Aue Maria.
3. The eighth day he sheadeth his bloud; and taketh the shape of a synner. And his Father ho∣noreth him with the name of Ie∣sus, which signifieth a Sauiour. Aue Maria.
4. Heauen proclaymeth him King. Herod is troubled. And heathen Princes guided by a star, come from far contries to do him
homage. Aue Maria.
5. His Parents offer him in the Temple. And where Symeon and Anne foretel his conflicts and victoryes. Aue Maria.
6. With the cruell and lamen∣table death of the Innocents, his byrth is published to all nations. Aue Maria.
7. Aegypt receaueth & imbra∣ceth the King of heauen & earth, whome Iury persecuteth. Aue Maria.
8. The Angell signifieth the death of his Persecutors. And the Child returneth to Naza∣reth. Aue Maria.
9. He discouereth his Diuine wisdome to the Doctors in the Temple, and subiecteth himselfe with al obedience to his parents. Aue Maria.
10. He liueth retired eighteene
yeares in Nazareth; to teach vs to liue vnknown when it is conue∣nient; & to expect due season for all our workes. Aue Maria.
3. O Soueraigne Doctor, syth the tyme is come wherin thou art pleased to dis∣couer thy Eternall secretes vn∣to men: Make me a worthy dis∣ciple of thy heauenly doctryne. Pater Noster.
1. The tyme being come for him to performe his office, he leaueth the comfort of his Mother, his house, & quietnes, to serue the common good. Aue M.
2. He passeth alone to the riuer Iordan: where S. Iohn Baptist discouereth him. And they con∣tend
in acts of humility. Aue Ma.
3. The heauens open themsel∣ues, and the holy Ghost descen∣deth vpō him in a visible forme. And the Eternall Father ackno∣ledgeth him for this Sonne. And commaundeth vs to heare him. Aue Maria.
4. The great Maister of pen∣nance retyreth himselfe to the desert, to teach vs the same by his example, and to be beginne our works with prayer. And there he ouercommeth the infer∣nall Spirit. Aue Maria.
5. After he had vanquished the infernal enemy that tempted him, the Angells come to adore, and serue him. Aue Maria.
6. He entertayneth the dis∣ciples of Saynt Iohn. And with his curtesy & sweetnes obligeth them to his seruice. Aue Maria.
7. He sheweth compassion v∣pon synners. And fatherly care of his subiects. Aue Maria.
8. His patience in all corpo∣rall wants, and incommodi∣ties. Aue Maria.
9. His meeknes in the wrongs and calumniations of his ene∣myes. Aue Maria.
10. His miraculous works for the benefit of man, returning al∣waies good for euil. Aue Maria.
4. O Louing Maister, most faythful & only friend, seeing thou giuest me leaue to call thee by this Name: giue me also leaue and courage to ac∣company thee as a friend, with loyalty, and loue, in all the pa∣ssages
of thy Passion. Pater Noster.
1. Hauing fynished the Sacri∣fices and ceremonyes of the old Law, with the Paschall Lambe, he washeth the feete of his dis∣ciples, and of Iudas the Traytor. Aue Maria.
2. He leaueth vs for a memo∣ryall, and pledge of his infinite loue, the new and admirable Sa∣crament of his pretious body & bloud. Aue Maria.
3. He ouercometh all humane infirmities with the force of prayer. And perseuereth in the same sweating bloud. Aue Maria.
4. He sheweth his omnipo∣tency before he permitteth him∣selfe to be taken, that his eni∣mies might see it was his will to suffer. Aue Maria.
5. That night the Iewes trea∣ted him vnworthily and cruelly
in the place of Iudgment: and for reason of State, conspired his death, as they thought to saue their Commonwealth; which they came to loose for this very same syn. Aue Maria.
6. In the morning they accuse him before the heathen Presi∣dent, who admiring his magna∣nimity & patience, laboureth to set him free. Aue Maria.
7. He is despised of Herod, and by him attyred with contempt, bycause he answereth not to his curiosityes. Aue Maria.
8. They teare his sacred body with most cruell stripes. And de∣ryde the King of glory, with a Crowne of Thornes. Aue Maria.
9. His vnbeleeuing and vn∣gratefull people rebell against him, & demaund that he should be crucified. And a malefactour
set at liberty in his place. Aue Ma.
10. The ambitious Iudge o∣uercome with feare, and flat∣tery, condemneth him to be crucified, though he know him to be innocent. Aue Maria.
5. O Author of life, syth thou wilt dy••, and my synnes are cause of thy death; let me dye with thee, or graunt me a liuely feeling of thy tor∣ments. Pater Noster.
1. He imbraceth his desyred Crosse with ioy and cheerfulnes of hart: and carrieth it vpon his shoulderrs to the place of execu∣tion Aue Maria.
2. His body beeing weakned with the losse of much bloud, he fainteth vnder the grieuous bur∣den.
And the torturers ease him least he should dye vncrucified. Aue Maria.
3. He forbiddeth the deuout women to weepe for him, but for their owne synnes and their childrens. And foretelleth the ruyne of that miserable perfidi∣ous Citty. Aue Maria.
4. Vpon the Mount Caluary they stripping him of his clothes renew his wounds. And he offe∣reth his sacred hands and feete to to be nayled to the Crosse. Aue M.
5. They lift vp his virginall body naked and nayled. And he suffereth this temporall paine & confusion to deliuer vs from the eternall. Aue Maria.
6. From the Crosse he asketh pardon of his Father, for his ene∣myes. Aue Maria.
7. He recommendeth his be∣loued
disciple, & in him al vs to his mother. Aue Maria.
8. He promiseth pardon and glory to the penitēt Thiefe. And tasteth gall, and vinagre. Aue Ma.
9. The prophesies and figures of his passion being fulfilled; he giueth vp his most holy & pure Spirit into the hands of his Fa∣ther. Aue Maria.
10. Heauē & earth are astonished that God immortall should dye. But dying, he killeth sinne and death, looseth the chaines of Hel, reconcileth the world to his Fa∣ther, and restoreth man to eter∣nall life. Aue Maria.
6. O Glorious Conqueror who art risen from death enriched with spoyles, &
hast al power in heauen & earth: Let synne dye in me, without which there is no death. And giue me a new life, which may please thee & serue thee for euer. Pater Noster.
1. He sheweth himselfe aliue, and glorious vnto his Blessed Mother & disciples. And chan∣geth their sorrow into vnspea∣kable ioy. Aue Maria.
2. After forty dayes he ascen∣deth with triumph into heauen to take possession of his King∣dome, & placed our humane na∣ture on the right hand of God his Father. Aue Maria.
3. His disciples in company of his holy mother retyred in pray∣er, expect from heauen the Com∣forter promised. Aue Maria.
4. The time being fullfilled, the holy Ghost descendeth visi∣bly
vpon them in forme of fiery tongues. And they publish the di∣uyne Christian misteryes of faith in diuers languages. Aue Maria.
5. The playne, & vnpolished words of the Apostles receauing force from this Spirit, take po∣ssession in the harts of men. And thousands are conuerted togea∣ther. Aue Maria.
6. By the death and prayers of of S. Stephen, Paul of a persecutor becometh an Apostle. The fayth increaseth with the persecution, and with the same spread into o∣ther Countreys. Aue Maria.
7. The Apostles meete in Councell, ordeyne the gouern∣ment of the Church, and deuide among themselues the Prouinces of the whole world; which is conuerted, as we see, to Christ by twelue Fishermen: so great is
the force of this holy Spirit. Aue Maria.
8. S. Iohn remayneth in Hie∣rusalem with the Mother of God for her comfort. And their admi∣rable life and example authori∣zeth the fayth. Aue Maria.
9. The Apostles miraculou∣sly come togeather at the death of the B. Virgin. Aue Maria.
10. And her Soule departeth without payne, out of the prison of her body. Aue Maria.
7. O Lord, what happines had it byn to be with thy disciples at those Funeralls, & to haue celebrated thy won∣derfull greatnes and prayses, for the benefits receyued, by this ho∣ly
Virgin. Pater Noster.
1. Her soule the third day was reunited to her glorious body. And assumpted into heauen with such solemnity, as no mor∣tall man can comprehend. Aue M.
2. The most humble of all creatures, is exalted aboue them all. And crowned Queene of heauen and earth. Aue Maria.
3. Amongst other prerogatiues, which the Blessed Virgin enioy∣eth, and wherin especially she de∣lighteth, is to be the Aduocate of sinners with Christ our Sauiour. Aue Maria.
LET Heauen and earth ioyne together with ioy, and the Quiers of Angells with the voices of men, to singe eternall
prayses vnto God in Trinity and vnity, for the mercyes receaued in this admirable work of our re∣demptiō. Amen. Credo in Deum &c.
O My Lord Iesu Christ, splen∣dour of the Father, and E∣ternall wisdome; graunt me true knowledge, continuall memory and a cordiall desire of the most noble, and most precious end, wherunto thou hast created me; and a right choyce of the meanes which thou gast giuen me to ob∣taine it. Amen.
1. My principall end for which I was created, is to loue, obay and please Almighty God.
And the secondary or lesse prin∣cipall is to saue my soule. Aue M.
2. The meanes for this end are all other creatures, & the know∣ledge & good vse of them. Aue M.
3. This vse consisteth in ad∣ding or diminishing, taking or leauing them, by waight, num∣ber & measure as they may serue this end. The disposition nece∣ssary to vse them aright is to be indifferent to all. And in the exe∣cution, that we preferre allwaies the more conuenient for this end, before the lesse, and the better before the worse. Aue Ma.
1. Make me vnderstand (o Lord) that for thy only goodnes thou louedst me from all eterni∣ty. And hauing no need of me, thou hast created me to thy I∣mage
& likenes in the tyme most conuenient for my good. Aue Ma.
2. And how thou hast placed me as a King in his Kingdome, with iustice, peace, and inward ioy of my soule. Aue Maria.
3. That thou hast made me a companion of the Angells, and capable of all thy riches, and (a∣boue all) of thy grace and friend∣ship. Aue Maria.
4. That I knowing thy infi∣nite goodnes by experience, and thy selfe by familiar conuersa∣tion, might delight in thee, and loue thee aboue all things with pure and disinteressed loue. Aue Maria.
5. That I may serue thee for thy selfe, with all the powers of my body and soule, bycause thou deseruest to be serued and loued aboue all. Aue Maria.
6 That in all things, I may procure thy greater glory, and the perfect accomplishment of thy diuine will. Aue Maria.
7. That I may desire and pro∣cure by all the wayes I can, that thou be knowne, loued, and glo∣rified of all men. Aue Maria.
8. That I may reioyce for the good of others, and by charity haue part in their happines. Aue Maria.
9. And afterwards receaue re∣ward in thy Kingdome, for that which by thy grace I shall haue deserued. Aue Maria.
10. And finally, by the com∣munication of thy glory be∣come a perfect Image and por∣trayture of thy Diuine Nature for euer. Aue Maria.
1. O Lord, let me loue this so amiable and soueraigne good, which thou hast prouided for me aboue all gold, siluer, and precious stones. Aue Maria.
2. And aboue all other trea∣sures, and ryches of the earth. Aue Maria.
3. Aboue all liberty and ease. Aue Maria.
4. Aboue all other delights and pleasures. Aue Maria.
5. Aboue all power & know∣ledge. Aue Maria.
6. Aboue all honor & popular applause. Aue Maria.
7. And aboue al authority and dominion. Aue Maria.
8. Aboue all loue, kindred, and other persons, most loued and esteemed. Aue Maria.
9. Aboue all health, and tem∣porall life. Aue Maria.
10. And finally aboue all that is not God. Aue Maria.
O Lord let me vnderstand the breadth, length, height, and pro∣fundity of thy infinite charity wherewith thou hast geuen me,
1. Thy holy Spirit for my Comforter. Aue Maria.
2. Thy Angells for my Guar∣dians and protectors, Aue Maria.
3. Thy Law for my instru∣ction. Aue Maria.
4. Thy Sayntes for my ex∣ample. Aue Maria.
5. Thy Sacraments for the health of my soule. Aue Maria.
6. A Bath of thy most preti∣ous bloud wherin to wash me. Aue Maria.
7. Thy Blessed body in the Sa∣crament of the altar wherwith
to nourish me. Aue Maria.
8. Thy punishments for my warning, and thy comforts to giue me courage. Aue Maria.
9. All thy creatures for my seruice. Aue Maria.
10. And finally reason, fayth, thy diuine prouidence & father∣ly protection, for guides of my way in this pilgrimage wher∣in I liue, that through thy mercy I may obtayne this so high and soueraigne an end, for which thou hast made me. Aue Maria.
Teach me (o Lord) the good vse of these good meanes, which with so bountifull a hand thou hast giuen me: And of thy good creatures which thou hast made subiect to my liberty, that they may not hinder, but help me to
this end.
1. Giue me knowledge how to keep warily my exteriour senses. Aue Maria.
2. To vse my Memory with discretion. Aue Maria.
3. My Iudgment with truth & reason. Aue Maria.
4. My Intention with recti∣tude. Aue Maria.
5. My Will with purity. Aue M.
6. Thy Sacraments with de∣uotion. Aue Maria.
7. Prosperity with thankful∣nes. Aue Maria.
8. Aduersity with patience. Aue Maria.
9. Things indifferent with all indifferency of mind. Aue Maria.
10. And finally, to behold this world as a booke ful of certain & manifest testimonyes of thy Iud∣gments, and mercies, and of thy
infinite wisdome, omnipotency and admirable loue. Aue Maria.
1. Graunt vnto me shame and confusion for my faults and ne∣gligences past, as offences com∣mitted against thy diuine ma∣iesty. Aue Maria.
2. And a firme Purpose to a∣mend them, and to satisfy for them as I shalbe able. Aue Maria.
3. And Prouidence to auoid occasions, not to fall into the like hereafter. Aue Maria.
4. And Fortitude wherwith to ouercome all temptations and hinderaunces of thy seruice. Aue Maria.
5. Care, and account how I spend the tyme which passeth, and cannot be recalled. Aue Maria.
6. And sorrow for that which
I haue lost, forgetting thee and my selfe. Aue Maria.
7. Feare to loose thy grace a∣boue all losses. Aue Maria.
8. Compassion of those which haue lost it, without care to re∣couer it. Aue Maria.
9. And zeale of soules bought with thy pretious bloud. Aue M.
10. And finally a cordiall de∣syre, that all may be saued, sith thou so desirest it, and didst dye for all. And a principall care that none come into daunger, and much lesse perish through my fault. Aue Maria.
Graunt me (o Lord) light from heauen, and wisdome to procure in all my workes the best & most pleasing to thy Diuine Maiesty,
1. To chuse always that which
is certaine before the doubtfull. Aue Maria.
2. That which is truely good, before that which is fayned. Aue.
3. To preferre the Principall, before the Accessory, and lesse worthy. Aue Maria.
4. And that which lasteth for euer, before that which peri∣sheth. Aue Maria.
5. To esteeme the vniuersal good before my particuler. Aue Maria.
6. Health before delight. Aue.
7. That which is iust and ho∣nest, before that which is only profitable. Aue Maria.
8. Vertue before vice. Aue Ma.
9. The Soule before the body. A.
10. And finally Heauen (which must be our Eternall mansion) before the earth, which only ser∣ueth for a passage and tryall. Be∣cause these (as a better & greater
good) participate more of thy goodnes, and are more confor∣mable to thy good pleasure and holy will; which be euer fulfil∣led, obeyed, and reuerenced, in Heauen, and in Earth. Amen. Aue Maria.
1. Graunt me (o Lord) true knowledge, & continuall memory of my principall end, which is to loue, obey, & please thee. Aue M.
2. Also true knowledge & conti∣nual memory of the secondary & lesse principall; which is to saue my Soule. Aue Maria.
3. And a right vse, & choyce of the meanes which thou hast gi∣uen me, wherby to obtayne E∣ternall happines. Aue Maria.
Credo in Deum.
1. ALL Acts of Vertue, with custome are made delightefull: and such as make triall, come to knowe that it is much more easy to serue God then the Diuell; and more plea∣sing & confortable to serue God with feruour, then with negli∣gence: and without all compari∣son to be a Saint, then a synner.
2. For in seruing of God, the
pleasures are not only pure without distast, but much grea∣ter and more durable then those which the world can affoard to her Louers. Besides the spirituall powers are more actiue and po∣tent, as the obiects are more noble, and fit to cause greater comforts; and therfore conse∣quently from both these grounds the acts are much more perfect; & so full of delight that they are able to sweeten the greatest byt∣ternes. As we see by S. Paul in his greatest tribulations, by the Martyrs in their torments, & by other Saints and seruants of God in all the aduersities of this life.
3. Creatures vsed with the moderation which God com∣maundeth, and with that res∣pect which is due vnto him, are profitable vnto vs, and do bring
with them lawfull contentment & pleasure. Otherwise they are chaunged into torment & gall. This good, profitable, and com∣fortable vse of Gods Creatures wilbe much holpen and steng∣thened by the practise of the Co∣ronaries which discouer their v∣tilities and domages: obseruing well by way of prayer, the truths which are adioyned vnto them, and waighing the force of euery one of them in particuler, and the consequence and connexion which they haue one with ano∣ther, to informe therby and a∣ctuate the vnderstanding, and dispose the will to that which is conuenient. For in prayer, when the soule is more retired from corporall obiects, and nea∣rer to God; many thinges are cleerly seene, which otherwise,
for want of light, may easily be mistaken: and we are better dis∣posed, to heare what his diuine maiesty speaketh inwardly to vs as the Prophet sayd, Audiam quid loquatur in me Dominus, qui loquitur pacem in plebem suam.
4. All Creatures, represented to the sight, as they haue their as∣pect; so haue they their tongues and language. And all the truths which we heare, or read in bookes, and the good or euill successes which happen to our selues or to others, are so many words which God Almighty speaketh vnto vs by his Crea∣tures. And may all be occasion and matter of prayer.
5. For Prayer is nothing else but a sweet conuersation with God, author of all good gifts: like vnto that which we haue
with any other person beloued, and of respect; to giue him ac∣coumpt of all that concerneth vs, and to aske his counsayle in our doubts, and help in our ne∣cessities; or to giue him thanks for the benefits which he besto∣weth vpon vs.
6. And notwithstanding God Almighty knoweth all that we can tell him, and is much more ready to do vs good then we are to aske it; yet it is his ordinary Law, and a thing due to the greatnes of his gifts, that we must aske them to obtayn them, and being obtayned it is duty and iustice to giue him thanks. Moreouer (as a louing Father) he delighteth that we haue often recourse vnto him, and giue him particuler account of what we do and pretend. And that we
desire and reioice to liue always in his presence.
7. So that (without any o∣ther) he which knoweth to chang the person, and conuerse with God after the same manner we conuerse with men (obser∣uing allwaies the reuerence due to so great a Maiesty) shalbe com∣forted with contynuall and pro∣fitable prayer, and feele speedily the fruit therof in his soule.
8. And because this may be done foure seuerall wayes; there be also so many wayes of prayer to wit Naturall, Doctrinall, Superna∣turall, & Mixt.
9. Naturall Prayer, is so called for the naturall manner wher∣with it is effected: hearing and pondering with attention that which God speaketh vnto vs in his creatures, or in any good
booke which we read, or other∣wise as hath byn said. And ha∣uing pawsed a litle and conside∣red therof, let that which oc∣curreth be giuen for answere playnly and deuoutly vnto God, as if he were visibly present, or any other person speaking with vs, to whome we should giue answere.
10. Doctrinall Prayer, imployeth al the powers of the soule & body and their acts: Memory obseruing; the Vnderstanding pondering; the VVill feeling spiritually: the Senses working; & the toung speaking to God of that matter which is proposed.
11. And conformable to these acts, may be made so many de∣maunds vpon euery one of the poynts of these Coronaries: or vpon any other matter of me∣ditation
or prayer.
12. As for example, I will meditate vpon the first words of the third Coronary, That God thought of me, and loued me from all e∣ternity. Hauing recollected my selfe in his presence, and formed an imaginary place to help me a∣gainst distraction, with other or∣dinary preparations, I demaund first of my selfe: VVhat is to be ob∣serued in the words aboue said; & I answere: An infinite happynes: as if I had found a great treasure, not knowing how much it is. And to ground my selfe in this truth, with a desyre to vnderstand it better, goe forward to examine it in the point following.
13. Secondly I demaund, what is to be weighed & considered in the same? And I fynd, An infinite worthynes, and obligation to
esteeme my soule as God estee∣med it; and to correspond to his loue with perpetuall thankeful∣nes, and to keepe it with extra∣ordinary care, seeing he loued it from all eternity. And for my better instruction I will take for counterpoize in this considera∣tion, the like particular loue of a Prince (if it were possible) to his seruaunt; and how much the gratefull and discreet seruant would esteeme therof, and how thankefull he would be for it to his Lord. And comparing it with this wherof we treate, I shall find an infinite difference. And in this place are to be weighed also the causes, effects, and circumstances of that which we meditate, and would compre∣hend.
14. Thirdly I demaund, what
must I feele in consequence of that which I haue obserued, and waighed. I answere; A profound humility, an enflamed loue, inward griefe, and repentance, thankefulnes, prayse, ioy, and circumspection, bycause there is ground for all these affects, and other such like: confirming & delighting my self in them, with the power of my free will.
15. Fourthly I demaund, what am I to doe, according to all this? And I answere: I will treate how to execute fruitfully the good purposes which our Lord inspireth me, and apply effectu∣all meanes in particular, to the end, that what I haue purposed may be fulfilled in the best man∣ner, and in the best tyme possible &c.
16. Fiftly I demaund, what am
I to say to our Lord concerning this point: And I answere; I will offer vnto him all my good purposes and desyres to be confirmed by him: and treate with him of the meanes considered, desiring him to direct me in them. I will also represent vnto him, my mi∣seryes with shame and sorrow, that I haue purposed many other tymes the like, which I haue not performed. And finally exal∣ting the patience and mercy wherwith he hath suffered my negligence & inconstancy, I wil aske him forgiuenes from the bottome of my hart, and what more he shall inspire into me. And this may suffice for the se∣cond manner of prayer.
17. The third which is Supernatu∣rall is not subiect to rule; bycause it hath the Holy Ghost for mai∣ster.
And comonly it is graunted to such as are very humble and deuoute; and haue exercised themselues long tyme in these or like formes of praying; or it is giuen in reward of some great tribulation, suffered for God with patience, or of some other notable and heroicall worke: And then is secure of illusion, when it moueth to do good works; & specially without feare when it is accōpanied with true humility, for these be signes of the spirit of Christ.
18. The fourth kind of Pray∣er is Mixt, which in part is sub∣iect to rule, and in part is not. In the second manner of prayer spe∣cified, the order in the acts & de∣mands there mētioned is not al∣wayes to be obserued. For som∣…… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 giueth so great light &
cleernes frō the very beginning; & moueth the hart of him that prayeth in such manner, that the prayer is begon and ended with a familiar speach with his diuine Maiesty, or with some affect of admiration, of thanksgiuing, of loue, of compassion, or the like.
19. But aboue all it is to be vnderstood and obserued, that Prayer is a peculier gift of God: as likewise are all the acts and affections of it aboue said. For many do see, heare, and read much, and yet obserue not any thing to this purpose. Others do obserue superficially, but do not weigh nor ponder deeply to this end that which they haue obser∣ued. Some also know to ponder, yea & how to moue others with their wordes: and yet haue little feeling themselues of that which
they say, because it is a particu∣lar gift of God to haue feeling & deuotion in such spirituall a∣ffayres. Others haue feeling but worke not accordingly, bycause they suffer themselues to be o∣uercome with the difficultyes which our depraued nature re∣presenteth, and the Diuell sug∣gesteth and nourisheth; to the end that the good purposes made be not put in execution. But to conclude: who liueth wel, prayeth wel. And although he be briefe and barrē in words, yet wil our Lord that looketh into his intention and workes heare him willingly and dispatch him with great li∣berality, if he be found loyal and gratefull for benefits receyued. And so much more abundantly, by how much he is more free & liberall with his diuine Maiesty.
20. Prayer is the Golden Key, which openeth the gates of Royall Pallaces, euen to the in∣ermost closets: And at all ho∣wers giueth free entrance, and accesse to the King.
21. And if the naturall plea∣sure which men fynd in liuing neare vnto those, who in soue∣raigne power resemble God, (& so much the more by how much they are more like vnto him in iustice and goodnes) be sufficient to ouercome all the incom∣modityes and labours, which those that serue Kings & Princes do endure continually in their seruice: What pleasure is it to serue neere vnto God himselfe, & to be conuersant with him, and to haue free entrance to his presence, at all houres, and in al places, by meanes of Prayer?
22. His conuersation is so sweet and his presence so delight∣full that the blessed Spirits doe, and shall entertayne themselues therewith for all eternity, with∣out wearynes, or desyre to en∣ioy any other good.
23. Yea, we see heere vpon earth that Saint Paul and S. Hila∣rion, and many such others that gaue themselues wholy to pray∣er and contemplatiue life, liued many yeares in the wildernes & must solitary deserts, with great ioy and contentment, fynding no want of conuersation with men, nor of the commodi∣ties and pleasures of Cittyes; be∣ing sufficiently ētertayned with this only comunication and con∣uersation with God, by meanes of Prayer.
24. And so we read of Saint
Anthony, that after he had spent all the night in prayer, he com∣playned of the Sunne which he had left behind his backe ouer∣night, & when in the morning it did arise in his face, troubled his attention, and the quietnes of his prayer.
25. Prayer made the same S. Anthony so learned without vse of bookes, that he astonished the Philosophers of Alexandria that came to see him: because he had his light from heauen; and the whole vniuersity of Gods crea∣tures serued him for a library. And whosoeuer studieth as he should in this library of S. An∣thony, cannot faile to proue both wise and learned.
26. Prayer guided King Dauid in the gouernment of his sub∣iects; and is an excellent Coun∣sellour
of Kings, and of all those that do manage waighty a∣ffayres; not to erre in thē as Iosue erred when he was deceyued by the Gabionites; bycause he did not consult his resolution with God nor aske him counsaile in pray∣er before he gaue them answere.
27. And (to conclude in one word the profit and dignity of Prayer) it maketh men like vnto Angells, who (without losing the sight of their God) worke & accomplish his Cōmaundments and they alwayes worke aright, and are not subiect to error, by∣cause they worke alwayes with the knowledge which they re∣ceaue from the fountaine of light.
28. It is an Angelicall life, to liue and worke in the presence of God: as it is of bruite beasts,
to spend the time in forgetful∣nes of him & without the vse of prayer. The felicity of beasts is to seeke only delight in sensuall pleasures, without thanks for be∣nefitts receyued, or memory of o∣bligatiōs present, or prouidēce of necessities to come. But man by the dignity of his nature, is bound to more: because his soule is immortall, and his body shall rise again from death, and both together enioy for euer that which they haue prouided toge∣ther for themselues in this life, with God in eternall felicity, or with the damned spirits in mise∣ry and torments that neuer shall haue end, from which God deli∣uer vs for his mercy. Amen.
O Most pious Virgin Mary, Mother of God: in most humble manner I beseech thee, by the great loue, thou bearest to thy deare Sonne, my Lord and Sauiour Iesus-Christ: That thou wouldest vouchsafe to ob∣tayne for me true sorrow for my sinnes, a perfect keeping of all my Senses, an humble Resigna∣tion of my selfe, & the exercise of those vertues wherewith thou didst so highly please thy diuine Sonne. I also most humbly re∣quest thee to direct my wayes in those pathes which may be most agreable to the wil of thy Sonn••, and profitable for the saluation of my Soule. Amen, sweet Iesus.
O My Lord Iesus Christ true God and Man, my Creatour and Re∣deemer, thou being whome thou art, and for that I loue thee aboue all thinges, it grei∣ueth me from the bottome of my hart, that I haue offended thy diuin Maiesty. Loe heere I firmely purpose neuer to sinne any more; and to fly all occa∣sions of offending thee: And to confesse and fulfill the pen∣••ance which shalbe enioyned me for the same. And for loue of thee, I do freely pardon all
my enemies. And do offer my life, wordes, and workes in satisfaction for my sinnes. Wh〈7 letters〉〈7 letters〉 I most humbly be∣seech thee, trusting in thy in∣finite goones and mercy, that by the merites of thy most pretious bloud and passion, thou wouldest pardon me, & giue me grace to amend my life, and to perseuere therin vntill death. Amen.