Jesus, Maria, Joseph, or, The devout pilgrim of the ever blessed Virgin Mary, in His holy exercises, affections, and elevations. Upon the sacred mysteries of Jesus, Maria, Joseph. Published for the benefit of the pious rosarists, by A.C. and T.V. religious monks of the holy order of S. Bennet.

§. 8. Three advices concerning this manner of Praying and Meditating.

HEre by the way, the devout Ro∣sarist may please to take particular notice of these three important adver∣tisments.

First, That though there are many points set down, and many Mysteries propos'd for the Theams and subjects of our Meditations: yet it is not neces∣sary for him to run over all those points; no, nor all those mysteries as oft as he recites the Rosary: but if he can sweet∣ly entertain his spirit upon one onely point, or one onely Mysterie; he may not only lawfully, but very laudably stay there, without hasting forward: (like the Bee, (which forsakes not that Flowre upon which she first fastens, as long as she finds any sweetness to be suck'd from it:) referring the other points and Mysteries to another spi∣rituall repast.

Secondly, That since in all well-or∣der'd Mentall Prayer, there is a con∣currencie of the understanding and will: (we speak not here, of that high Exercise of Recollection largly descri∣bed in our spirituall Conquest) it being the proper office of the understanding in Mentall Prayer, to move the affe∣ctions of the will, and to give it rea∣sons to fly or follow what is represen∣ted unto it, as good or evill; without which concurrency of these two powers of the soul, all Meditation would prove

fruitless, and unprofitable: Therefore the understanding is to represent to its internall eyes, that Mystery (where∣upon it intends to employ it self) as if it were then really done and transacted before it: Which is a most efficacious way (as long experience hath taught devout persons), to contain the spirits evagation, within its due bounds and limits.

Thirdly, That as soon as by the dili∣gence and discourse of the understan∣ding, there is discover'd some devout conception, the Will be forthwith ex∣cited to holy affections, either of love or hatred; of avoyding or embracing, of joy or grief, according to the sub∣ject of the present Meditation, the sug∣gestion of the understanding, and the internall motion of Gods Holy Spirit. For since (as hath been said) the chief office of the understanding in all men∣tall Prayer, is to inflame the Will with sacred affections; And since Affective Prayer (as all spirituall Authors agree) is far more perfect in it self, profitable to us, and pleasing to the Divin Ma∣jesty, than discoursive Prayer; surely all discourses ought to cease, as soon as these affections are sufficiently stir∣red and excited.

Wherefore the devout Rosarists, and whosoever aimes at the speedy amend∣ment of his life, and the advancement of his soul in the way of perfection by the means of mentall prayer must take heed of permitting all, or overmuch to his understanding, and nothing or very little to his Will; as may more largly be seen in the Maxims of our spi∣rituall Conquest.