The devout hart or Royal throne of the pacifical Salomon. Composed by F. St. Luzuic S.I. Translated out of Latin into English. Enlarged with incentiue by F. St. Binet of the same S. and now enriched with hymnes by a new hand Luzvic, Stephanus, 1567-1640. 1634 Approx. 231 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 158 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-05 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A06534 STC 17001 ESTC S103988 99839730 99839730 4178 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A06534) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 4178) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 848:07) The devout hart or Royal throne of the pacifical Salomon. Composed by F. St. Luzuic S.I. Translated out of Latin into English. Enlarged with incentiue by F. St. Binet of the same S. and now enriched with hymnes by a new hand Luzvic, Stephanus, 1567-1640. Binet, Etienne, 1569-1639. aut Hawkins, Henry, 1571?-1646. 314 p. Printed by Iohn Cousturier, [Rouen] : 1634. Place of publication from STC. Translator's dedication signed: H.A. [i.e. Henry Hawkins?]. "Eton College. Library and Heythrop College, Cavendish Square, London copies have slips reading '1638' pasted over the date."--STC. Print show-through; pages stained and cropped. Reproduction of original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Meditations -- Early works to 1800. 2004-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-01 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-02 Rina Kor Sampled and proofread 2004-02 Rina Kor Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE DEVOVT HART OR ROYAL THRONE OF THE PACIFICAL Salomon . Composed by F. St. Lu●uic S. I. Translated out of Latin into English. Enlarged with Incentiue● by F. St. Binet of the same 〈◊〉 and now enriched with Hymnes by a new hand . Printed by Iohn Cousturier . 1634. TO THE R. WORTHY AND VERTVOVS COVPLE , W. STANDFORD ESQ r , AND ELIZABETH his wife . MY DEAREST , I heer present you with a HART , not fram'd of flesh and bloud , the seat and citadel of the vital spirits , but the image of a HART fully fraught with pious and amorous affects ; a hart , not in idaea , but liuely deciphered with deuout Embleams ▪ Pictures ( as Symonides saith ) are silent Poesies , and Poesies speaking pictures . Both the one and the other are heer exhibited to your viewes , accompanyed with deuout Meditations , where euery title speakes but the loue of IESVS . If you eye wel and marke these silent Poesies , giue care to these speaking pictures , but chiefly make vse of the Meditations in the repose of your recollected thoughts , you wil proue by a happy experience how proper they are to rayse a soule to a soueraigne aspiration of diuine things . The Authours Preface points you forth his scope , and his whole discourse displayes it better ; to which I referre you , and my self and labours heerin to your more fanourable acceptation , that could not be satisfyed but with thus expressing and professing my selfe to al the world , to be Your most obliged and deuoted H. A. TO THE AMOROVS AND DEVOVT HARTS TO IESVS . I Present you , my HARTS most deare to Iesus , with a wounded HART , enfla●ed al with diuine loue . This is the Royal Throne of your Spouse the Pacifical Salomon , the Sanctuary wherin ▪ God would haue perpetual Sacrifice to be offred , the Tower which IESVS hath taken to defend against al hostile inuasion ; which being wrongfully vsurped , and sacrilegiously profaned , he recouers , purgeth , expiates , then takes and cōsecrates for his Palace , Temple , and Tribunal . Here Iesus exercises his commands , here he raignes , here he teacheth , here cutting off al demurres of appeales he pronounceth sentence of eternal predestination or reprobation ; here he rayseth thunders and lightnings , here sweetly dartes he rayes of light , not vsually seen in this sublunary Globe . Finally I offer here the HART , the heauen and Court of the supreame Moderatour of soules . But why especially to you ? Surely I should thinke this guift could be no-where held in more esteeme or taken for a greater fauour , then by you , whom I know wel to be not only singularly trayned vp and exercised in these diuiner things , but so ardently affected to them , as that you set by the loue of this one IESVS more then al the graces and fauours of Kings & Princes in the world : Since in your soules the Crosse of Christ and loue of holy pouerty , is deeper and more strongly imprest , then al those mushrumps of honours , that pelf of riches , those Grand-Sires seales , and famous images of old , then al those goods , so commonly called , which men of your ranck and quality either easily promise to themselues , or more ambitiously hunt after . I present to you a breife Table , wherin ( speaking with modesty ) I haue succ●nctly delineated in short points of meditations the summe of al Christian perfection , and that meerly for your sakes , and the rest who thinke and loue the same with you ; where no sooner shal you fix your eyes on that image of Diuine loue , how il pourtraicted soeuer with a ride pencil , but you shal easily discerne , I ●ow , a liuely Image , truly represented , of al those faire and goodly vertues you haue formed in your mindes , and shal find no doubt by what wayes and degrees the diuine goodnes hath led you to the top of this Mount , from whence , remayning yet on earth , you may contemplate euen heauen it-self , that land of promise , and blessed inheritance of the children of God ; and where you haue the most calamitous regions of the vnfortunate Aegypt and Babylon , the mother of confusion , not only subject to your eyes , but trod vpon and trampled vnder-foot . Accept then , my soules most deare to heauen , this guift such as it is , not regarding so much the hand which giues , as the giuers hart . For my part I haue but dipt , as I may say , my finger in the hony-combs , which here lye hid in certayne figures and Images , as folded vp in wax : but the Holy Ghost , I trust , wil copiously deriue the purest hony thence , and consequently open the very fountaines of nectar it-self , and most aboundantly dew your minds with showers of diuine graces ; so doe I hartily vow , so wish , remayning , Your most humble and obedient seruant in Christ. STEVEN LVZVIC . THE HART CONSECRATED to the loue of IESVS . THE HYMNE . IESV , behold the hart dilates It-selfe to thee , and consecrates It 's triple power , and al within . But oh ! that heauy burden , sinne , Drawes to the earth , and makes it fal From high aspiring thoughts . Not al , Who now support , giue it repose ; Thou art the Atlas , here enclose Thy selfe within the hart , giue rest To it , which otherwise opprest , With the heauy load , the world , sinks down . Make it despise ( to gaine a crowne ) The earth , it 's Nathir , and with thee It 's Zenith make Eternity . THE INCENTIVE . 1. WHere our treasure is , there is our hart a . IESVS is a treasure , wherin our hopes , our riches , and al we haue , are lodged & laid vp in store . Where then shal we better place the hart , then in the hart , the Reliquary of the diuinity it-self , at IESVS feet , the most sure Altar of the miserable , in his hands , the richest Magazin of al graces ? 2. Loe here a hart burning al with loue , how many and what flames it sends forth like a furnace . Happy & thrice happy he , who , but for Heauen , hath no loue , no hart at al ! 3. Goe to then , al you pious and sincere harts , come and consecrate your selues to the honour and loue of IESVS . For to whom better ? since what we pay to him we allow our selues ; and what we take from him we quite forgoe and loose for euer . THE PREAMBLE TO THE first Meditation . WHo shal seuer vs from the charity of Christ ? ( exclaymes that great Apostle ) tribulation ? or distresse ? or famine ? or nakednesse ? peril ? persecution ? or the sword ? Sure I am , that death , nor life , nor Angels , nor Principa●es , nor vertues , nor present , nor future things , nor fortitude , altitude , nor depth , nor any other creature , can seperate vs from the charity of God , which is in Christ IESVS a . This is the fire , which gliding from heauen consumes al things , burnes al things ; yea enkindles such flames as euen the Ocean of euils , wherewith the flowes , & aboundes , c̄a not quenchit . This subtil , actiue , spreading , and deuouring flame , takes force & vigour euen from very crosses and torments themselues , surmounts al things , cleaues to one God , and with an inextricable knot is vnited with him . Whether it be the fire , which alwayes suffers some-what , or actuates this or that , I know not ; this I am sure of , that the liuelyer it puts forth the force it hath , the lesse it yealds to the enemy , and is the hardlyer ouercome . This fire , when once it takes on the litle furnace of the hart , good God! what strange , and how many heates , of loue enkindles it there ! They only know the excesses of this vnquiet feauer , who loue IESVS dearely indeed , & passionately thirst after him . Now shal you see this languishing hart breake out into frequent , abrupt , and interrupting sighs , and now and then heare certayne briefe interiections withal , cast forth here and there by the poore soule , liquefying with a sweet extasy of loue : Tel my beloued , o blessed spirits , that I languish al for loue b and that vnles with the prop of his golden scepter he come , as once Ass●erus to Hester c & powerfully susteyne & hold vp my fleeting soule , I shal faint at his feet : for now the vnequal and feeble pulse euen mortally beates , and now my face is fouly dight with an asky and deadly colour , the extatical heat now wholy wastes the marrow , so as now remaynes in me nothing which suffers not of this fire . But anon you wil wonder to see that hart excited with the same loue of God , resuming as it were new strength , to be sodainly caryed and snacht with violence into the thing beloued . I wil rise , said the Spouse extreamly enamoured with her beloued , I wil compasse the Citty , through streets and lanes , I wil seeke whom my soule loues d ; nor wil I giue ouer til obteyning my desire I take hold of him . I wil enquire of created things , & aske them , where is my God ? I wil seeke and perticularly demand of al ; nor wil I truely rest satisfyed finding some image only of God in them superficially shadowed , or discouering but a glimmer only of diuine perfections , for these wil but excite my thirst , not quenh it wholy ; but I wil hunt further and constantly seeke him , whom my soules loues e . For the hart enflamed with loue , continually machinates & workes something ; nor hath diuine loue learned to be idle : it is alwayes in action , and stil proceedes from vertue to vertue , and if it rest at any tyme , and seeme but to sabothize , it is no longer diuine loue f . Amidst these symptomes of this disease , the mind obteynes three things , and proues them in it-selfe : for first , how much soeuer it occupyes it-self in difficult things , and seriously attends , to its owne abasement , to a perfect cont̄ept of worldly things , to represse vntamed and vnbridled appetites , yet al these acts , most worthy and heroical , it puts in the last place , yea when it workes and effects the most , thinks it hath done as good as nothing , and lastly accounts the tyme so long spent in the lists of vertue to be exceeding short , which euen the sacred Scriptures record of the Patriarch Iacob , whom the beauty and loue of the faire Rachel had so taken & enveigled , as he reckoned yeares very tedious for toyles , as weekes for dayes , dayes for moments g . I haue yet said but litle : The hart which is enamoured with IESVS , thinks it cannot be broken or tamed with anything , and therefore dares prouoke euen death it-self , & chalenge it to a single fight , as not his match , to scorne its weapons , and not so only , but insolently to insult vpon this pale Goddesse , who yet is she which tramples the Crownes and Scepters of Kings and Caesars , subdues the armed Sampsons and layes them at her foot , forbids the Alexanders , not satisfyed with one world , to spread their Ensignes any further ; lastly , puts the Hel●n●●s , as deformed , vnder a base yoke . What more ? This hart is so impatient of rest , delayes , al things , as while most ardently it loues and seekes the onelie IESVS , and groanes after him , it holds a moment for a yeare , regards not any thing els , nothing likes , nothing pleaseth , nothing satiates or recreates a whit , as to whom , besides IESVS , al things are nauseous and but dreames vnto it . Lastly , for his sake , after whom it sighes and languishes with the heat of thirsting loue , scorning the stinking lakes of wordly pleasures , and the filthy mire of the Aegyptian bogs , like a Stag nigh perishing with thirst and deadly wounds , with a rapid course and willing mind , rushes through the brakes and craggy rocks of precipices , and hastes to the founteynes of endles waters , to God the liuing spring h . Oh inexhaustible spring of loue , quench this thirst , satiate this hunger ! O beauty so antient i and so yong ! take here possession of the hart deuoted to thee . Be this I pray a Temple , a Chapel , an Altar consecrated to the true and only Godhead . Admit the incense k in an odour of sweetnes , which shal hereafter fume from this golden table , nor euer suffer , o God of my hart , the place thus duly dedicated to thy honour and loue , to be euer once defiled with sordityes or crimes , but rather may it euer and euer stand inuiolable and vntouched . I. MEDITATION . The Preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras quaesumus , &c. FIRST PRELVDE . IMagin God being in Heauen , seated on the Cherubins , most highly blessed , and in essential perfection infinit , to require here on earth an Inne to lodge in . 2. PRELVDE . Imagin the Tabernacle erected of old , through diuine precept , by Moyses a there the Temple by Salomon b most sumpteously and magnificently built , and therein the Propitiatory reposed whence diuine Oracles were afforded to men . The hart of a pious man & a Temple of the Godhead , and hath three parth with it , whereof the first the mind , is to be seen in the vpper place . Here God in the production of things , as in a high Altar , proposeth the omnipotency to be seen and worshiped in the gouern'ment of them the highest wisdome , and the infinit goodnes in the conseruation . The interiour part of the Temple is the other portion of the hart , the wil ; and here that infinit either goodnes , or beauty aboue al things , exhibits it-self most amiable . Lastly for the out most face of the whole Temple stand the exteriour senses which , as reason , & true piety would , religiously obey the wil commanding duly diuine things . 2. Point ▪ Moreouer , the Consecration of this T̄eple , the hart I meane deuoted vnto God , is performed with the same ceremonies , our Temples rightly dedicated are . The manner of sanctifying Temples is , to strew the pauements al with ashes ; to affige twelue Crosses on the wal ; to burne as many tapers set before them , to haue water blessed after the solemne formulary of Processions , and in the Ashes sprinckled on the ground , the Greeke & Latine Alphabet scored out . So his hart that would be the Oratory of the God-head , should first be imbued with humility and the knowledge of his owne nothing ; be illustrated with excellent faith , signed with the loue of the Crosse and mortification , as wel inward as outward , be instructed by the Holy Ghost ; and lastly , in like manner , purely , and holily to be cleansed , with the heauenly waters of diuine graces . 3. Point Now then the hart thus dedicated , with so many , and so chast ceremonies , is so in the power and worship of the diuinity , as hereafter without a great sacriledge , and a hainous crime , it may not be violated ; & therefore thence forth , by no meanes , should euer any sordityes be seen there , or , as things prophane , the idoles c of worldly fantasies , be there suffred to haue admittance . 4. Point . The Oratory of the hart should rather be dressed & adorned with the worthy tapistries of vertues and heauenly ornaments ; and great care be had , that neither by night nor day the incense of prayer , the fire of diuine loue d the gold e of charity be wanting , or frequent vowes , prayers ; holocausts , or the rest of victimes euer faile . THE COLLOQVY . ARe we then to thinke that God truly inhabits on the earth ? Since if Heauen , and the Heauens of Heauens be not able no conteyne thee , how much less , this house ? a What ? My deare then ( O loue ! ) it 's euen thy place , thy Temple , b thy seat , thy Tribunal ? My IESVS the delight of my soule , gr̄at this day I beseech thee , thy diuine presence may consecrate my hart to thee , as I truely , freely , and voluntarily vow , giue , and dedicate the same to thy Maiesty . Possesse it with the best right and assure it with so firme a tye , as I may not recouer it againe by any law or tyme surely I wil not ; but from this Propitiatory , begin thou to giue Answeres ; yea send downe from heauen , the fire of the Holy Ghost , now presently to consume the hoasts , and holocausts laid on thy Altar . Pater . Aue. THE VVORLD , THE FLESH , THE DIVEL , assaile the hart , IESVS saues it for himself . THE HYMNE . MYne eyes are open now I see The nets & snares prepare for me The world , and flesh haue laid their baits T' allure my hart , the diuel waits . Vvhile pleasures of a moment [ past E're th' are enioyd ] entice : He last But first protectour , midst those ginnes , Midst snares , & tangling nets of sinnes Lies lurking : And when he'spies The bird ensnared , out he flies : OIESV , may my prayer be he●●● , Spread forth thy nets , I am thy bird To catch my hart , 'a Pitfal make Set lime-twigs , doe but touch & take . THE INCENTIVE . 1. THe world , with silke & golden chaines , the diuel , with horrid and crooked irons , the flesh with libidinous flames of Hel , through force , through craft , through industry , here openly , and here couertly labour very busily to ensnare , and entrap man's hart . Vnlesse , good IESV , thou as from an ambush dost speedily reskue it , with thy succours , it is lost , it is vndone . 2. Looke , what the world sets forth to sale are al laid open , but the wines she carouseth in her golden cup lye hid the brimms are al besmeared with honny , the gal with in is it , that hurts , that kils . Happy he who by diuine power can wel acquit himself of these snares , these nets . 3. And now behold how amourously good IESVS . loues , embraceth , puls this hart vnto himself , and hugs and clings it to his hart , Doe so good IESV ; place my hart in thy Heauen ; I say , with thy delights and loue , fil , and ouerflow it . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . HElp here , O Lord of Saboth ! Loe bring thy succours hither . The enemies invade thy Sanctuary to pollute the same ; they seeke the sacred fires to extinguish them ; they violate the Altar of Holocauste to ouerthrow 〈◊〉 ; they bring in strange and foraine incense , sacrilegiously to burne to their Numens a Send downe thy auxiliary bands from heauen ; the confederate host of Angels , those spirits , which weild and brandish thine armes ; els certainly al things wil demolish and vtterly perish : Traynes are set on euery side , nette and snares laid euery where . God gingerly and take heed if you be wise . Here the world that cheating and perfidious Mounte-banck fete forth his wares , to sals , precious indeed and specious to the eye at first , but whem you heed them bitter , alas meer trumpery and counterfeit stuff . The purse this pedlery merchant shewes you , beleeue me , is puffed vp with wind rather then filled with coyne . The diadems glittering al of gold , or rather glasse , amid the few and bastard gemm's , affright with thornes and briars . The cheynes of gold or iewels take which you wil , like iron fetters , honour not , but onerate , and straightly bind . What apparel ? The Silk-wormes excrements , with vs being rare , and scarce , are therefore deare ; for with the Thracians long a goe , these silks haue been but little worth ; nor wil they like vs , if not wrought ; or interwouen with gold and glitter here and there , with sparckling gemmes . But to what end ? forsooth to shroud our nakednes and deformity with a precious mantle . With these allurements then the world seekes to intice to it the hart , and to that end promises huge mountaynes of gold , but yet performes besides the blasts and fickle winds of words , euen iust nothing . For what law can he keep or true fidelity , that wants them both ? It is much for it to afford one a vulgar fame , to puffe an empty breath of a little glory which by and by scarce sensible , it blowes another way . For as often as you purchase the grace , not of the vulgar only , but euen of Princes also with the least offence it is suddainly snatched away from you and leaues you gaping after it , with a light smatch only . Help , help againe O Heauen ! Behold here a new enemy at hand the Stygian Dragon , as anciently as subtlily trayned vp in this field , that Serpent I meane now so long since cast downe to hel b from Heauen and that degree of dignity he aymed and aspired to . The Deuil , I say , that Calumniatour , assayes to rush into thy hold , and that he may hauock and disturb al things rangeth vp and downe like a fel Lyon in a horrible māner , that with his dreadful roaring if he crush not the hart altogeather , at least he may shake it shrewdly . Imagine him an Aspike , his throat to swel with poyson his tooth already fastened in the wound , the very venome now ready to come forth , where the soule is as good as dead already . Conceiue him a Basiliske : this as king of serpēts , is more pernitious then the rest , as he , which with the only eyes inspireth death , like a theif enchāts the eares with a false whistle and gently distils into the hart a pest with al : When being gotten in soaking the humour thence he pines it vp , and kils it quite ? Or shal I cal him a Crocadille ? You haue then a sworne enemy no lesse of our saluation then of the heauēly Court , for he faines our human teares , puts on our effects to deceiue the better . Nor doth Proteus so transforme himself into euery figure , as this pragmatike of the world turnes and winds himself euery way into each slight . Nor doth this warriour vse alwayes the same weapons or manner of fight for now he takes prosperity for armes , and now aduersity ; nor leaues he any tyme or place for truce or respite . Help therefore , ô you Citizens of heauen , help I say ! In this combat the Anihonyes , the Hilarions , and the rest of Moncks , most stout Champions , tremble , sweat , and chaunge ther colour ; who surely were not ignorant of the forces of this Aduersary . Is the Casket of the hart repleat with celestial riches ? with pride and presumption of mind he breakes it open , steales the treasure . Is the hart emptie and void of the riches of vertues and the ornaments of diuine graces ? with despair he attempts to perpetrate any horrible fact ; and alwayes bends the artyllery on that side he notes to be weaker then the rest , where he batters sore and shakes the wal , while happily the soule attends the lesse or makes the lesse resistance . And holdst thou thy peace yet , ō God of Hosts ? nor sendst thou as yet , thy subsidiary spirits , with Michael their inuincible Captain , to appose a new and stand against this Pest , to chace , pursue , to put to flight , and then so bound to cast it into the inmost dungeon of Hel , where being once shut vp , there may appeare no way for it , to issue forth ? Ay me poore wretch ! the external forth thus foyled , the enemy begins to rage at home , the flesh rebels and proud for the good successe of the noble victoryes got vpon those stout aduersaryes of hers , tosseth the warlike fire-brands of concupiscence , here the fires are more dreadful farre then were the Grecians flames . Water , water , I cal for ? Rayn down from Heauē whole clouds of graces , O the only prop , and stay of my hart , my God ; quēch with diuine showers , those fiery weapons , fordged with the hellish coales ; c wherewith this impudent brat of Vulcan , Venus wicked imp , lasciuiously armed dares to assalt this hart ; which thou thy self wouldest haue for Palace , Tower , and Temple . II. MEDITATION . The Preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras . &c. FIRST POINT . I Wil consider the largenes & amplenes of my hart which nothing can fil , neither the vastnes of the Heauens , the circuit of the earth , nor Angels , nor men , nor yet riches or delights , themselues and that but he only is able to fil and b●esse it , who framed it for himself . 2. Point . Hence wil I gather the worthines and noblenes of my hart , while it contemnes al created things nor vseth them otherwise then as a foot-stoole or stayers , by setting foot where on it may mount to God himself . So from the odour and beauty of flowers , ascends it to the sweetnes and glory of the Creatour , from the light of the San-climbs it to the light increated , from the framing of the world , it findes out the influence of diuine loue into other things , and discouers therein a certain plenty and affluence of his guifts . 3. Point . I wil further weigh how great must the beauty of mans hart be , with whose loue al things are so enamoured , as vehemently to wish haue some place , in the secret cabinet thereof . The world , that woes it with allurem̄ets of honours , riches , iewels , and with the same guile the flesh in presenting enticem̄ets , pleasures , feasts , banquets , good fellowships , playes , reuels , singing and enchanting bewitches it wholy : The diuel , being pleased better to vse violence , seekes rather with engins , and frightful terrours to addresse his way . Now these three enemyes al conspire in one , and to worke more effectually their ends with a wicked treason of the fiue senses , by vndermining seeke to surprise it . To the eyes they streight obiect what soeuer is pleasant & beautiful to behold ; whether you would the deliciousnes of flowers , or rather regard the lustre of Adamants & the rest of stones . To the eares , they apply their melodious ditties , both perilous & lasciuious songs of Syrens . Odours & sweet perfumes are couveighed to the nostrils with ful sayles . For the palat the kitchings fume , daintyes are dressed , and serued vp in ful dishes ; wines are fetched from Cellars , tēpered for the anciens Cōsuls , Albana Tiuoly , Romanesco , Falerna , and the like . And so likewise for the other senses delights are studiously sought for with al industry and art . 4. Point . IESVS on the contrary , togeather with the Angel Gardian , very seriously defendes the Tower of the hart ; he there succours it with the singular assist̄ace of his diuine grace , this here , in pouring forth light amid the thicke obscureties therein , teacheth what to shun and what it is be done breakes the engins laid against it , repels the assaults of the world , detects the obscenes of the flesh . THE COLLOQVY . O MOST sweet IESV the loue of my hart which thou hast consecrated for thy self ? Oh permit not in the wals of this Temple the abhominable figures of created things to be seen : barricado thy Tower beseiged of al sides by enemyes a with the countermure of thy feare , defend it with the flames of loue . Thou easily detectest how false the things are which the world obiects before our eyes , while here the miserable hart discernes nor heeds the nets nor poison . Then help it I beseech thee , O Lord of Saboth , in these streights , and send thy warlike squadrons , down from heauen , to its ayd . THE MOST AMOVROVS IESVS KNOCKS AT the doore of the hart . THE HYMNE . I Saw a little glimps of light As I lay slumbring in the night , Vvhich through a cranny of my wal Glaunc'd on mine eyes & therewith-al , I heard one speake , and rapping hard , Vvhile al my doores were lockt & bar'd Vvith that I half awakt lookt round , And in my hart a theife I found Discouered by the light . The wals Vvere bare , & naked , while he cals Vvho stood without , more light appeares , T' augment my hopes , & lessen feares ; Then , IESV , I cry'd out , come in , Here 's nonght but a priuation sinne . THE INCENTIVE . 1. HOw often hath IESVS , to enter into the Tower of thy hart , assayled it with armes , to wit , with the engines of loue ; that to the Angels thou mighst I be a Paradise , to him a Heauen ; if thou let him in . O iron hart ? O hart of Adamant ? God stil is knocking at thy Gates , and is not yet admitted in . 2. But how great is the fauour of this louing Numen ? God , euen God himselfe attendes thee , pryes , and lookes about him , watching tyme and place to enter in , that he might sweetly rest with thee . But thou sticktst vpon it , while the Angelical spirits stand amazd thereat , as I may say , either at this goodness of God , or thy pertinacity , yet thou art nothing mooued . 3. Oh vngrateful hart ! oh perfidiousnes ! To whom wilt thou yeald them , if to so patient and sweete a louer peeuishly thou holdst out longer . If thou flyest as coylie as constantly he sues ? THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . O Fayrest soule among the faire , awake ; for what Lethean sleep oppresseth thee ? Thy little IESVS , the purest ioy and delight of Heauen , raps at the doore : the golden locks of his head are wet yea trickle with the nightly dewes ; his singers stil the primest mirrh ; a he wholy drowned and melt with al beates at the gate of thy hart . Open then and let him in Alas how thy doores are frozen with the rock of Caucasus ! How soundly thou sleepest , oh slug , O fooslish soule ! Or is it the noyse perhaps of the Ghests thou hast admitted in already , which so taked vp , and stupifies thine eares , as thou canst not heare thy beloued's voyce ? Oh Ghests , or hanting Ghosts I may cal you rather ! Oh sinister affections ! Oh inordinate appetits ! What a tumult haue you made here ? And thou , a stony hart ! How long hast thou been so hard to heare , and deafe , as not to aduert the Spouses voyce , who to blesse & enrich thee , meerly pushed , with what winde of beatitude I know not , hath touch'd on this vnfaithful Port ? Alas ! stay I beseech thee , stay a-while , most radiant Sunne , nor with thy swifter steedes , make hast away ; for if thou once substractst thy self , I feare thou wilt goe farre enough , and be long absent ; a fauour freely offred once , and lost by a repulse , is not easily recouered . The diuine hand pow●● out it's benefits for a day , an hower , a moment only , it lists not alwayes to attend to worke miracles , or to be curing maladyes : the Angel moues the water of that Poole , b but on a certaine time of the day ; if thou suffrest occasion once to slide away , or be taken by another , thou art to attend the returne of another Angel-mouer . Hasten therefore , O fayrest of al beautyes ; what ? sleepst thou yet ? shake off this sluggishnes . Is there a mutiny at home then quiet the tumults , commaund silence , bid the doore be set open . And if thy Spouse now wearied with thy demurrs should chance to diuert from thee , and goe his wayes , follow him at the heeles with cryes , & prayers , and trying him out-right , vrge him hard , that he would deyne to returne againe to his Sanctuary . If yet being called vpon he goe flying stil away . Like a she-Goat or nimble pricket on the mountaines of Bethel : c double thy cryes , put out thy throat , & cry aloud , Draw me after thee and we shal ruun d my beloued . If the watchmen of the wals lay hold on thee , and beat thee cruelly , yea take away thy cloke from thee : let al these mischiefs moue thee nothing ; the prey thou huntst for with al these same , is cheap enough . Sigh therefore and groane the while , and priuily shoot forth the fiery shafts of vehement loue ; and if thou canst , wound him flying with the alluring tresses e of thy desires , with which chaines at least , so thrown vpon him , stay his flight : and when thou art so happy as to ouertake him , now grown at length more slack , through flight , thy wound , and chaines so hampering him pray entreat , and beseech him , by the holy Wounds of his body ; For his ancient and faithful mercies sake , f he would please to permit himself to be led back againe to his Spouses house . But see you hold him fast g nor let him goe ; he is a lightning , and passeth in an instant ; he is a Sunne whose reuolution is without rest , nor euer stops but at the voyce of the true Iosue , and the couragious soule , fighting valiantly against the Gabaonites . h This Sampson h carryes the gates of the Citty with him , when he feeles himself but tampered in the enemyes snares , bind him , if you catch him ; tye him fast , with the triple cord of loue , for this is hardly broken k Lastlye if now being caught he try , as once the Angel did with Iacob , by wrasling to strugle and escape away , tel him roundly , I wil not let thee goe til thou giuest me thy blessing l But hola thou happyest of soules thou doue , thou darling , take heed thou sufferest not thy self to be ouer-seen so any more ; but as soone as thy beloued's voyce shal sound the word that IESVS comes , boldly and confidently open both the leaues of thy hart vnto him , receiue him ; hug him in thy armes , in thy besome , in thy bowels with thy whole hart . III. MEDITATION . The Preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras quaesumus , &c. FIRST POINT . THE louer IESVS , after a weary search in vayne , of a quiet place to rest in , hauing spent therein a long and tedious night a broad with his head euen hoary with the serene and nightly dewes a knockes at the gate of thy hart , b and because thou lockst him out ; greeues and complains against . thee . 2. Point . I wil seeke out the cause of these so tedious and irksome delayes , or what is it that stope so our eares , that we cannot perceiue the sound & voyce of him that raps at the doore . Surely it is , because the inordinate passions doe mutiny and tumultuate with in vs , and stirre vp , not one only , but many deafe and dismal tempests , now of anger , now pusilanimity , now self loue , and many others ; iust as it happens in a wel-freqūeted Tauerne , where the Ghests make such a noyse among themselues , as one cannot heare another , that one knowes not who comes in or who goes forth , or who knocks at the gate ; such a world there is of Ghests within , such a rabble of al sorts . 3. Point . I wil weigh the danger , least IESVS suffering a repulse so auerted , turne a side into some by-wayes and corners , so as after he may not be found with the miserable Spouse any more ; whose complaints are read in the Canticles c in this manner . I wil seeke whom my loues soule , in the streets & lanes , saying , Haue you seen whom my soule loues ? The watchmen of the Citty , haue met with me , smit me , and wounded me . d Which hurts , wounds , and teares , surely had not been if she had but presently set open her doores to her beloued . THE COLLOQVY . SHAL be framed much after the manner of the earnest instance made heretofore , by the two Disciples going to Emaus a saying : Mane nobiscum Domine . Come into the secret Closet of my hart ; for if thou once but turnest thy back , who can follow thee , or euer looke to ouertake thee , that Giant , who in a moment runst from Heauen to earth , like a lightning and thunder-bolt in an instant casts forth a flash , and vanishest with al ; aud if thou getst not a place to harbour with vs , like a nimble kid or faune , thou takest thy flight to the mountaynes of Bethel , b to the heauenly Quyers of blessed spirits . I know somtimes , the stormes of my inordinate concupiscences arising make such obstre perous noyse with in me , as the pulses sound without cannot be heard ; but yet doe thou good IESV , through thy power , wherewith thou art able to doe al things breake the brazen barres of the gate , trust back the iron bolts , and so the doores vnlockt , enter into thy house and Sanctuary . Pater . Aue. IESVS SEARCHETH OVT THE MONSTERS lurking in the darke corners of the hart . THE HYMNE . MY sinnes I thought l●y out of sight , But now I see , al comes to light , When he to search doth once begin , Who finds an Attome of a sinne See there an ougly monster breaths , An other here , wish horrid wreathts , Is lurking in this darksome caue . Oh had I sooner what I haue Of light ; I think no loathsome beast Had in my hart , made-vp his nest . Oh IESV , stil thy beames dissilay , Al this is but the breake of day . Vouchsafe to send with lustre heat , To make it lightsome , feruent , neat . THE INCENTIVE . 1. SO long as IESVS is absent from my hart . Ah me ! what monsters ? what sordityes ? what Gorgons ? what wicked fiends ? what hels are centered there ? 2. When IESVS enters into the hart , and therein pours his light , Good God ? what foule , what horrible prodigies of vices the mind discouers there which the eyes had neuer yet detected ? I say while IESVS puts forth his rayes , what bestial manners ? what perfidiousnes ? what blots of an vngrateful mind ? what haynous crimes are represented in this detestable hart ? 3. At these portents the very Angels tremble . Yet goe thou on , my most sweet IESVS ; Illuminate the darksom corners of the foule , cleanse this foule infamous stable . Amid this Cymerian darknes , with glimps of thy light bewray me to my self that being hateful to my self , I may abhorre and shune my self and so at length may fly to thee , loue nothing els but thee . Oh the only Darling of my soule ! O only loue of my hart , my little IESVS ! THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . LOrd enter then into the Tower set open to thee , and dismantled wholy ; which thou long since hast purchased with the price of thy bloud , and in this thy triumphal entry , as it were , so shoot forth the diuine rayes of thy countenance , that the clouds being vanished quite and slunck away , the strange portents of vices , and restles Enemyes , which lurke therein , may be constrayned to fly away . Search Lord with thee shinīg lamp of thy knowledge al the hidden corners of this thy Sanctuary . Ay-me ! what horrible beasts haue we here ? What harpyes , what hydreas , or other monsters , more foule and virulent then these , harbour in this Porch of Hel ? Ambition auarice , those base and detestable beasts , here set vp their rests here the ominous screechoules , here the black and fatal progeny of rauens , haue built their nest . Oh! my Dearly beloued , goe on ; Search with thy lanterne a the closest corners of the hart , and discouering the swarine of lewd concupiscences , which here euen pester the miserable hart , crush & destroy them quite . I haue groan'd to thee long , but hitherto my sighs were intercepted , and the broken sound of my strayn'd voyce , the stronger out-cryes of the Enemyes , haue so choaked and stifled , as we could not be heard . Aboue al things ( for hence must you begin ) survey , and illumine , my God , the abstruse and winding corners of my mind ; and bringing in the light of the knowledge banish thence foule ignorāce of things euen necessary for the conseruation of thy Sanctuary . Alas what a faint and languishing light of faith haue we here ? vnles it borrow force of thy light , it cannot dissipate the fogs , nigh palpable , which here haue place : whereas if thou shal but shead the lightest beame of thy presence thereinto , streight shal infidelity , apostasy , ignorance of thy mysteries , or any other errour blinding the mind , euen banish quite . Goe forward then , bring thou thy clearest lamp , into the inmost cabins of my wil. Alas ! how foule it is ? How like it is Augias stable , or a sty for Swine ? I blush thereat . How crooked and vntoward is my wil from thine , my God , who are euen rectitude , sanctity and goodnes it-self ? Correct , direct this crookednes of mine ; frame my vowes and effects to the most iust square and norme of thy diuine wil. But now bring that both of thine into the regions of the memory . Ayme ! what corners and windings haue we here againe , of brawles , of enmityes , which frequent thoughts of iniuries feede , foster , & cherish , whereas indeed they should not once be thought vpon . But as soone as thou shalt shine therein I know wel those foule notes of ingratitude , vnmindfulnes of benefits ; memory of ini●ries , deeply rooted , shal cleane be expunged thence : Goe further now if you please , into those blind holes , search there with in those blacke and vgly dens ; I say those secret allyes of the hart and bowels . Oh how I tremble-at it , to see how many snakes there are ! What spiders , what scorpions , and other such like plagues , and alas ! what a huge swarme there is of them ? How many busy buzzing gnats ; peeuish wasps , il-fauoured butterflyes ! What a vast throng of wormes there is , and what a stench from thence exhales to heauen-wards ! O thou most burning Sunne , who with da●ting of thy rayes heretofore , didst sodainly scortch and wither the greene and flourishing Iuy , b soake and dry vp the noxious humour of concupiscence , which enuirons the hart , til thou hast quite exhausted al. The cloudy Pillar c in times past , detecting a farre off , the snares of the Enemy , as a faithful Guide of the way , went before and conducted the people ; So let thy heauenly rayes of thy countenance strike then with a dread and horrour , who haue the face , or rather are so impudent , as to dare once hostily to inuade the hart by thee so rescued , saued , and purchased for thy self . Be there no night hereafter in this place , but let a cloudles , seren , and perpetual day here raigne : and as in the seats of the blessed Spirits , the Sunne , nor Phebe's face is to be seen , but thou Sunne of iustice plac'd in the midst of a most bright and quiet Kingdome ; spreadst round about and sendst forth a glorious light : d so , ( I beseech thee ) shine , burne , and flame forth in this little orbe of my hart , O immense light , O dateles and infinit verity of my God. IIII. MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. THE PRELVDE . THe eyes of our . Lord are more lucid then the Sunne , a more bright then lightning , and yet saith he , I wil suruey Hierusaelems with lamps . ( b ) 1. Point . Consider in IESVS his absence with how many , and what mists of obscurities , the hart of man is beset . IESVS indeed , is the true light , which illumines a like the Angelical and sublunary world . For as wel from Angelical spirits as humane minds , with light diuinely shed , he banisheth the darknes of ignorance , and errours ; which shining forth anon giues euery thing it's price and estimation ; while the good , the euil , the profitable , and hurtful , are knowne , & distinguished as they are indeed ; and lastly thou maist easily discerne , whither thou art black or white , euen as the Sun arising giues to each thing its colours , which the darke and sable night had confounded before . 2. Point . Consider then , how powerfully IESVS , as soone as admitted to enter into the hart , expels & banisheth al sinnes from the secretst nookes thereof , to wit , his most capital enemyes , wherewith he would not haue any thing to doe ; and surely what society can be , between light & darkness a Marke this also , how aptly vices are expressed in the formes of Serpents , owles toads , dragons , and what els , in Styx or Libia , is more vgly , foule , pernicious . 3. Point . Behold how the Angels are astonished , seeing those monsters of vices so detected , & chased away by IESVS : What madnes , say they , or blindnes is this of men , to suffer so importune and vicious a pest to domineer and raigne ouer them ? THE COLLOQVY . LORD , how long shal the wormes of sinnes possesse and gnaw my bones , which in the accursed soyle of my hart , without seed rise vp alone of their accord ? Shal these Stygian Dragons , and cruel vipers , stand alwayes before the eyes of my mind , to strike and wound my soule with a thousand and a thousand terrours ? Shal I eternally feele that gauling prick of conscience , day & night , like furyes , to wound , to launce , and murder me outright ? search very seriously , good IESV , euery corner of my hart ; omit not the least path of this labyrinthian errour , where thou studiously pryest not , least perhaps some dormouse , batts , wormes , escape thine eyes . So truely is it fit thy seat should be expiated and purged from these Hellish fiends , which now for so many Ages past thou willingly wouldst haue to be dedicated and consecrated to thee . Pater . Aue. IESVS SVVEEP● THE DVST OF SINNES from the hart . THE HYMNE . O IESV thou art come from Heauen , Find'st lying al at , six and seauen , In seueral shapes , my horrid sinnes To sweep away the broome begins ; Not like the chips , when thou didst keep At home , and with the besome sweep The dust , and little chips , which flew About the house , but now in view , Thou sweep'st , as chips cut from that tree Which was the sourse of misery , Those mōsters , loathsom dust , where breeds Th' old serpent ; on this filth he feeds . Hels Scauendger , come take thy load , The muck the viper , serpent , toad . THE INCENTIVE . 1. GOE to , you pure Inhabitants of Heauen , which ioyned prayers tire out the gracious and benigne IESVS , that he would deyne to cleanse this hart , of al its filth . For we sily dwarfs , as woulded but of slime , can neither lift vp our eyes to Heauen , nor open our lips to prayer . 2. Would any one beleeue ? Oh force ! Oh excesse of diuine loue ! God with a secret force applyed , of holy affections , and a liuely sorrow of the mind truely penitent , as certaine besomes , conferres succours of diuine grace ; where-with from the floure of the hart he sweeps out the filth of ●innes . 3. Goe on , my little IESV , and oh ! expel , tread , crush vnder thy holy feet this poysonous virulence of serpēts , which with their venome intoxicate and kil my soule . Destroy them quite , and so frame me a hart wholy according to thy hart . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . VVhen Lucifer , foyled by the inuincible forces of Michael a that great Leader of the heauenly Hoast , with his factious and rebellious squadrons , was cast downe headlong into Hel , a new light was seen to shine in heauen , new peace to smile , new loues to burne , & new delights to powre forth themselues . Besides , the glorious victories acheiued vpon the Moabits , Iebus●ans , and other barbarous Nations , either expulsed or els constreined at least to pay tributes to the people of Israel , bred a general peace and ioy to the whole Palestine . But alas ! the Leader of this infernal Legion , thus precipitously throwne downe , what a dreadful terrour brought he vnto sea & land ? For hence amid the ioyful & triumphant acclamations of the blessed Angels , this verse was rung into the eares of miserable mortals , Woe to sea and land , because the deuil in a great rage descendes vnto you . b Hence truly , the open springs of al our euils , hence flow our teares , hence these so many snakes deriue their being , which occupy and so cruelly torture our minds . But what is this ? I am deceiued . For me-thinks I see a huge shole of serpents , chased away from the lurking den of the hart . But alas ! how I feare , least the enemies in their flight may leaue therein some impression or print behind them . Surely thou excellent Dauid didst daily exercise thy self , and sweepst thy spirit , as thou hast written of thy self c yet with al thy study and exactnes , doe what thou couldst , thou couldst neuer bring to passe , but some little dust would alwayes yet remayne , or slimy trace be left behind , at least from the trailing of those serpents . It is very wel : IESVS with new brooms in the Chapel of the hart stands sweeping out the dust , least ought should escape his industry or eyes . O admirable thing ! The blessed Spirits , stand amaz'd at this , either lowlynes of mind , or officious diligence of his , and yeald him thanks for that benefit bestowed on man. Goe to then , O thou victorious and triumphant IESVS , spurne , trample this Hydra , a beast of so many wicked serpents heads , kil him with thy flames , that hereafter he may haue no enterance or place in thy Sanctuary . And thou , most Blessed Dearling of my hart , fortify and preuent al the wayes & passages of the enemy , and place strong Guards at the entryes and gates thereof , least happily they steale or rush in any where ; for they are not al of one and the self-same kind . Some there are which like dragons with a foule & vgly flight corrupt the ayre ; some like Aspikes and vipers , craule on the ground , some sodainly peep vp like lizards , and leap away againe ; others like touds lye lurking at the very gate of the hart , vpon aduantage , yet slouthful the while . These like bats be stirre themselues by night only ; they on the contrary of the race of harpyes or hauks , appeare by day , and attend their prey : So great necessity thou hast , deare soule , not to be idle at any tyme or place . Nor yet truly as soone as they are thrust out ▪ by the powre and industry of IESVS , is al the busines quite done : For then the banished pests euen choake the aire againe with an intollerable stench , thunder & lightnings , cast forth outrageous stormes , they tumult , they rage , they mutiny , they trouble al things , and euen menace and threaten al extreamities , vnles ( which they clayme as their right , and exclayme to be their due by title of victory ) they may be suffred and haue leaue to returne to their ancient home , againe . But thou my sweet IESV , open the earth the while with a horrible rupture , and fold them vp with a like ruine , to that , wherein of old thou threwest to Hel the double prodigyes , those spirits , refractory and rebellions to thee . And that they may neuer be seen or heard of more , or raise any new tumult , being-bound , and sent to those dismal vaults beneath the ground , damne them to eternal darknes ; that they may loose al hope of returne againe , or raging any more . V. MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. FIRST POINT . HOw fierce and cruel a warre God made in Heauen once against sinne , may hence be gathered , in that he damned Sathan and his Cōplices , precipitously throwne downe from those happy seates of beatitude vnto the extreame torments of euerlasting fires . How implacable a warr likewise he brought against the same very enemy on earth as easily appeares , in that he feared not to descend into the lists of this mortal life a that fighting foot to foot , and hand to hand , he might vtterly defeat the deuils works , to wit , sinne . Lastly , how deadly a hatred he beares in Hel to that wicked enemy , is cleere enough by this , that not enduring sinners to remaine any longer in these lists , bidding them depart , he banisheth them , into such miserable dungeons of eternal punishments . 2. Point . Attend besides , with what study and diligence , he commaund the monsters of vices , to pack away from our hart , like as a noble General in warr , as soone as he hath taken some Towne or fort , either by a sodaine stratagem or assault , remoues the ancient Magistrates , and pute the souldiours in Garrison from their ranck and place , nor suffers any one to remaine behind , that might stirre vp the least sparckle of any treason . 3. Point Now with what iubiley and joyful signes the Angels exult and triumph in a manner , when they behold that infamous rable of portents to be thrust forth , and chased from our hart ! How stand they amazd in the meane tyme , at so great a multitude and deformity of enemies ! But how especially they admire , that infelicity or stupidity of ours , that we should euer seeme to afford any place to such execrable and damned Ghosts as these . THE COLLOQVY . OH what dulnes of mind is this , what stupidity of hart , that we should so long suffer these monsters , to rest and abide with vs , as if they were some friends and familiars of ours ! Oh truly admirable goodnes of God! who hath attended and expected vs so long to returne to the duty and office of good men ; and now at last most powerfully hath brought vs into liberty , wherefore we wil stedfastly purpose , and determine hereafter , to die rather , then once to afford any place in our hart to sinnes . Pater . Aue. IESVS THE LIVING FOVNTAINE IN THE HART . THE HYMNE . BEhold the fountaines liuing springs : Both here & there in Angel bring ▪ Souls soyl'd with vgly spots within : Oh how I now am loathing sin ! Which nought could wash but streames of bloud , That issued from Christs wounds ô floud : The sourse . from whence thy torrent flowes , Is IESVS hart ? 't is that bestowes Eu'n the lasts drop , to cleanse my spots . O scribled hart , with blurrs & blots Of horrid crimes ! wash , wash , with teares , Thy sinnes . Thy paper written b●ares Being once made white , ( what doth afford , Al ioy , content , repose ) the WORD . THE INCENTIVE . 1. IF IESVS be absent , I am arid , dry and with out iuice ; so as neither I feele God , nor any thing of God. Oh cruel aridity ! O fatal drought ! 2. IF IESVS be present , he sheads diuine dewes of graces , he opens springs of incredible sweetnes ; the hart flotes only and swimes , and sincks in these torrents of celestial delights . Oh grateful dewes ! O blessed springs ! O ineffable delights ! 3. Angelical hands lade heither those waters of life , sprinckle therewith my hart and soule , cleanse , & water them with endles springs of Paradise . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . O Holsome streames of Siloe a Whereof the blind no sooner drinke , but they presently recouer the Light of their eyes ! O powerful waters of Iordan , where in Naaman plunging himself , his flesh became imediately like the flesh of a little Child , and so was cleane ! b O profoūd Spring which streaming downe in the midst of Paradise , c thence diuides it-self into foure heads , so many riuers , wherewith it washeth a great part of the earth . The one called Phison ▪ which passeth by the Region Heulach , with a most commodious riuer , for the vse of mortals , washes and waters al the parts of the world . The other G●hon , passeth along by Ethiopia . The third Tigris , that rapid and violēt streame , with scours the Assyriā ▪ The fourth Euphrates , so renowned in the monuments of sacred Writ . And oh ! to me sweet waters of Iacobs wel ! with one draught whereof the poore Samaritan woman d felt the thirst ; and head of concupiscence slacked and quenched in her , which til that tyme no springs , nor yet whole flouds , could take away quite , or so much as refresh or diminish neuer so little . Nor can I choose but admire thee , O prodigious springs , which with an endles streame sprungst from the iaw bone , with whose Herculean strength , Sampson , as armed with a triple knotted club foyled and vanquished a thousand Philistins . e Lastly , O thou most blessed Spring , at whose waters , those so happy flames of nuptial affects , betwixt Isaac and Rebecca f were anciently kinled ! But , O miraculous things behold here from the bottome of the hart , an endles spring to arise , plenteously watering with seauen channels the vniuersal face of the earth . Behold there that master , pipe , more large and ample then the rest , from whose head as it were eternal waters flow into the other six . But ●ix thine eyes especially vpon IESVS who keeping in the center of the hart , in prodigal and profuse vrnes or cesterns distributes whole flouds of graces . Hence mayst thou discerne the primary springs of iustification , to breake forth , thence more copious streames of conseruation to flow , and of the other side , the flux or flow of graces to swel againe and grow into a vast sea of waters . These are dealt to such as first begin , those are offred them who walke the way of perfection , others with ful channel are powred forth to such as climbing the ●ublime mount of vertue are got to the top . Casting thine eyes here also behold how in these streames of limpid , veynes , certaine little Ethiops ( who I know not ) are washed , with the ministery of Angels , and how bring cleansed , from the coale-black race of crowes they are transmitted into the candid family of doues . Come h● ther then you dry & thirstie soules , flock you hither : Why drinke you so long of those bloudy streames of Egypt ? Why carouse you so those muddy marish waters of the durty Babylon ? Why prize you those false bewitching cups of the world , to with , that C●cean hag ? Here maist thou rather , o thou foole , drinke thy belly-ful of endlesse liuing waters ; and wash if thou wilt , and rinsh thy whole mouth ; with which draught thou maist put off the old man , quench , thy thirst , take courage lastly deriue thee a whole streame of water Springing to eternal life ( a ) g Wherefore doe thou wash me Lord from mine iniquity , which vow was familiar with Dauid . h Wash I pray and first my wil , alas ! defiled with the filth of extrauagant and wandring affections ; and especially with the sordid dust of self loue . Wash my mind also , and with al wipe away al darknes of ignorance and errour from it . Wash likwise my hands , ah ! ( how I blush for them ) so fowly dight with crimes . Wash my mouth ; how I blush againe ! how slow , infamous , impudent Wash my tongue I euen tremble to say it ) so intoxicated with the poyson of scurrility and calumny . Wash my palat , alas ! with sootist relishes corrupted . Wash mine eies , ouer-cast with the noxious colours of wrath and melancholy humours : myne eares , enchanted with the enticīg charmes of witches , Syrens : my feet also soyled with the dust and mire of lewd concupiscēce : my hayr , and lastly cogitations , for these also are in foule plight : so is there nothing in me that is not impure and il affected . Ah! I dye of thirst , and desire of thy loue ! Oh quench and extinguish the thirst , the heat of my dying hart ! O eternal loue ! inexhaustible Spring ! But your , thrice happy Cittizens of heauen , o glorious Angels , who as certaine riuers flow from this fountaine of al good , receiue and shut vp first with ful minds the whole spring it-self , them in the open lakes of your harts , plunge this my dry and thirsty hart , drowne it in the ocean of loue . So I coniure your by that very loue , which is the immense spring and fountaine it-self , from whence you haue taken both your nature and spirit , of whose draught you stil liue , and shal liue , as long as Eternity lasts : very happy and blessed . VI. MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. FIRST POINT . COnsider sinne to be a true leprosy : for as this infects and fouly spots the body ; so that vitiates and corruptes euery part of the hart and soule ; and though the act be past , yet leaues a foule and vgly blot behind it . 2. Point . Consider further , this most vgly & foule blot is not washed away , but with the bloud of the only immaculate Lamb : which neither the sacrifices or ceremonies of the old Law , nor fasts , nor other austerities of this kind can wipe away without the sprinckling of this bloud : For without bloud , remission is not had . a 3. Point . Consider lastly , that as heretofore the posts and threshal of the house being smeared with the bloud of the Lamb , with held the sword now drawn and ready to strike , of the smiting Angel , from killing them in the house by a death so studiously prepared b so with this bloud , al hellish power is expelled , and restrained , that those wicked foes of our saluatiō may not touch the very entrance of our hart , or dare so much as looke vpon it : Lastly as the Preistly robes , yea the Sanctuary it-self was sanctified and hollowed by the bloud of the Lamb c so beleeue from the bloud of Christ al sanctimony d deriues into our minds . THE COLLOQVY . LOrd wash me againe , from mine iniquities , and cleanse me from my sinne . a Wash the mind , and let al the clouds of ignorance vanish quite . Wash the wil , and purge il appetits conceiu'd from the false nuages of transitory things : wash the memory , and wipe away self-loue growing , from an ouer-weening of my self , and my own doeings . Cleanse my feet , hands , eyes , and tongue , nor let any thing remaine in me , that is foule and polluted , or wich may any wayes offend thy Maiesty , neuer so little . Pater . Aue. IESVS PVRGETH THE HART WITH expiatory bloud . THE HYMNE . OHart lie open freely take , These sprinckled drops , enough to slake The flames of lust and quench the fire , Of bel it-self , O Hart desire Thy Lord , now is he entred in , To put to flight the deuil sinn , The world th● flesh : Behold h 'is gone , Thy contrite hart ▪ plow'd , harrowd , sown , May , wat●red with his heauenly dew , Spring forth , and fructify anew : To which annex some pearlik drops , That thou with ioy maist reap thy crops . Raine followes wind ; sigh , teares begin , And drown as with a deluge sinn THE INCENTIVE . 1. ALthough the hart be vnworthy and wholy vncapable of score of celestial graces , yet IESVS howsoeuer , of his soueraign goodnes , powrs thereon and sprinckles it at least with some little drops thereof , to instil thereby into the soule the first loues of heauen , and to excite a thirst thereof . 2. Behold in IESVS absence , how dry , dul vntoward , poore , miserable the hart languisheth and pines away ; how the Angels likewise scanding round about , and ful of horrour , are amazed the while , & with reuerence are praying to IESVS to be moued at so great a misery of the humane hart . 3. Goe to then , water , water , O most sweet IEVSV , this vnhappy hart : sprinckle it at least with some little drop of the ful fountaines of thy sweetnes . It is now enough , sweete IESVS ; for loe the hart came presently to it-self againe , as soone as it felt but one little drop of thy diuine loue to be sprīckled on it . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . MOyses , it is to no purpose to take the aspersour in hart a and with a purple thread to tye the ysop so about it ; with which dipt in the bloud of the victime ; thou busily purgeth the Altar , the volume of the Law , the whole people , attentiuely listning to the statutes and precepts of God : this shed & sprinckled bloud , wil not expiate sinnes , ror to the Tabernacle or Leuits afford any sanctity a whit nor wipe away the spots of leprosy , nor cancel the stigma or seared print of sinne ; vnlesse with al thou reguardst this fountaine , this bloud , which alone can wash away the monstruous sordidues and which shed on the tree of the Crosse yeald life to soule imparts a candour and beauty to them , and that like to the ●unne , which in the ful of the Moone , powres forth his light vpon her orbe and to sick mortals makes her more amiable . Nor truly for ought els that water and bloud so flowed from the side of dying IESVS ; then to ennoble soules , being cleansed with that purple to wash their robes , to make them fit and apt , that crowned with victorious laurels they may eternally triumph , with the immaculate Lamb. Take therefore O IESVS , loue of my soule , from this infinit bath of thine some few little drops , at least , and sprinckle thy Sanctuary therewith , I say , the ample field of my hart ; whose shure possessīo , thou hast taken to thy self long since . But you , O smitting Angels , goe farre away hence , the house is marked already , the signes of Tau is printed on the doores : be-gone I say ; for where this marke is seen , it is a crime to enter in . Oh would to God , my IESVS dearely beloued , with Dauids feruour , I could pray and obtaine this fauour at thy hands . Lord blot out my iniquities , wash me yet more from my wickednes , purge me of my sinne . Thou shalt , sprinckle me with ysop , and I shal be cleane , thou shalt wash me , and I shal be whiter then the snow . Turne away thy face from my sinnes ; and blot out al my iniquities . Create in me , O God , a cleane hart , and renew a right spirit in my bowels . b Let there be no corner , I beseech thee , which thou purgest not no portion of my soule , which thou blessest not with the fruit of thy pretious bloud . The swallow with her owne bloud restotes sight to her bling yong ones . The bloud of a Goat expels al manner of poyson . Againe , the bloud of doues , let forth beneath the wings , quickens the dulled species of the eyes : nor is it fit my God , nor iust that from thy precious bloud , my hart should not feel likewise the same effects . The bloud of victimes shed from the sacrificed Holocausts , bred no corruption , nor stench , nor flyes , that sordid creature , but rather eūn destroyed those importune and irksome things . The Sacrifice at Bethel c offered vp by Iacob , they say , was so purely and holily performed that not a fly disquieted the Patriarch : busy in this rites . I wil not , Lord I wil not haue my hart a Bethanues , or Temple of Bel d a pestered with flyes , and ruining al with filthy & corrupt goare : where Belsebub e giues forth his Oracles , and exhibits himself , awful and terrible to men , in despaire of their saluation . How I hate these direful and dreadful Sacrifices , these rites ! Thy bloud , O sweet IESV , is alwayes red with purple , and white with lylies intermixed . f For these two colours thou affect'st , the purple red , & snowy vhite ; wouldst thy Cliens , and deuotes addicted to them , and to be known by them . This bloud of thine , to thirsty soules quenches their heat , to hot and toyled spirits sends a humid breath ; to broken and dismaid harts , giues fortitude and courage . VII . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. THE PRELVDE . IN the midst of the Temple , was placed a huge brazen vessel , wh̄ece many channels yssued forth , apt to communicate their waters , for the vse of Preists and Leuits , where with they washed themselues when they went to sacrifice . a Weigh the munificence of God , who thought it not enough , for declaration of his famous and good wil towards vs , to water the hart of man with his owne bloud , vnles he left vs also a fountaine famous for seauen channels , from whence the guifts of graces might plentifully & prodigally flow into our minds , to wit seauen Sacraments instituted to this end , to wash vs , to expiate our sinnes , and to wipe al steynes from the hart . 2. Point . Consider the grace , which flowes from the fountaines of the Sacraments , to be a golden water , which turnes al it touches , into gold ; and that so powrefully and diuinely , as there is not the least action of our life ( so it be sprinckled with the liquour of diuine grace ) which we ought not to make more reckoning of , then of al the treasures and riches of the world ; as meritorious and worthy of eternal happines . 3. Point . Consider now , how al graces , & merits depend of the only Sonne of God , and thence ●re deriued by certaine pipes or aqueducts as from the rock or head of these liuing waters : Wherefore we are most studiously to receiue and keep this liquour of grace ; least any whit thereof should breake from the bancks of our hart ; nor is any occasion of heaping merits to be omitted , which we greedily reach or catch not at . THE COLLOQVY TO the wounds of our Sauiour . MY soule , O God , hath thirsted after thee ; a vnles thou replenish it with heaūely waters , who shal recreate or refresh it ? My soule is blacker then a coale ; b who shal wash it whiter then snow , c vnles thou powrest forth thy grace into it , which clearer then any chrystal , fals from the streames of thy side , hands , and feet ? Oh sacred springs of Syloe d infusing light to the blind ! Oh Springs of Elun , which refreshed the heat of the people of Israel e dying nigh with thirst , amid those parched sands of that vast desert ! Oh rock f smit cruelly with the tongue and hand of the Sinagogue ! a rock , I say , not exhaling flames of fire , but powring out aboundant streames and flouds of benedictions ; which with a continued course , accompanyed the pilgrime people into Palestine . Oh you holsome Iourdan waters of Naaman g flow with a copious channel into my hart , that no locks or sluce at any tyme may hinder your course . But your , O you heauenly Ministers of God and mans saluation diue and plunge in this fountaine placed in the midst of the house of God , those Ethiops our minds , I say , so vgly and deformed with the wretched colour of vices ; that by your meanes , being rised and cleansed once they may issue forth like doues . Amen . Pater . Ave. IESVS RVLES AND REIGNES IN THE louing & deuout hart . THE HYMNE . OMightie Souer aigne , if you please , To deigne a looke & view our seas ; Where harts like ships with wind & tide Are sayling ; some at anker ride , Some with waues and boystrous windes Tost to & fro ; ' mongst them you find My floating hart , with euery blast Of greife or of affliction past , As ' t were immersed with in the maine . But yet , Greate Monarch , if you deigne To be my Neptune , or to guide The sterne of my poore hart , beside The surges flying ore my decks , Reigne in my hart , let Hel play reks . THE INCENTIVE . 1. VVhen IESVS sits in the hart , as in a Throne & there commands , the hart is a Paradise , our cogitations , affects , desires , are euen as Angels , Cherubins , yea Seraphins , so here doe al things burne with diuine loue . 2. God raignes nor rules not ? Sinne therefore swayes and beares the rule , most tyrant-like ; and strikes and wounds the miserable hart , already stretched on the cruel rack and torture , with terrours , scruples , horrid spectres , bestial appetits : no hart , but euen a Hel. 3. Little King , great God , tame my rebellious hart , subdue it to thy heasts , and eternally commaund it : Surely I wil doe what I can to dedicate and consecrate it to thee : doe thou defend the place , wherein thou likest wel to be shut vp . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . THe pacifical Salomon in those dayes of old had built him a Throne of iuory six degrees or steps in height , on both sides whereof watched a Lyon , very exquisitly wrought , the truest symbol of regal Maiesty ; and likewise for the people beneath in the midst of the Temple he erected a very eminent and stately Chapel . And so to thee Immortal God ; the heauen is a Throne the earth a foot-stoole . For thou sit'st ( as sacred scriptures b tel ) vpon the wings of Cherubins , whence thou giuest Oracles , prescribest lawes to the world ; and euen with the only looke , maiesty , and state , becomst most terrible to the haughtiest mids . Hence thou exactst iust punishments from the damned : hence thou inebriatst the blessed Citizens of Heauen , with the nectaral honey of thy goodnes : lastly hence thou carrousest cups mingled with the gal of iustice , and honey of pure goodnes , to the earth , suspended betweene heauen and hel . Besides in the triumphant Church the celestial spirits , whom we cal Thrones , are thy royal seat ; and in the militant , the sacred Altar is thy lodging chamber , where thou sweetly takest thy rest . But nothing is thine owne so much or due vnto thee , with a better title , then the hart of man , which with a low abasement of thy self , and a singular obedience to thy father , thou hast lawfully recouered and bought with the price of immense labour and paynes ; yea redeemed with thy bloud , & a shameful death on the Crosse. Here , o pacifical Salomon , thou rulest , there thou commaunds with a beck , in this soyle or seat , as in thine owne dominion , thou swayst in that manner , as there is none so bold or of so impudent a face , that dares , vnbidden , step in a foot , or , not touched with the point of thy golden scepter , c looke in a-doores . Here thou hearest the humble suits , and petitions of thy subiets , here thou stiflest lewd desires , putst a bridle on the rebellious senses , tamest the insolence of carnal concupiscence , sweetnest the acerbity of labours . And , ( O most happy kind of gouernment ! ) thou alone sufficiently sillest the whole hart , attended with a most happy trayne of heauenly Citizens which thy retinew or Court can neuer depart from thy side , or vanish from thine eyes ; so strongly tyest then the minds , harts , and loues of al vnto thee . Moreouer in the basis or foundation of this royal edifice , stands faith , more cleere then any Chrystal ; in which glasse of Eternity , mans hart sees and beholds the past and future things . The whole frame susteines it-self , on that , thy surest and most constant truth ; where with thou proppest and holds it vp . For if faith leane not vpon thee , it cannot hold the name or dignity , of faith . Now the steps by which they ascend into this Throne of the hart , are those which the Kingly Prophet insinuats , where he sayth : They shal passe from vertue to vertue . d Humilitie lyes in the lowest place , obedience followers , anon pietie ariseth then patience shewes it-self ; resignation attends and perseuerance tops and crownes them al. The foūdation faith consists of Iaspar , each stair shines with his special gemmes . The first , is black with ieat , the second , greene with the emarald , being the colour of hope , the third glissens with the purest chrystal , the fourth is hard with the adamant , which no contrary violence or force can master ; the fift euen sprinckles fire with the chrisolite , but the Carbuncle , the sixt , flashes forth both fire and flames at once : yet thou midst al , my sweetest IESV , o prodigy ! not only sits secure , but euen deliciatst thy self . There are besides , two litle columnes or pillastres of this Throne ; loue appeares on the right hand , and feare of thy iustice is to be seen on the left : yet sitst thou so venerable with diuine Maiesty , in this humane seat of the hart ; as the face of thine enemies , cannot behold the dignity of thy countenance , or endure thy aspect . There thou giuest precepts , and art presently obeyed ; commaundst , and thy heasts performed in a moment . The Angels themselues , euen the Cherubins and Seraphins , tremble to approach any neerer ; as who know wel enough , this litle region to be properly thine , so only made for thee , and so due to thee by right of purchase , as whatsoeuer is lesse then thee , or shorter then eternity cannot please or satiate the hart ; grown proud of such a Lord. For it is hungry and thirsty , nor liues contented with any owner , vnles thou fix the seat of thy kingdome in its precincts . If thou beest present with it desires no more ; if absent , come in al created things at once , & wooe it neuer so much , there wil yet be place enough for more . If thou getst from thence , al felicity departs with thee : if thou abidest , al beatitude comes sodainly thither . Raigne therefore , and eternally raigne in my hart , O loue of my hart . Quiet the motions of perturbations , nor euer suffer the vnhappy hart ; to thrust the King out of his seat ; then which cannot happen a greater disastre to it . Nor suffer I say , o darling and delight of my hart , that one hart should be shared into many parts . For thou sufferest no riual . Oh suffer it not euer to be enticed with the allurements of worldly pleasure , which gate being once set open , I see how easily the enemy wil rush in . Be thou to it a brazen , yea , a wal of fire , which may so roundly girt the Tower , as that no passage may be found vnto it . But that only the Holy Ghost may come downe from Heauen , whereto the hart lyes open and enter therein , with a ful gale and occupy the whole hart ; that so I may truly professe and glory , My beloued to mee and I to him . e VIII . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. THE PRELVDE . MY Kingdome , is not of this world , ( a ) for my Kingdome is thy hart , o soule deuout to God. 1. Point Consider how God seemes to make but litle reckoning of the rule , and gouernment of heauen & earth , in regard of the dominion and care he hath of mans hart ; wherein , as in a breife epitome or abridgement , he summs and collects togeather the whole perfection of the Vniuerse . 2. Point . Consider againe , how sweet the yoke of Christ is ; compared with the most cruel and direful tyranny of the deuil . For into what horrible vices and abhominations , doth not this wicked Tyrant and cruel butcher of soules , drawe men who are subiect to him ? How farre this Lord differs from the genius of the world . For if this Impostour promise mountaynes of gold to his clients and followers , after a long & irksome bondage , after a tedious yoke , and loads of intollerable iniuries , which it layes vpon them , it really performes nothing but smoak of words & empty shadowes . Lastly , how diuerse this Masters benity is from the hard & cruel apprentiship of the flesh , which for a singular reward of most abiect seruices , repaies nothing but a thousand sordities , and miseries , as wel of the soule as body . 3. Point . But on the contrary , where IESVS rules in the hart , the appetits , which were before vnbridled , comply with the law of reason , and the soule-it-self , reduced as it were into the forme and order of a watch , being in tune and wel disposed , poyseth al her thoughts , words , and works , with iust weight and measure . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be with the most sweet IESVS , earnestly beseeching him he would take ful possession of the hart , commaund therein , as in his Kingdome , and exercise an ample power vpon al the faculties of the soule : that he would aduance , pul downe , enrich , impouerish ; lastly fraue it to each beck and signe of the most holy and diuine wil. Pater . Aue. IESVS TEACHETH the deuout hart . THE HYMNE . O IESV speake , thy seruant heares , But thou must find me pliant eares , For of it-self my hart and wil Is seeking drops that doe distil From a limbeck that 's rais'd on high With streines of wit , which soon are dry . Oh let me heare what thou dost speake ( Peace ) in my hart ! Ah , if it leake , As doth a vessel pierced through , It naught avails to heare . For how Can I retaine that in my breast , Except some heat of grace digest ? Oh with thy lessons that impart ! With thee I le soone get al by hart . THE INCENTIVE . 1. BEhold here my litle Doctour teaching from the pulpit of the hart . O speaches al of milk ! O nectar ! How affectiously the speaches ! With what a grace he teacheth How ioyfully the hart leaps , while it takes the words of eternal life . 2. Like Maister like Scholer ; especially if he take delight to hang on the lips of God , instructing as a Maister ; and with prompt and ready eares and mind but drinck his inspirations . Here truly he playes not the mans , but teacheth the Angels part , yea is indeed a very Angel. 3. Diuine Doctour , teach me to doe thy most holy wil , euery , where and in al things ; for I require no more . I shal sure be wise enough , when thou alone shalt tast and relish with me . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . THe tyme wil come , o delight of my soule , O Spouse of bloud , a when mount Caluery shal be thine Accademy , thy diuine humanity , thy booke ; for woden Chair , the hard Crosse , where this volumne shal be laid vpon , for points , stripes , Lashes for commaes , for Auditary of so diuine a Maister , the wicked Iewes . Al men shal read in that book , and if they mark , vnderstand , how potent thou art , who canst so aptly linck togeather , things by nature so farre distant from each other ; life with death , folly with wisdome , pouerty with riche , strength , with weakenes , gal with hony , high with low . Here the disciples of the. Crosse shal learn ; with what pretty slight of thy wisdome , the most tender worme b of thy humanity hanging on the line and hooke of the Crosse hath drawne out of the bowels of mens harts , that horrid and cruel fish Leuiathan c and crushed his head : with how vnvsual an instrument , the engine of thy humility , thou ouer-threwest that mad Tower of Babel , brakest with thy meekenes the adamantin hart of the Iewes , how with thy admirable sweetnes and affability , like that worme ( which seemed a prodigy to Ionas ) d thou didst so smit the root of that flowrishing iuy , as suddenly al the leaues withered , that is the ceremonyes of the ancient Sacrifices were abolished , Altars demolished , the preistly and regal power of the Iewes , the splendour of that flourishing nation , in times past , withered like a tree strooken and blasted from heauen . Lastly in this open and vnfolded book , al posterity shal acknowledge what were those ancient mercies , of thine , e hidden hitherto in the immense treasures of thy bowels , and euen the Gentiles themselues whom the diuine goodnes might seeme to haue cast off for so many Ages past , shal now behold the most abstruse secrets of the highest things , hidden heretofore . But now , [ most louing Doctour ) doe I see another . Schoole set open to thee , the spacious Galery of man's hart , a noble Lyceum , wherein thou Lord and Maister teachest the soule , thy disciple within and instructest her with the precepts of thy most holy wil. Speake therefore , I beseech thee Lord , the eares of my hart are open , speake O loue of my hart , for thy words are sweeter then the hony , and the hony comb : f milk and holy vnder thy tongue , the hony-comb distilleth from thy lips . g Oh fiery words of loue ! Strong , efficatious , endles , thundring words , which impetuously throw al things to the ground , ruine Ceders , fetch vp mountaines by the root , reare the lowly hil lying in the plaines strengthen collapsed minds , dash and crush the proud : Lastly ; words of a most indulgent Parent , teaching his dearest child al manner of holsome precepts . Lend thine eares then my hart ; God is he that speaks . Heare my Child ( for so IESVS aduyses from the pulpit of the hart ) doe thou giue thy self to me : Let me be thy possession , thy nurse , thy food , for nothing can satiate thyne appetite without me . My Child , throw away those leekes and garlik of Egypt , turne thy face from the stincking waters of pleasure , and put thy mouth rather to my side , the wine-cellar of graces , whence at ease thou maist draw and deriue to thy self most soueraigne and incomparable ioyes : For sake thy self and thou shalt find me ; leaue the vayne contentments , of the senses , and thou shalt purchase to thy self the solid & sincere delights of Heauē . Learne of me , child , not to build thee worlds , or frame new Heauens , nor to worke wounders , h but learne that I am me●k & humble of hart . i Be alwayes mindful of benefits bestowed vpon thee ; for nothing so exhausts the riuers of diuine grace , as the blasting vice , of an vngrateful mind . Be present to thy self follow thine owne affairs , square al thy actions to the exact rule of reason , and perswade thy self this , and haue it alwayes in thine eyes , that thine ; and the felicity of al rests in me the only soueraigne good . IX . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. THE PRELVDE . THey shal be al docible of God. a 1. Point . Consider how Almighty God , from the first creation of things , hath proposed al his perfections to be openly read in the book of creatures . b For by the ample spaces of Heauens , he hath manifested his immensnes ; by the diuersity of celestial influences , the variety of his guifts and graces ; by the splendour of the sunne & moone , his beauty ; by the admirable viciscitude of the seasons of the yeare , his prouidēce ; by the immoueable firmnes & stability of the earthly globe , his constancy and immutability , by the plenty of his benefits wherewith he hath most copiously endowed vs , his goodnes ; Lastly in the huge vastnes and depth of the seas , he hath left the inexhaustible abysse of his essence expressed as it were in a paincted cloth . 2. Point . Consider besides by what meanes the same God heretofore hath explicated his mysteries to vs , with diuers Oracles of Prophets , & with the manifold shadowes and figures of the old law . c So the greene bush d vntouched in the flames , signified the virginity and ●ecundity of the Virgin-Mother . The brazen Serpent e with whose aspect , erected in the wildernes , were cured the wounded , slung with serpents , expressed the Crosse , & death of the sonne of God , to be the holsome remedy of miserable mortals . The mariage solemnized betweene Salomon & the Egyptian , womā f & represented the hypostatical vnion of the eternal Word with the humane nature . 3. Point . But while these things seemed but smal to the great immensity of his loue , he himself being made man , came downe vnto vs ; and taking possession of the hart ; and assuming to him the office of a Teatcher , instructs it , and deliuers the art , not of working miracles , nor of building new worlds , but imbuing it with new precepts and altogeather vnheard of hitherto . Learne saith he of me , because I am meek , and humble of hart . g 4. Point . I wil endeauour to giue my mind very frequently and seriousl●y to learne this lesson by hart , wherein consists the summe of al Christian perfection , and I wil examine my self how diligētly hitherto I haue behaued my self therein , and what method I wil afterwards keep to be exact . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be directed to the Holy Ghost , most earnestly crauing him to afford me light to comprehend the diuine mysteries ; a hart docile & apt to receiue such lights and motions ; strength of memory , least the species of things once receiued may easily vanish away ; and force sufficient wherewith to execute what I shal thinke fit to be doue . Pater . Aue. IESVS PAINTS THE IMAGES OF THE LAST things in the table of the hart . THE HYMNE . O Rare Apelles ; loe the frame , My hart ; but first prepare the same , Which is al slubbered 'ore with sinne , Wipe al away , and then begin To draw the shapes of vertue here And make the foure last things appeare● That no Chimeraes of the brayne , Or Phantasies I may retayne . Besides vouchsafe to draw some Saint , Begin , sweet IESV , figure paint , Whom I may imitate , and loue , As did Narcissus . From aboue Descend Apelles , thou diuine , Come euery day and draw some line . THE INCENTIVE . 1. NOthing is more miserable then the hart when it giues licence to wandring imaginations , and liberty to self loue . My God! what images ! what phantasies ! what enormityes ! what folies are depainted there ! 2. But after that IESVS , the diuine Painter , hath entred into the shop of the hart , & taken the hart it-self as a table to draw and paint therein , thou maist streight discouer the image of God and Trinity reformed ; the effigies of IESVS , and MARY drawne , the whole celestial Court represented , and the face of the gallantst vertues expressed ; whether with greater lustre of colours , or feeling of piety , or delectation of the mind I can not say . 3. O most louing IESV , imbue my hart with the colours of Heauen , paint not shadowes , but genuine and natiue images , snowy innocence , greenes of hope , the purest gold of charity ; that so the closet of my hart may come to be a certaine Cabinet or Reliquary of al perfections . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . MY hart ( my IESVS ) is an emptie table , since thou hast wipped away thence the images and fading shadowes of worldly things , and throwne downe the idols which I my self had wickedly erected in thy Sanctuary ; take then , I pray , thy p̄ecils in thy hands , and dip them in the liuelyest colours thou hast ; that no series or tract of yeares , nor inclemency of the ayre , nor dust raised from the earth , may blemish or deface what thy al-working hand from the most absolute idaeas of the eternal wisdome , hath diuinely painted . For thou , o great Artisan , hast set downe in writing with thy hand , those noble soules , Abraham , Isaac , Iacob , and the rest of the family of the predestinate . Thou truly , art that admirable Authour , who didst put the last hand to the azure orbes of Heauen , appliedst the purest gold to the Starres ; the greenes of the emerald , to the herbs , the snowy candour to the lillyes , the crimson to the rose , the purple to the violet , pale with yellow mixed . Thou sprincklest cristal on the adamant , the etherean brightnes , on the saphir , the Vulcan flame ; on the carbuncle : Lastly , thou hast endowed al things , as wel sensible as insensible , with such variety of colours , and sweet delectation as the eye cannot be satisfied with beholding them . a And in this huge vastnes of the world , my God , thou hast shewne thy omnipotence , which the eye of the mind may wel admire , though not conceiue or comprehend but in the diuersity of created things , which a strange knot , concording discord , and discording concord most streihtly tyes together : thou hast impressed the liuely image of thy infinit wisdome in the order of this vniuersal Al ; but there is not among al thy creatures any one , no not the least of them , wherein conspicuous draughts of thy goodnes , shine not euery-where . Since therefore my hart is a void table , already sit to be wrought , draw I beseech thee diuine Painter , and here delineate only these foure images , which deuouring tyme with no age may cancel or were out . And first frame in this table , that last grimme , and dreadful line or period of my life , and let these here be the draughts of this sad image : Let me lye as dying , with eyes sunke into my head , with pale and deadly face , leaden lips , let death stand by threatning with a terrible iauelin in hand , here the deuil menacing with weapons of temptation , there the Guard an Angel breaking his thrusts , in my defence . Aboue be the Iudge seen attending the passage & issue of the soule , let the children houle at the doleful bed ; the seruants , each prouiding for himself : adde , if thou list , the cossin lying not farre off , wherein the senselles corps is to be laid , vntil that day , whē the last trumpet's found shal sumon the buried to arise . Oh holsome and profitable Picturel whole only aspect wil shew me that is , my nothing , to my self ; and laying the swelling winds , wil hold me in my earth , that I grow , not proud yea wil giue me a generous and stout hart , that triumphantly I may trample on the trash and trumpery of the world , and creeping on the ground with frequent sighes preocupying death , before my death mount vp to heauen . Now pious IESV , I pray draw , and finish also the other part of the table , of the other side ; with due lineaments . Be that maiesty set forth , wherewith as Iudge thou shalt appeare one day , and be seen of al to handle and discusse the causes of the liuing and dead : let me here behold thee sitting in the clouds , with the mouth armed , with a two edged sword , and with an eternal seperation seuering the sheep from goats . On which image as often as I shal cast mine eyes , I may feele the bit and feare of thy dreadful iustice cast vpon me , whensoeuer I shal lash out like a fury , into the precipices of vnbridled appetites . Goe on heauenly Artificer , now must thou , paint a Hel , that lake so dreadful for its sulphur and flames , where the vnhappy soules cheyned together , with howling and disparing cryes fil al things , and with that tragedy publish their wretchednes , and miserable condition . So exhibit the whole , as I may seeme to behold the vncleane spirits , touch the darknes self as with the finger , feele the gnashing of teeth , heare the horrible blasphemies , their cries , their pathes , their flegme which in vaine they cast forth against God , their bans and cursings , wherewith they cruelly teare one another , that being astonished with the sight of this picture , I may eternally sing thy mercies , b which hath held me vnworthy a thousand and a thousand times , from this lamentable abysse of infinit euils . Lastly , my good Painter , looke where the rest of the ample space of my hart , seemes void , I say not expresse , but shadow , I pray , the image at least of eternal glory and beatitude . Exhibit howsoeuer which a rude draught that house & royal seat , where thou layst open the most diuine treasure which thou hast reserued for thy children , with the title of inheritance . Here let that great and blessed City of celestial Hierusalem , built al of gold c and precious stones , euen dazle the eyes ; there let the Citizens of heauen be seen clothed with the sunne that graue Senate of Patriarchs and Apostles , with heads crowned with golden diadems , besides those valiant Heroes , who with the price of their bloud and life , haue purchased themselues immortal laurels . Figure also that mount , purer then christal , wherein the candid mother of the lamb , and the rest of the virginal flock deliciat with the Lamb himself , amid the chast delights and Quires . d Now then that these foure pictures may the better be conferued , let them not be enclosed I pray in Mosaical work with certain litle stones linked and cimented togeather , least perhaps disagreeing with themselues they fly a sunder , but let one be set in ebony , another in cypres wood , the other be garnished round with plates of siluer , al enameled and set with topase stones ; and finally the last be deckt with the richest gemmes . Take off thy hand now if thou please , the worke is fully finished . Yet one thing more remaines , my diuine Painter , of no smal reguard , forsooth , that to thine exquisit work thou adde a curten , least vnluckily the dust , or moister ayre , or more vntoward mind , may euer taint or least obscure so elegant and terse a picture . X. MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. THE PRELVDE . I Would to God they would be wise , & prouide for the last things . a 1. Point . Consider IESVS to be an excellent Painter , who with the only pencil of the mouth , to wit , the draught of one litle word of fiat , painted the whole world with so great and artificious a variety of colours ; and how in each creature he hath expressed very excellent lineaments of his power , wisdome , and goodnes . 2. Point . Thinke what force hath the liuely image and representation of death , perticular iudgement , and Hel , to restraine the lawles liberty of our life and too excessiue mirth ; and how much the remembrance of the heauenly glory preuayles to stirre vp the mind in the course of vertue , and to take away the difficulties they vse to meet with , who walk that way . 3. Point . Thinke this also with thy self , how the pictures and the images of the foresaid things expressed , at no tyme , should be wiped away from the table of the hart , this being the sourse of al our teares and errours , to be so careles and backvvard to conceiue and premeditate before hand , vvhat is to be exhibited in the last act and period of our life . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be made to God , beseeching him not to suffer , that either the delights and honours of the vvorld , or prosperity & aduersity may euer raçe out of our minds those pictures , vvhose affect is so necessary for vs to our Saluation . Pater . Aue. IESVS BRINGS IN THE CROSSE INTO the hart , and easily imprints it in the louer . THE HYMNE . HAst thou no Harbinger to bring Thy furniture , so great a King , But must thy self in person come To order al , and hang this roome ? My hart alas ! 〈◊〉 hardly brooks , To be tran●fixt with tenter book● ; For nayles and hamner , now I see , And ladder , al prepar'd for me . Ah! without sheets I see thy bed ; Thy Crosse , no bolster for thy head Except it be a crowne of thorne , Thy canopy is Heauen forlorne . Al things lament thy paynes to see , IESV come in , I 'l mourne with thee . THE INCENTIVE . 1. GOe in louely Crosse enter launce , spunge , nayles , scourge , bloudy , thornes , get you in to the Closet of the hart . Welcome stil , but on this condition that IESVS bring you in himself ; for mirrh with IESVS , is admirable , and meere sweetnes . 2. Thou saist thou louest IESVS ; then needes must thou his Crosse : for if otherwise thou boast to loue IESVS , thou deceiuest thy self and others . 3. Most sweet child ; what haue you and I to doe with this lumber here ? scarce art thou come into the world , but thou art oppressed with the weight of punishments . Oh plant thy seat in my Hart ! and then shal I chalenge Hel it-self : for if IESVS and I hold togeather , what Hercules can stand against vs both ? THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . MOst worthy Painter , a I pray , take the table in hand againe , for before thou , makest an end of thy worke in the escuchion of my hart , thou must needs paint thine armes , with some motto or other that by the deuise thou mayst be known to be the Master of the house . The Palaces of Kings , and their houses , as wel in the Countrey as Citty , euery-where are wont to giue forth their titles , armes , and names of their Ancestours , to wit , the monuments of their royal stock and ancient nobility . As for thine armes and tropheues of thy name good IESV ; I take them to be thy Crosse ; nailes , laūce , crown ' of thornes scourges ; that Pillar whereto thou wert boūd ; & those very cords , wherewith thou wast tyed . I ( sayd he ) haue , been trained vp in labours frō my youth . Goe to then , for my sake , among those foure images of the last things , which thou hast fully finished in al points , let these instruments , as Tropheye of thy Passion , be likewise pourtraited . The Crosse would be of Cedar , that is painted in his proper colour ; the speare sprinckled with bloud , the nayles dipt in the same dye , the pillar marked with drops and streakes of bloud ; lastly , the cords and scourges with bloud also , but so as washt away with teares here and there they make certain distinctions between . At sight of these armes , if they offer to encroch or approach neerer to the hart be the enemies dispersed ; and fly as wax before the face of the fire . But ho● my Lord , print I pray that Crosse more deep into my hart ; if it be churlish & resist , vse violēce with it & soften it if need be ; if with too much softnes it proue il and diffuse it-self , constraine the parts , to consist and hold together ; but be sure that euery colour thou here workest with be wel mixed with thy bloud , for this colour pleaseth best , as being the simbol of loue . Be this Crosse to me sweet IESVS , as a buckler , to rebate and blunt the weapons of the enemyes : be it a wal , or trench to girt me in ; armes for me to assaile my enemyes with al , may it stirre in me alwayes , first a fresh and liuely memory of thy passion , then a burning desire of suffring with alacrity for thee al hard and cruel things ; no otherwise indeed then of those thornes were roses the black-berries ; the whitest-lillyes : let this wood , cast into my-mind , turne the bitternes of the waters , into sweetnes b change gaul into hony , alloes to sugar , Let the Crosse be the mast of the sayling ship , wherein transported I may happily land at the hauen of saluation ; my bed ; where couching as the Phenix in her nest , and consumed with the flame of loue , and turned to ashes I may dye Iacobs ladder c to mount to Heauen by ; the Pilgrims staff to passe the Iourdan d the sheep-hooke , to keep in the straying senses in their dutyes ; Pharus whereto I may direct my course in the tempestuous Sea of the world , amid the thickest fogs or fowlest weather . May the launce and scourges strike a terrour to the proud and rebellious spirits , that menace a far-off , and reuewing the assault by sits try to inuade thy Sanctuary . Pitch Lord , and plant this Crosse of thine in the turret of the hart ; be it there a standard , which being aymed at , as the Captayns signe and signe of warre , may al the faculties of my mind anon , be summoned with alarmes , and pel-mel directly rush vpon the enemy . Being armed with this Crosse as with the keenest sword , I may cut off the wretched head of the cruel Holofernes e and rise vp against my Aduersaries , like that Angel , who in a night alone foyled & vanquished at once , a huge army of the proud f Senacherib . Wherefore auant you hellish troops , packe hence away , & fly vnto those darkesome vaults . There is none of you that dares abide before the Tower of the hart , where the armes of the Supreame Numen are now set vp : in sight whereof the Angelical squadrons stand in battle array ; where not only horrour and dread but imm●nent & most present ruine waits vpon you . For death himself at the sight only of the Crosse , turnes his back ; sinne also takes his flight a long with him , and both togeather with th●ir common Captain Sathan the deuil , in great dispaire tumble headlong in the lowest Hel. XI . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. THE PRELVDE . Pv●●● as a signe vpon thy har● . a Be thou as wax , for euery forme ; I vvil be the seale , and imprint the armes of my passion in thee . 1. Point . In the cōquered & vāquished Tower of the hart the victorious Iesus , placeth the trophies & triumphs of his passion , forsooth , as Lord and Master of the place , least any one hereafter may chance to chalenge it to himself , or seek to inuade it . 2. Point . There can be no such force or power of tēptations , which vvith the liuely apprehēsion of these armes may not vtterly be defeated ; no aduersity so great , which may not cheerfully be borne ; no such alluremēts of worldly pleasures ; which with a generous loathing may not be reiected . 3. Point How happy the soule which is nayled with Christ vpō the Crosse ! how rich , while vnder that wood are found to be the riches of Heauen & earth ! how defensible & secure against al the power of Hel , being the imprenable Tovver of Christians , whereon a thousand targets hang b the whole armary of the strōg , either to endure the shock of the enemyes or to assaile them . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be made by turnīg the speach , by way of Apostrophe , to al the symbols of Christs Passion , as nailes , lance , vvhips , and also vnto Christ himself , crauing most earnestly of him , as wel to conserue in our minds the memory of those things which he hath suffred for our sakes , as to admit vs into the society , and communion of his most bitter chalice ; that we may also merit one day to enioy our part of glory & eternal felicity . Pater , Aue. THE HART CONSECRATED TO THE loue of IESVS is a flourishing garden . THE HYMNE . IESVS , thy power and gratious wil Is alwayes drawing good from il , And life from death , and ioy from grones , And Abrahams childrē mak●st of stones . Behold a quick-set is my hart , With thornes and bryars on euery parte ; One drop of bloud alone thou shedst Wil make a rose , wheres'er thou treadst : Oh may my hart sweet odours breath Of vertue ! Ah! thy thorny wreath That pear●'d into thy brayne made red And parple roses on thy head . Then for my sinnes , that I may mourne , With roses grant a pricking thorne . THE INCENTIVE . 1. IF IESVS , be in thy hart , thou needst not feare , the vnlucky accidents of man's life , for he of very thornes makes sweetest roses . 2. The most sweet odour of the white & ruddy rose , which IESVS is , recreates and refreshes men and Angels , kils the rauenous fowles . Hence when the hart with IESVS is beset and closed in with roses , sinne and the deuil get them far enough ; for they cannot abide the smel of them . 3. Wilt thou be a soft couch , wherein litle IESVS may like to repose and rest in ? let the Hart be crown'd with the roses of vertues with the snowy flower , of innocence , with the purple of patience , and breath the frangrancy of true deuotion . Here IESVS feedes a here he sleepes . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . Ovr litle bed is flourishing a our garden likewise is al beset with flowers . Here the sweet smelling balme exhales an odoriferous breath here amid the snowes of lillyes , the rose-grow al purple ; here Cinamon with safron , cassia mixed with mirrh , haue a fragrant odour with them ; there is nothing here that breathes not admirable sweetenes to the smelling . Come therefore , O loue of my hart , my beloued , that feedst among the b lillyes , who delightst in flowers , come into the sweet delicious bed , or rather , if thou wilt walke the spacious allyes of the orchard and in the walkes . Oh my Sun , dart those fruitful rayes of thine eyes , and with thy sweetest breath more gentle then Zephirus . inspire an odoriferous soule into the flowers , wherewith my hart being hedg'd in , like garden-plot ; euen smiles vpon thee . Here the humble violet , fairer for her lownes , euen wooes thee with her soothing flatteryes , the higher sending her odours as she stoopes the lower ; a noble symbol of a lowly mind ; which vertue ; as a first begotten daughter thou hast kissed from the cradle and tenderly embraced , Here the lilly rising somewhat higher , from the ground , amidst , the whitest leaues , in forme of a siluer cup , shewes forth her golden threads of safron in her open bosome ; a noble Hierogrisike of a snowy mind , a candid purity , and a cleane hart , which now long since haue been thy loues : for hence that strange obsequiousnes of thine in those thy yonger dayes , seeking and complying so with thy Virgin-Mother . Here now besides the pourpourrizing rose , the flower of Martyrs dyed with the sanguine tincture of their bloud , represents that incredible loue which put thee [ o loue piously cruel ! ) and nayled thee on the Crosse ; so as it is lesse to be wondered , it should dare so afterwards to cast the martyrs into flaming furnaces , into cauldrōs of melted lead , into burning fires , with liuing coales ; load them with Crosses gibbets , punishments , and take away those actiue soules , which yet these generous and noble Champions , very willingly lay'd downe of their owne accord . Here also that bitter mirrh , but bitter now no more , whose chiefe force consists , in preseruing bodyes from corruption ; distils those first c teares of hers more bitter then the later ones that follow after ; but so much sweeter , as more powerful : This shewes and represents those teares , sighes , pressures , labours , which thy dearlings , Confessours , Mōks , Anchorites , haue taken voluntarily vpon thē , while in the doubtful course of this life the pious Pilgrims hyed them to the heauenly countrey . But , O most sweet IESVS to rauish thee aboue the rest with admiration , and his loue , the heliotropion of my hart , that flower , the genuine image of the Sun conuerts it-self to thee ; whom therefore so assiduously it followes , for hauing so from nature such , a hidden force and sympathy with that eye of the world , the parent of al light . In this flower doe nestle harts enflamed with thy loue , whose voyce is euen the very same , with that of thy Spouse ; My beloued to me , and I to him . d Deliciate thy self then , IESV the delight of my hart , amidst these amenityes of flowers , and from those fragrant & odoriferous garden beds , let the blessed Spirits thy companions weaue them co●onets , & delightful garlands , more pleasing , I dare say , to thy diuine Maiesty , then those of old , so offred vp in Lachary e wherewith the head was deckt of the sonne of Iosedech , the high-Priest . Yea wil I be a little bolder with thee ; doe thou thy self , my IESV , from thy Garden gather & pluck thee flowers make thee posyes , wreath thee chaplets , and doe your Angels only help the while . My litle IESVS first shal choose the gathered flowers himself , then shal you bind them vp with a golden thread , & lastly he with these flowers these wreaths , these chaplets shal compasse in the hart about , that with this preseruatiue and odour of these flowers , he may banish from the mind al contagion that may vitiat or infect . Goe to then goe on you blessed Spirits , but I pray giue him the rarest flowers into his hand , euen the pride and honour of the eternal spring , which neither heat of sunne may fade , nor tempest or showers deface nor obscure the lustre , beauty or dignity , which the diuine graces prodigally haue powred vpon them . XII . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. THE PRELVDE . Ovr bed flourisheth , saith the Spouse . a 1. Point . Consider IESVS to be truly a Nazarean , that is flowry or flourishing ; for the loues to be conuersant with the sweet odours , and flowers of vertues . Wherefore I wil ponder , how grateful it is to him to repose and rest himself among the lillyes of purity and chastity ; the roses of martyrdome and mortification , the violets of humility and prayer ; the Sunne-affecting marigolds , that is , the noble soules , and pliant to euery beck , of the diuine wil ; and other garden plots , of the rest of vertues , with whose loues , he is so taken , as that euery-where , at al occasions , he sents their odours and hunts after them . 2. Point . These flowers should neuer fade , with any weather , not with the parching heate of the sunne , I say should not wither with the heat of carnal temptations , nor hang the head with the southerly wind of austere sadnes ; nor pinched vvith the cold and frozen blust●ring of the north , that is , not nipt or blasted with the euil breath of dulnes in spiritual things : but should rather be continually watered with the dew of celestial graces , and from the substance of the hart , deuo'yd of al corruption , draw and deriue their iuice & bloud , where by they might prosper and flourish euer●more . 3. Point . I vvil seeme to behold the litle IESVS , sporting in this litle flovvry garden of the hart , picking here and there , and plucking with his hand , now those flowers ; the Angels remayning astonished at so great familiarity , and adoring the vvhile . But for me I wil resolue vvith my self , to keep especially the lilly of chastity inuiolable , vvithout the least staine or blemish of its candour . THE COLLOQVY . TO the most Blessed Virgin , Mother and Disciple of al chastity , of vvhom I vvil craue the meanes first to keep chastity , and then earnestly beg her help and patronage , to vanquish easily al the temptations of the flesh . Aue maris stella . IESVS SINGS IN THE QVIRE OF THE hart , to the Angels playing on musical instruments . THE HYMNE . IF thou within my hart wouldst a wel ; OIESV , then what Philom●l , Could warble with so sugred throte , To make me listen to her note ? The Syrens of the world to me ; Would seeme to make no harmony . When they a long a large resound Of pleasures , thou dost them confound , Chanting a long , a large to me , With ecchoing voyce , Eternity ! A briefe of pleasure , with like strayne Thou soundst a long of endl●sse payne , The Diapason , ioyes for me , To liue in blisse eternally . THE INCENTIVE . 1. VVhat doe me heare my hart , what doe we seeme to heare . How sweet are these rapts ? how sweetly this ●clestial harmony enchants the soule , and rauisheth it quite besides himself . Oh happy houer ! O happy lot ! when IESVS and the Angels sing in parts , to the melody of the Heauens . 2. When the hart sweetly respires , it sighes for and after , IESVS , and chants forth his praises with a glad some spirit . O musike . O incredible consort ! I heare me-thinks the Quires of celestial symphony to sound ; and see my self in the midst of celestial ioyes . 3. Let thy voyce sound in mine eares a my Beloued . For to speake in a ward , most humbly prostrate at thy feete , I here , protest ; that neither I doe nor wil euer loue any other then the sweetest dolours and passions of IESVS . Away with these flatteryes of self : Away with these bewitching Prostitute of carnal pleasures . Syrens auaunt with your alluring charmes of my affections , Let IESVS only sound in mine eares . For his voyce is sw●●t and graceous his sface . b THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . O Sweet harmony ! O diuine confort ! Or are we mocked the white ? I heare me-thinke a lute , the harpe playes , the flutes and cornets wind , a whole Quire is kept in the hart ; and if I be not deceiued it is a song of three parts ; they seeme to play according to the number of the musitians that play . For the Angels here of th' one side , though they vse diuers instruments ; yet sounding but one thing seeme to play but one part ; then IESVS the skilful and most exquisit Musitian tunes his voyce , and beares his part ; lastly the hart hath his . For amidst these numbers it sings and dances al at once . How quaintly and aptly the strings , wind instruments , and voyce al agree : With how admirable a pleasure the numbers quauer and iump with al. But then how noble a Hymne is sung the while how curious & elegant IESVS stands in the midst , not only a singer , but as a Rectour of the Quire also with a magistrat rod in hand now lifted vp , and then let fal ; keeping the time , and ordering the key and ayr of the whole song . If you aske me the subiect of the dicty the Royal Psalmist a had designed and penned it long a goe , when he sayd : I wil chant the mercies of the Lord for euer . For to this purpose IESVS the prime Christ , records his ancient loues to the humane hart , & now mixing with admirable skil flats with sharps , sharps with flats , the tenour with the base , & running diuersly diuisions he touches with a sweet remēbrance now vvith a moderate , novv remisse , now slow , and novv vvith a quick voyce , the innumerable number of his benefits vvhere-vvith heretofore he hath vvooed the hart : Wherefore recording things in this manner , novv he stirres vp pious desires , vvhich he had often enkindled before , novv vvith a grauer tone , he exaggerats the horrid feares of sinnes , and hel , vvhich he not rarely had inculcated heretofore , and novv againe vvith a sharper streyne of the voyce , cal he to mind the liuely and sudden impressions of compunction for sinnes , the agitations and excitations , of the mind , determining a change of life , nevv vndertakings of great things , heroical entreprises , and a thousand other of the sort ; vvith vvhich diuine loue is vvont to play and dully in the harts of louers . Meane vvhile the Angels tune their instruments and strings to this argument , and while themselues for astonishment cannot open the mouth or expresse a word ; they betake them to their instruments , and apply al the industry and art they haue to play vpon them , and with a sacred silence , tacitly admire the diuine mercy towards men , and euen with the gesture of this dumb admiration most vehemently stirre vp and incite themselues to magnify and extol the praises of God to the Heauēs ! whose manner is and cheife delight , to rescue mortals from the iawes of hel , to put the burning coles of diuine loue the cold , tepid , and slouth ful minds , and with water as it were to extinguish the flames of libidinous lust . Lastly with one glance or cast of the eye , as with a thunderbolt to ruine and depresse the proud and haughty and for the humble and modest , with the only beck of his wil to raise them sudenly . But what doth the hart while , in whose musike roame is al this harmony made ? Now it dilates it-self , now contracts , now it riseth , now fals , it feares , it hapes , it loues , it hates , it composeth and wholy frames itself and al it's appetites to the rules , numbers , and sweet modulation of musike . Then truly it obserues and clearly discernes the difference between the celestial , that true , stable , melodious musike , and the false voyces , the harsh , the trembling , the broken , & vngrateful tunes of the world . For tel me I pray , what is that bewitching , or , as you cal , delicious musique of the world , but confusions of B●bel , mad baulings , strāge clamours , vnquoth noyses ? One sings the perilous tops of dignities , the smokes of honours , the vncertaine degrees of Magistrates , the vayne breath of popular glory : another with a sordid mouth sounds for the obseene and foule delectations of the flesh , bestial delights , wine , feasts , and banckets : another sings outrage in 's angers : another with a fayned voyce dissembles , choler and rancour , harbouring within . Some like rather to flatter , as Syrens , some with singing to plot and coner guile and deceit Thus are al the songs of the world but a hydeous and tumultuous noise , no harmony ; inarticulate and hoarse murmurs , no musike ; or if a harmony it be , it dulles truly as wel the hearers as singers ; and euen kils with the very absurdnes thereof , since peace indeed cannot rest with the wicked b nor any quietnes be among tumults , nor tranquility , nor calmes , amidst the black , & hydeous stormes and tempests of malice . Whereas on the contrary , heauenly musike delights the hart , wipes away troubles and tediousnes , composeth the euil motions of the sick mind , repels the force of the enemies lastly puts Sathan to flight , as heretofore was signifyed in Dauid ; who restored Saul to his wits againe being taken and vexed by an euil spirit , with the only playing on a harp . c Now therefore my hart ( for now remaynes thy part ) sing a ioyful and triumphant song . Io , liue IESVS Victorious , liue he foreuer : liue IESVS the triumphers , the terrour of hel , & father of life . Liue IESVS the Spouse of Virgins , the Doctour of Prophets , the fortitude of Martyrs . Liue IESVS Prince of Heauen and earth , IESVS triumph , the only possessour of my hart . Let IESVS , I say , liue ; raigne , and triumph eternaly . XIII . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. FIRST POINT . I Wil consider a triple musike , wherof the first is heard in Heauen , the second in earth , the third in the hart of man , deuout to God. The first truely , the Angels , frame of three parts , the Cherubins , Seraphins , Thrones , sing the treble , who with a most high and shril contention of the voyce , chant the diuinest things , the eternity of God his immensity , power , and the rest of the diuine attributes . The Vertues , Dominations , Principates , in a certain midle tenour are occupied in proclayming the mysteries of grace , the Incarnation , of the Sonne of God , his virginal Natiuity , Passiō , Death , Resurrection , Ascention . Lastly the Principates , Archāgels , Angels , with a graue and lower tone , sing the creation and conseruation of the world , and the rest of this kind . 4. Point . Attend now to the other musike , made on earth , proclayming the diuine prayses , which is the order , symetry , and apt agreement of al the parts of the world , with and among themselues ; in which Quire , the foure elements with an harmon●ous discord play their parts admirably together . The Heauens likwise make vp the consort , while they declare the glory of God to the whole world , for neither are the words or speaches , whose voyces , may not be hard . a 3. Point . The third symphony is held in the Temple of mans hart , and then is that melody made , when al the faculties of the soule , contayne themselues vvithin their parts and functions ; vvhen reason playes the treble , the inferiour appetite beares the base , when our wii agrees with the diuine and supreame wil : and such is the sweetnes of this harmony , as fils he mind with immense pleasure . And no maruel , while IESVS hmself moderats al this musike with his most certaine and temperate rules and measure . THE COLLOQVY . TO the blessed Spirits , whom I wil inuite , first , to sing prayses to the Diuinity : then wil I also stirre vp my self to accommodate my voyce with theirs : wherefore with al the endeauour of my mind , wil I sing with them this diuine verse , Lord thy wil be done as in Heauen , so in earth . Pater . Aue. IESVS THE SONNE OF DAVID , PLAYES ON the harp in the hart , vvhile the Angels sing . THE HYMNE . VVhen IESVS doth my hart insp●re , As Orpheus , with his tuned lire , The trees with power attractiue drew , My hart deep rooted ( where it grew In baren soyle without content ) So powerfully he drawes , that rent From thence , it followes him , takes root , And so self-loue , which had set foot Is banished farre , who charm'd before My hart deluded . Euermore IESV be al in al , my part , My God , musitian to my hart , And harmony , which solace brings Ah touch my hart , & tune it's strings . THE INCENTIVE . 1. IF IESVS touch alone and mooue affects , which are the strings of our hart , good God! how sweet , how diuine a musike he makes therein . But if self-loue once play the Harper , and medle with the quil , and touch the springs but neuer so litle , ah me ! it is a hellish horrour , and no musike . 2. When IESVS with a soft modulation steals into my hart there is streight such a sweetnes in the marrow and bovvels , as al things satisfy and please alike ; life , death , prosperity , aduersity : You vvould verily say my miseries were charmed by IESVS and his Angels . 3. Touch but the harp , litle Dauid , giue it a lick vvith the quil , tvvang that only , I say , tvvang the domestical harp but neuer so ligh●ly , whereon thy Gransier Dauid playd so long a goe , and it is enough . It was it dispersed the horrid clouds of sadnes and melancholy , & draue away the wicked Genius . O God , when I heare this Dauid both father and sonne of the Royal Psalmist , playing on his harp , how my hart iumps the while , yea how ready it is to leap out of it-self . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . THe heauenly Dauid in the midst of the Hale of the hart , with nimble fingers , tickles the harp , to the musical numbers . Come hither Angels , then come you deare soules to IESVS , come you al : Cleare vp your voyces , and tune them to the pulse , and harmony of this harp . This sound , beleeue me , wil banish Sathan , and throughly purge away melancholy , that grateful seat of the wicked Genius . But why the harp ( most sweet IESVS ) rather then another ? Yet should I thinke thou takest it not by chaunce : Vnles perhaps it be that the forme and sound of this Instrument . Ah! thou wouldst present that figure which in mount Caluary thou actedst so long a goe ; playing the Chorus of that sad Tragedy , in the publike Theater of Heauen & earth , in view of al ? Ah , now I remember how thine armes and feet were then stretched forth on the tentours , as in the harp the strings are wont . How stiff were then the nerues and sinewes of the whole body : But here loue playes the harper , and yealds so forth a sound most like the harp , reaching farr and wide , as farre I say , as the highest , midle , & nether orb extend heauen , earth , & hel . Sathan felt thee harper , and maugre al his power was constreyned to compresse his foaming anger , and bridle his implicable fury . Death lurking at the gates of hel , felt the fatal point of his dart ( being no lesse then sinne ) to be sudenly rebated . But with vs now at the sound of his harp , the rocks being riu'd & split , began to fly asunder , harts harder then adamants to soften , wicked men touched with the prick of conscience to confesse their crimes , to knock their breast , the proper seat of the penitent mind , and to giue forth these words , most ful of compunction , Truly the Sonne of God was here . a Yea the sound went vp to Heauen also ; and sudenly stayed so the hand of the diuine Nemesis , menacing eternal ruine and calamity to men , and now ready stretched forth to make a ful reuenge of al , as that by and by the same being voluntarily vnarmed , and now as the case were altered quite hath giuen place to mercy , which hitherto had layne hid . But why doe I cal these things to memory ? who knowes my hony IESVS , whether , with this harp thou playest not some-what els ? What ? I know not Vnles perhaps with this sweet harmony of strings thou , wouldst signify the sweetest and sincerest pleasures , wherewith thou woest and courtst the harts of pious men . For who are able to expresse with what deliciousnes of thy pleasing tunes thou recreatst now and then , and erectest minds afflicted with the irksomnes and tediousnes of a wretched and miserable life ? And for that we seely men , are altogether vnable , goe on , o you Angelical spirits , and here sing againe a new mottet of thanksgiuing in our behalfe . But you get you hence and farr enough , you glosing dangers foule Sirens : Get you hence vncleane wicked and deceiptful world : I hate your rimes , your idle sonnets ; for your , musike lines are nets , your notes , snares , your voyce the foulers whistle . I curse and detest these cunnings tricks . Your bals and reuels are the Theaters of impudent & infamous scenes ; I execrat and detest these Masks and mummeryes . Therefore , o my hart , listen I pray , and when thou hearest the voice of thy God , anon being struck as it were and smil , giue a sound with al , and attemper and ply thy voyce to his , make his wil and mine to iump and sympathize together : take heed thou yealdst not a rustike musike ; and a harsh vngrateful tone ; sing to the numbers right , and dance with al whether aduersity maane thee , or prosperity play with thee . But especially lend thine empty eares to the most sweet ditty of the diuine Harper : who sweetly allures thee a farre of , and neerer hand puls thee vvith the sound of his harp . Come , for so he sings , come my freind come and thou shalt be crowned with the head of Amana , with the top of Sanir and Hermon ; from the lions dens , from the hils of Libbards . b Take here the crowne of flowers , which thou hast wouen for thy self , fetched from the highest and steepest mountaines tops not with out much labour and sweat receiue the reward of the trauels and combats , which thou hast fought : the prize of the victory vvhich vvith taming and binding the lyons and beares , those vnruly beasts of thy passions thou hast most gloriously purchased . This harmony of IESVS singing to the hart , my soule , vvil procure there light , and gentle sleeps and imbue the vvhole breast vvith the nectar of diuine consolations , that thou maist not feele the acerbity of molestations , vvhich are necessary to be drunke by mortals . Strike out therefore thy harp most strongly , my beloued , there shal no murmure at al obstreperate and dul thine eares ; the closet of my hart is vvholy vacant , that naught might hinder the svveetnes of this harmony . And you againe good Angels , tune your voyces to the sound of this harp , and I the vvhile from my immost bovvels vvil sing these verse of the Psalmes I wil blesse the Lord at al times , his praise be alwayes in my mouth . c For he hath taken compassion on me of his great mercy , he hath blotted out my iniquities . d He hath deliuered my soule from death . e He hath crowned me in mercy and good workes , He hath replenished my soule in good things . f XIIII . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras quesumus , &c. FIRST POINCT . COnsider how easy and expedit is the contemplation of spiritual things , when IESVS borne of the true stock of Dauid , playes the harper , in the hart , and with the soūd of his diuine instrument driues away the wicked spirit ; euen as heretofore his great Grandsier Dauid , restrayned the intemperance of Saul . Attend besides how seriously the Angels accommodate their voyce to the sound of the harp ; that euen looke what they see IESVS to doe for our good , they endeauour to doe also , studying to accommodate themselues to our occasions . 1. Point . Consider IESVS hanging and nayled on the Crosse seemed to haue caryed the figure of a harp with him , which being playd on , gaue forth as it were seauen sounds , very ful of hidden mysteries and the first stroke truly of his mystical harpe was : Father forgiue them , for they know not what they doe . a When he held vp and staid the making of the world from falling , being then on the point to demolish quite , and with it's ruine ready to swallow the impious Parricides of God. But , o most vnlucky stroke ? in the last streyne a string broke and snapt asunder , and the soule & body of the most blessed IESVS being dissolued , the whole harmony of Dauids harp was vtterly marr'd , which yet a litle after the parts being resumed and handsomely vnited together , so newly raysed againe sung forth a triumphal song . 3. Point . Consider when IESVS is present what great festiuityes are made , what diuine rayes doe shine , what plenty of graces are powred forth , and what true and solid pleasures abound : but in the contrary IESVS being absent what hydeous darknes ouer-casts the minds , whole squadrons of calamities , troubles , desperations , feares , mourning , tediousnes slouth , molestations , and what not ? come rushing in by troops . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be directed to the Blessed Virgin , of whom , with the greatest endeauour of an earnest and submisse mind that may be , I wil craue leaue that what she led before , I may sing after her : My soule doth magnify the Lord , a especially since the benefits I receiued from her sonne are likwise infinit ; b & I wil further inuite not onely the Angelical spirits to sing ; but al created things whatsoeuer , with that Psalme of Dauid : Praise the Lord al you nations . Pater . Aue. IESVS RESTS IN the louers hart . THE HYMNE . BEhold my hart doth Christ enclose , While he doth sleep I doe repose : As I in him , he rests in me . If he awake , I needs must be The cause , that made the noise within ; For nought disquiets him but sin . But I with crosses , soon am vext . With iniuries and cares perplext , And I , who should my wil resigne , Am soone disturb'd greiue , fret , repine : Til IESVS doth his grace impart , Who giues repose vnto my hart ; O happy hart , with such a guest , Which here hath what he giues thee , rest . THE INCENTIVE . 1. SO long as the hart in God , and God rests in the hart ( which is wrought with a holy consent of wils ) let the Heauens thunders and lighten , the earth quake , and moue out of its seat , the elements tumult , the winds of temptations rage and make a hurly-burly ; yet the hart shal be quiet and laugh at al. 2. When thou hast receiued IESVS , taking the venerable Sacrament of the Eucharist , take heed thou awake him no● deliciously sleeping there , either with the hydeous noise of outrageous choler , or with the obstreperous clamour of the other passiōs , or by any other way of breaking silence , so much as with the hu●h only . 3. But doe thou sleep , my litle IESVS , and ( as thou lists thy self ) take thy rest , in Gods name : We make thee a couch ready in the hart , we intend to loue none but thee we , wil neuer breake our faith with thee ; though the winds bluster and seas rore neuer so much . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . I Sleep and my hart wakes : a It is the voyce of the most louing IESVS . Whist therefore you Heauens , earth hold your peace . IESVS sleeping in the bed of the hart , sweetly rests . You bustle in vaine , o restlesse winds . The hart where IESVS takes his rest is safe enough the ship is now in the Hauen , which the Master-hand of so diuine a Pilot guides . Cease Aquilo , Ah thou cold , gelid , cruel stranger of the North ; bridle thy most ominou● blasts , for thou exhausts and dryest vp the riuers of celestial graces freesest the harts of men , with a slouthful yce , and nigh killest them with cold ; thou strippest the trees of fruit and leaues , makest the earth euen horrid with hoary frosts and winter downes , dashest the tallest ships and the best man'd , and sinkest them in a fatal gulf . Cease thou Southern enemy , Stormy Auster , froward , hot rhewmatike ( and which is worse ) thou incentiue and fire-brand of lusts , bridle thy fatal breath wherewith thou burnest al things , stirrest humours , extinguishest the fires of diuine loue ; sprincklest the nerues and synnews , dishartnest minds , and makes them languish . And doe thou cease likewise , sweeping faune or scourer of the easterne coasts , thou fatal Affrican not only familiar with tempest , but ful of a pestilent and blasting breath thou rusflest here in vaine , thou shalt neuer shake this hart , wherein IESVS takes his rest . But thou the fauner of the Eastern sunne gentle Eurus , whether thou wouldst be called Subsolanus or Vulturnus rather , who art thought to blow the winds of a fauourable and smiling fortune , remoue those insolent blasts of thine . For the hart intentiue to diuine things , and al enflamed with loue , heares and attends thee not . Now come I then to thee , my litle IESVS , tel me , goe to , what slumber , is this , which refreshed thy weary body with so gentle a shower of vapours ? Thou being once tired in the heat of the day , satest at the fountaine , attending the poore Samaritan , woman b with whom , as the antient Iacob , with his Reb●cca , thou struckest a new contract of mariage . Again els-where being broken with toyle of trauelling sherwd iournyes , thou gottest to the mountaine tops about the shutting in of the day c to refresh thy wearied limmes with a short repose , when presently hauing now hardly begun to enter into prayer , thou wast faine abruptly to break it off . But what sleepst thou here now for . Nor doe I thinke thou art so drownd in sleep , or so idle is to meditate on nothing : If thy loue deceiue me not , I should verily beleeue thou now reuolu●st in mind that sacred mariage which thou one day wast to contract with the Church , thy immaculate Spouse , at that most happy tree of the Crosse , when the sleep of death should bind thee both hand and foote , and from thine open side that other Eue should yssue forth , as once the forme Eue had done our common Parent , who sudenly arose , so built of the bone of Adam , cast into that prophetical and extatical sleep . d Or whether art thou not perhaps voluing and reuoluing many things within thee , studing and contriuing with thy self , what dowry to make thy new Spouse , and peraduenture thinkst vpon the ornaments and dressings for her head , earings , bracelets , carkanets , and wedding robes , al embrodred with the richest gemmes with such like nuptial honours , and presents fit for Spouses ? Or thou designest , who knovves ? the forme perhaps and solemne tables of Matrimony , vvhich hereafter in the publike Theatre of the vvorld ; thou art to celebrate vvith the Church and the holy Soule . It may be thou considerest vvhat her pouerty is , and vvant of al things , and vvhat the rest of al her goodly stock of miseries ; or vvherein only she is richly furnished and abundantly vvel stored . Or perhaps thou thinkest of yet more ful & happy things then these , which here thou dreamest on , while thou sleepest . For in those gētle slumbers ; thou takest in the humane hart , thou now plottest perhaps in mind , the immense glory thou wilt affoard the soule with a prodigal hand , who shal haue the grace to receiue thee courteously indeed . This doubtlesse , thou handlest , now voluest , reuoluest destinest , and designest . O great Iacob , while thou slept'st so , with thy head resting on a hard stone , what strange , what diuine things there didst thou b●hold ! And how many Angels were shewed thee on that ladder going vp and downe , so pitched on the earth and reaching vp to heauen . Iacob ( as we haue in the sacred history ) e flying the more then deadly hate & fury which his brother Esau bare vnto him , came to Luza where he made a stone his pillow , lying on the bare ground , in stead of a soft and easy bed , and behold he saw a ladder fixt on the ground extended to heauen , God leaning on the top thereof , and the Angels ascending and descend●ng to and fro : when being astonished and amazed thereat , he cryed out . The Lord is truly in this place , how terrible this place is ! And presently annointed it , and set vp an Altar in the place in al hast gaue thanks to the Diuinity , and put the name of Bethel to it . O litle Iacob ! O most louing IESV , rest in my hart a while ( if it trouble thee not too much ) though indeed it be but a hart lodging , and thou hast but a stone for a pillow and bolstre only , yet surely it wil be soft enough , as soone as thou shalt but powre theron the oyl of thy mercy . Let the hart then so daily consecrated , be called Bethel , that is the house of God. The house of vanity ! Ah neuer be it sayd . But rather strēgthen it my God , be sure thou found it wel , least the winds of inconstancy and tempests shake it . But stand it rather immoueable as the rock of Marpeia in the midst of the sea dashed with the waues & scornfully shaking them off . XV. MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. THE PRELVDE . A Great storme was made in the Sea , so as the ship was euen couered ouer with waues ; but he slept . a 1. Point . Consider the nest where in the holy soule should liue and dye , is the thorny crowne of the most louing IESVS ; for this sticks so deep into the crowne of the sacred head of the Spouse , as none may pul it off ; and so is as safe being and a firme peace : and therefore wil I sing with the most holy Iob : I wil dye in my nest , and like to the Palme wil multiply my dayes . b And I wil alwayes cause , I say such a new increase of merits in me , as there shal no day slip wherein I adde not some line or other to the absolute pourtrait of vertue and sanctity 2. Point . The bed wherein IESVS loues to rest , is the hart of pious men , and dedicated to his loue . If IESVS lodge but there , though he sleep the while , al things goe wel and rest quietly ; and it were to no purpose to feare any winds , stormes , or thunders there . For the waues dashing thereon doe but only foame and no more , against the rocks of Epirus ; then breake in their retire and soone after come to nothing . 3. Point . IESVS resting in the harts of Martyrs , makes them so generous and stout as they can equally endure the torments of fire , and water : and no meruail ; for while IESVS takes but his rest there , he giues them rest . So when we admit IESVS by receiuing the Sacrament of the Eucharist into the lodging chamber of our hart , there is nothing can trouble vs or disturb vs because IESVS is there who is our peace . c THE COLLOQVY . SHal be directed , to the most sublime and diuine Sacramēt of the Eucharist : First extol its force and power , which at that time we feele in our selues . For the soule which receiues and retaynes IESVS in her house , how stout , how generous , how constant she becomes ! Then inuite IESVS that he would often deigne to lodge in the Inne of thy hart , and there securly take his rest . But beware thou awakest him not in his sleep , nor euer suffer the noyse of the world , and commotions of the mind to make any tumult there , or that any idle words ( for the least thing hinders ) should disturb his sweet and gentle sleepes . Pater . Aue. IESVS VVOVNDS AND PIERCED THE hart vvith the shafts of loue . THE HYMNE . THe Diuels Archer , Erbinger Of lust blind Cupid did appear , But durst not stay to bend his bow , He saw the hart with arrowes glow , Which made him slinke away the chast And spotles hart he cannot blast , Which being cleans'd from sinne , is shut From that blind hoy , whose only but Are harts polluted , without white . Behold the woūds Christ makes , delighte See where the Angels pointing stand , Giue ayme , by lifting vp their hand ; Or rather while the shafts ahound , Wish they had harts that he might woūd . THE INCENTIVE . 1. MY good Archer shoot , Ah shoot againe ! shoot through this hart of mine , with a million of shafts , this refractory & rebellious hart to thy diuine loue : slay and kil al loue , which is not thine , or is aduersary to it . O sweet wounds ! o deare to me ! o arrowes dipt and tipt with hony . 2. And thou my hart , reuenge those iniuries so sweet , so acceptable , and for thy part also shoot thou againe into the hart of IESVS with a thousand shafts , a thousand pious loues , a thousand bals of fiery loue . 3. The hart is neuer in so good plight as when it is transfixed with a thousand points of sharpest loue and paine ; so that the true loue of IESVS casts but the flames where with I pyne , I burne with loue . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . BVt what a Gods name dost thou here , thou Pander Cupid ? Art thou so brazen faced as to presume to abide where my loue IESVS is ? Come hither you good Angels , thrust forth this wicked brat of that Cyprian strumpet , out of doores . Break his quiuer , snap his shafts a sunder . For what a shamelesse impudence is this and saucy boldnes , of that blind elf , that such a cowardly Iack as he should not quake & tremble at the aspect ; yea euen but the shadow of my Lord IESVS ; dreadful to heauen & earth But ; o powerful arrowes of thy bow my Chaster Cupid ! my delight ! my IESVS ! In the Northeren seas they tel of a flowing Iland , which stands stil and as it were , casts ankour as soon as shot into with burning shafts , enkindling fire as they fly . I beleeue it : For loe thy fiery shafts , very sudenly stay and arrest the ankored barke of my hart , sayling in its ful course , and euen now most miserably floating in the midst of the sea of the world . O loue I say not blind as he ! For how directly shoots he at the marke , how dexterously and ready he discharges , & how powerful his shafts ! Wherewith when S. Augustine was touched and wounded once he cryed out : a Lord thou shottest into our hart , with thy charity , and thy word we bare transfixed in our bowels . But the time shal come , my doughty warriour , when from the diuine bow of thy humanity bent and stretched on the Crosse ; thou shalt snake and brandish seauen speares of perfect victory , true symbols of the foyling , and vtter ruine of the enemy . For as the Prophet Elizeus setting his hād to King Ioas his bow , blessed the arrow , with these words : The shaft of saluation of the Lord and the shaft of saluation against Syria . b so thy Diuinity susteyning the humanity , impressed a certaine more diuine force into those seauen last words of his wherewith like bow and arrowes they might trouble , dissipat , and quite transfix the hellish legions . For there truly are those shafts whereof once the royal Prophet sung : Thy arrowes are sharp , people shal fal before thee ; into the harts of the Kings enemyes . c O holsome blow ! O happy chance ! O admirable force of arrowes ! For loe , the same both cure the crowned , & deeply wound those who seeme in their opinion to be whole . Goe to then , be thou my hart the scope and bute , stand to it , why shrinkst thou ? stand I say , and stoutly take the shaft of loue into thee . Yea doe thou shoot too , retort , and wound againe . And be thou likwise as a heauenly bow : and doe thou stretch and streyne thy self with al thy nerues as much as thou canst . Let thy sighes and vowes shot like thunder-bolts and winged darts , freely mount vp the throne of God himselfe . But first be they fired with thy heat ; that they may fly the swiftter : adde also flames , begg'd and fetched from heauen , and as the most louing IESVS is al fire , al loue , so doe thou kindle fire , burne , loue , breake into sighes , with frequent sobs , which reaching vnto God may instantly reuerberate , and returne to thee againe , and draw forth bitter teares from thee in great abundance . But thou , o incomprehensible loue , diuine spirit who so shadowest and sittest on the hart as heretofore in the first creation of things thou didst , when hatching the world from the rude , confused , and indigested Chaos thou conuerted , so that vast abysse of waters ; d with the heauenly dew of thy graces , temper the flames of the boyling hart . For my hart like wax molt with the fire ; with the sweet extasy of loue euen liquefyes with al , and so may I liquefy stil til I liquefy and melt away for altogether . Goe to then , with the finger of thy charity , expresse in me the liuely forme and image of thy loue , that after in my bowels I shal kindle , and take fire , and thou with water as it were shalt quench or temper the same , that there may be nothing found in me but diuine dewes , celestial flames . Let this fire then burne and encrease in the midst of waters ; and the fire of concupiscēce being vtterly quenched , may these purer flames liue and eternally burne my hart , which neither the waters of tribulations , nor the roaring waues of temptations , nor any violence of sicknes , nor the Scilla of calumniating tongues , nor the gulfs of blasphemous mouths , nor lastly the furious Charibdes of any punishments may euer extinguish it , for endles Ages . XVI . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones no●●ras , &c. THE PRELVDE . THou hast wounded my hart ▪ with thy loue : sayth , the beloued Spouse to her Spouse , in the burden or holding of her song . a 1. Point . Consider the hart to be like to that Iland they say to be continually caryed and posted here and there , with the waues of the northern sea , nor euer to rest til touched with burning shafts : so are mens harts being tossed with the tempests of diuers concupiscences , nor can be staid or kept in , but touched and struck with the dart of diuine loue . Hence that saying of S. Augustine being once caryed away with the vogue and wind of euil affections and now ceasing from the course of his former impieties , Thou hast shot our hart , my God , with thy charity . b 2. Point . Consider the blessed felicity and happy state to be wished for of the hart , c as wel wounded with the loue of IESVS as dying of the wound . For this is a kind of death whereof the Sonne of God himself and his holy Mother dyed ; and which al pious soules are wont to dye of . 3. Point . Attend to what are the motions and exultations of the hart , touched with diuine loue . Charity ( saith that great Coripheus of the Quier of IESVS his louers ] is patient benigne , not enuious , or seeking its priuate comodities . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be directed to the Angels , beseeching them to driue away Cupid that infamous princock boy , that lewd stripling , to knap his arrowes asunder , and to burst his quiuer , that he may neuer more come neere my hart , or offer any violence to it . THE HART ENFLAMED WITH THE LOVE of IESVS shines al vvith light and flames . THE HYMNE . COme Moyses to the bush , draw nere : Now God Incarnate doth appeare , Man's hart the b●●●sh ( cease to admir●●● ) With flames of loue 〈◊〉 sets on fire . See here the scoriching flakes and f●me of pr●●er , which burne & not consume , But only drosse of sinne . Behold A hart refi●'d of tryed gold : A Bush wherin loue so contriues , That IESVS , Phenix-like reu●ues , Amidst sweet aromatike sents A bush wherin one that contents Is al in al. And now though rare One bird in bush is better farre . THE INCENTIVE . 1. THe whole hart is al on fire these flames then either come from heauen ; & deriue from IESVS , or al these fires are sprung from hel and lewd desires . Ah my litle soule ! Why art thou so in doubt ? Deliuer thy whole hart to IESVS , that he only may enflame it with the fires of diuine loue . 2. Behold his hands , feet , hart , eyes , face , the whole body : IESVS is nothing els but fire , naught but litle flames of loue , whatsoeuer he doth , speakes , suffers , breath but loue , and that the loue of thee . 3. O loue ! o sweet loue ! o flames of loue ! Ah burne this hart I pray . Yea my soule , doe thou burne thee to ashes too in the loues of my IESVS ; and in these sweet flames , may it liue , dye , reuiue againe , like another Phenix . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . IESVS was on the top of mount Thabor , in the friendly company of S. Peter , Iames , Iohn , Moyses & Elias ; a when sudenly his face began to shine like the sunne , his garments to be as white as snow , and the hil itself to glitter al with flashing rayes , flowing from his countenance . But when Moyses heretofore ascended on mount Sinay , to receiue the law of God in stony tables b the people beheld al the place to be set on fire to sparkle , to burne , to shine al ouer . Lastly Elias chariot a the fiery sword of the Cherubin , watching at the gate of Paradise , d the foure beasts of Ezechiel , e and al furniture about them , seemed not onely to shine , but to burne also . But what-said the Spouse of her beloued and his chast loue ? His lamp , said she , are lamps of fire and flames ; many waters were not able to extinguish charity . f O fires and liuing flames euen in the midst of flouds of waters ! This is the fire which encloses the hart so , and sends forth such radiant and refulgent rayes , as banishing al darknes , al things shine and burne both within and without . Of this lamp mercy is the oyl ; and that truly indeficient , as flowing from an inexhaustible chanel , the very bowels of God. This is that wal of fire , which God had prouised by the Prophet , g which being interposed ; the lyons creast would fal , the enemy be forced to turne his back , and he be smit & strucke with a thunder-bolt , who should once goe about to set there to his sacrilegious hand . But of al these wonders , this is most to be wondred at , that as the greene bush amidst the purest flames did burne vntouched h and impeached a whit , and God himself was heard to preach therein , as in pulpit ; so the hart encompassed al with flames , & therewith round beset , most constātly alwayes burnes and is not consumed , but euer shines and flasheth ligth , since IESVS raises and resuscitates those fires , and feedes the immortal flames . Marke here , how high the smoak of these fires mounts vp to heauen . Goe to then , come hither with your thuribles and incense : How nigh in a moment the incense of such fires sends forth most sweet odours to Heauen ! How speedily the vowes and prayers commen . ded to this fume , arriue at the throne of heauen ! The Heauens with this exhalation shal breath forth Nectar : The ayr repurged shal sauour sweetly , the threats and rage of Deuils shal expire ; for indeed they can no more endure these odours , the grunting snowts of swine abide the breath exhaling from the sweetest smelling lillyes ; and therefore shal they be enforced to fly away , and returne againe into the immost and most hidden receptacles of Hel. This is the fire , this the flame , which quenches the heat of concupiscence ; for as one nayle driues out another , so the fire of diuine loue expels and represseth the libidinous flames of base and carnal loues . Burne therefore my hart , o IESV , the dearling of my soule , and let not the oile of the lamp be euer wanting : be this fire as a wal vnto me ; i be it as a sunne , and be this my chiefest ambition , that I burne and be consumed with this flame : Yea , and be reduced into ashes ; then those ashes into a litle worme , and presently become a new hart . O Metamorphosis of loue ! But first would I haue the old be throughly tryed , in the litle furnace of his loue , the drosse , and al the dregs to be scoured thence , and no humane and terrene lees to be left behind , but meerly to take a heauenly state vpon it : to liue a spiritual life , to feed on spiritual food to vse a spiritual tongue , to haue spiritual feet and hands ; yea diuine cogitations and affections , & not done by aspects only , but euen Angelical . In summe may this hart , thus purged and purified , giue forth hereafter naught but a liuely and euerlasting figure of a blessed immortality . So then doe thou my dearest IESV ) here fix thy hart , at last ; dwel here in thy Palace ; and here shoot forth the glittering rayes , of thy glory , XVII . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras quesumus , &c. THE PRELVDE . I Came to send fire into the earth and what would I els but haue it burne . a 1. Point . Consider how necessary it is the hart enflamed with loue , should mount vp and vanish into vapours ; and so great is the force of this flame , as it ascends to heauen streight , where it arriues without impediment : nor hath the world , without God , ought that can satiate and replenish the bosome of the hart . 2. Point . Consider , how subtle and actiue the flame of diuine loue is piercing , cleare , neuer idle , vnquiet , impatient to beheld shut vp in any other place then in the bosome of the Crucifix ; where as in a furnace of loue , it purges and repurges ouer and ouer , and receiues new life and vigour againe . 3. Point . Note the matter and fuel of this fire to be al those things which Superiours enioyne , in the execution whereof is manifestly discouered what force there is in this fire , THE COLLOQVY . SHal be directed to Christ whom I wil seeme to behold with two burning lamps in his hands : I wil beseech him , to purge whatsoeuer is vnperfect or vicious in me , and to reduce the very hart to dust & ashes : that a new may arise like a Phenix , which after he hath laid downe the spoyles or weedes of his mortallity , resuscitates a new , and reuiues againe from the tomb it-self , more beautiful and a great deale better . Pater Aue. IESVS CROVVNES HIS DEARE HART WITH Palmes and Laurels . THE HYMNE . THe restles hart , which heretofore , Could not stand stil , but euermore Was beating oft with throbs opprest Til now could neu●r be at rest . It was ambitious , now I find ▪ Naught could content th' aspiring mind : Had honours , pleasures , wealth good store , Yet euer craued , was seeking more : Which shew'd there was yet somthing stil Which this capacious hart might fil . A triangle , the soule , hath three Distinctiue powers . The Trinity Is such , that fils it ; rest is found , Loe th' hart is quiet , new it s crowned . THE INCENTIVE . 1. YOu good Angels , weaue you garlands with garlands , laurels with laurels , and crowne therewith the fortunate hart , which then glories and triumphs most when with Olympian study ; and labour of vertues and mortification it hath gayned but this prize , for reward , to deserue to be beloued of IESVS . 2. O ioyful ! O festiual day ! wherin we may behold and gather euen from thornes and toyles the purest roses ; from sweat and armes , palmes and laurels ; lastly of spitle , vinegre and clay immortal & eternal crownes : which IESVS , himself plants and fastens on with his owne hand . 3. What slookst thou then , o poore hartland tremblest at the multitude of euils , which enuirone thee and beset thee round . Cast thine eyes rather on the laurels which attend thee after thy victory . For nothing can breake or so much as moue him whom the hope and expectation of palmes erect susteynes . THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . GOe to , you Angels , goe to , o blessed Spirits make hart with your palmes and laurels , from your posyes , weaue you garlands and with them deck you vp the triumphant hart , victorious now after so many assiduous labours , Crownes are sacred , free from thunder , priuiledged from the heauens , and signifye exemption and immunity . Now the winter is passed away the showers blowne ouer and quite vanished a Now the lyonly rage of the sworne and professed enemyes of the hart is repressed , vanquished , & tamed : prouide you eternal laurels , victorious palmes , and giue them into the hands of the most sweet IESVS that he may settle on the hart , the crowns or garlands so prepared . The magnanimous King Dauid , affecting much the fat and fruitful oliue symbol of mercy , humbly prayes b his hart , may be crownd with diuine mercies . The penitent Magdalen c and Peter d weeping bitterly , resemble the Amaranth , an herb which in the midst of waters retaynes both its natiue bitternes and perpetual greenes . The voluptuous , worldly , and licentious men , are wholy taken with roses , and lyl●ies . Let vs crowne our selues say they , with roses , before they wither be there no ●eadow which our luxury rūnes not ouer . e O Phrigian luxury ? O wantonnes ! But now a dayes forsooth the Princes and Potentates of the earth , crowne not themselues so much with golden diadems and prec●ous stones , as load them rather . O ambition ! o pride ! But what doth the most sweet IESVS , I pray ! he loues the victorious palmes , with these crownes he decks his dearest hart . For they indeed haue truly merited those glorious wreaths who haue not only constantly opposed the hart as a target to receiue the shafts approaching of aduerse fortune , but euen as daring the enemy more slow to anger , haue scorn'd and derided dead it-self . Surely the squadrons of Martyrs , and Quiers of Virgins , triumphing in Heauen cary Palmes in their hands : f howbeit the 24. Seniours ware on their heads crownes of gold g which through their glorious conquests and set triumphs by them made vpon their enemyes they had purchased to themselues . Blesse therefore the Lord h thou holy soule , through whose singular and especial fauour thou hast atteined to the top of perfection Praise thy Lord i through whose mighty power , thou hast walked and trampled on the sands of the sea , k crossed the Iourdan with a dry foot , the people of harts incircumcized , and enemyes professed , looking , on the while , and gazing with amazment : to whom so vanquished , thou gauest lawes , and laidst perpetual tributes on them , they being not able any wayes to barre thee passage into the land of promise and ●egion of Pal●st●n● . Blesse thy God ●hen o hart ful of Heauen , and al of 〈◊〉 And since now thou hast ob●ned a certaine pledge of felicity , an infallible hope , enter a Gods name at thy pleasure , with a notable and triumphant pomp into the Capitol of the heauenly Hierusalem ; whereso many purple Kings triūph as haue heretofore repressed their lewd concupiscences , and the insolence as wel of their interiour as exteriour senses . Ioyne thee to the inuincible Martyrs , and keep among the Quiers of Virgins ; let the body be thy triumphal chariot , which Saphirs and Carbuncles , most precious iewels embellish as with so many twinckling starres . Let Clarity , Agility , Subtility , Impassibility , those foure dotes of the blessed body , be as so many wheeles ; and permit thy self to be drawne wheresoeuer the diuine spirit sitting on the coatch and wheeles shal snatch thee , or fly thou where thou wilt thy self , diuine loue shal play the Coach-man ? Besides the Princes of darknes , sigh and groane as thy runne before the chariot whom thou hast vanquished with the singular demission and lowlynes of mind . Let death it-self be constreined likwise to put on the cheynes and follow after ; since by the death of Christ thou hast triumphed vpon it also , weakned and broken , and that already by the same guide and wagoner as before . Let the vanqui●hed world come in and make a part of the said pomp ; which then thou stoutly trampledst vnder-feet ; when with a generous scorne and loathing , contemning its wealth and honours , thou madst no more reckoning of its vast immensnes , insolent cariages , and flanting promises , then of a figure drawne in the water , or Chimaera laboriously framed in the folish shop of the phantasy . Draw I say these ancient cruel enemyes , now happily vanquished and tamed wel loaden with cheines and reproaches , before the oual and triumphant chariot , that is , the rich bootyes , noble spoyles , ample tropheyes and victories atcheiued in many warres . But especially haue care that sensuality aboue the rest , the chiefest part of the triumph , be tyed and bound to the Chariot , which with an heroical fortitude thou hast conquered , & made more like indeed to a dead then a liuing thing , pale , meagre and of so feeble forces as it may neuer after dare to appeare in the field , or make any resistance . But now in warlike standards and enseignes let the cityes and towers , which thou hast ouer-throwne , be painted ; which kind , let the mad tower be first set downe , which thou had leueld with the ground , and let al the complices and confederates thereof , subdued and braught vnderyoke , and so cheyned together be led , as ambition , vanity , arrogance , and the rest of those military troops . Let another banner exhibit the bloudy warres , to be read which thou hast valiantly attēpted , faught , and the victoryes nobly atchiued against luxury and rebellion of the senses . Let those gallant exploits be wouen here in silke , and waued in banners , vp and downe through the ayr as thou passest , ; wherewith thou hast mastered and tamed thy flesh , that fierce and cruel beast . Let the inuincible courage of thy mind be here seen and read , as fasts , abstinences , austerities mortificatiōs , wherewith , as with a sword and buckler , thou hast fought against this fierce and mischeuous enemy . Let the Stygian Pluto also , that damned loue of riches , be caryed in an other flag ; whom long since thou hast trod vnder-foot , in preferring religious pouerty before al the treasures of the world . Let besides the dastard , weake , and languishing slouth , sitting on her snayl , come forth in this triumph , which slow and sluggish beast , thou hast stirred vp with the sharp prick of generosity and diligence , and beyond al hope prouoked and preuayled with at last . Lastly in a table , higher then the rest , let this inscription be read , registred in capital letters , for a record and perpetual memory . THROVGH THE HELP , SVCCOVRS , AND MERITS OF THE MOST LOVING IESVS , HAVE WE FAVGHT , AND VANQVISHED AND ARE NOW CONVEYED TO HEAVEN , TO TRIVMPH THERE AMIDST THE GLORIOVS PALMES AND LAVRELS . But now what remaines ? forsooth this last of al ; that when thou shalt consort thy self aboue , with those 24. Seniours , and Quiers of Angels ; thou lay downe thy crowne at the feet of the immaculate Lamb , l chanting with those blessed Citizens of Heauen this oual and triumphing song : Benediction & clarity , and thanks-giuing honour , vert●e and fortitude , to our Lord for euer and euer . Amen . m XVIII . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras , &c. FIRST POINT . I Wil fayne my self to be armed at the top of the Hil , whither I had got with great endeauour , and much labour and trouble . I wil cast and reflect the eyes of my mind on the diuers wayes and traces I had passed thither ; the precipices I escaped , and the perils of assassinates and wild beasts I haue auoyded : For so it is indeed with such as haue attayned to the top of perfection . For these should attentiuely consider with thēselues as from an eminent place , how many and how great dangers , temptations , and sinister chances , being assisted by the diuine mercy , they haue escaped from the world , and al the rest of the enemies of mans saluation . 2. Point . I wil consider the lawes of these lifts to be such , that ▪ None shal be crowned but who haue lawfully faught & contēded therein a The Palme belongs but to the Conquerour : b and I wil admire also the goodnes of God , for crowning vs himself with his graces , and commanding the Angels to crowne vs with those laurels , which we haue purchased to our selues with our owne vertues . 3. Point . I wil ponder and weigh with my self , with what riuers of ioyes the hart flowes , to whom is affoarded to arriue to the top of diuine loue , and who already beholds his owne perseurance ; which only vertue makes vs blessed and secure , without which the rest auayle but litle , or nothing , for perseuerance alone is it , which is crowned . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be directed to the most louing IESVS , to whom of duty al our crowns belong . For we are not conquerours so much as vanquished , while he indeed hath broken and subdued our refractory and rebellious hart . Wherefore to him as to amost mightie conquerour , and victorious Captain , with those 24. Seniours in the Apocalips a are we to offer vp our crownes , palmes , laurels , with this solemneverse of theirs ; Benediction and clarity , and thancks . gi-uing , honour and vertue , and fortitude for euer and euer be to IESVS the Conquerour and triumpher to come . Amen . Pater . Aue. IESVS CELEBRATES THE HEAVENLY Nuptials in the hart . THE HYMNE . THe nu●t●al supper , now I see , O happy soule ! prepar●●d for thee ; The table 's co●erd : but what sea● , Hast thou for thy repose ? What meat ? Except a Lamb , I nothing find , The amourous Spouse is now so kind , That what ●e fed thee with before ; From th' eye shal be conceal'd no more . As with a fleece , in species white , He long in earth appear'd in sight . As with a fleece , by grace gaue heat : But now behold the Lamb thy meat . In ●im repose , freed from annoy By seeing , comprehend , enioy . THE INCENTIVE . 1. IESVS the bloudy Spouse or Spouse of bloud a leads his beloued , whom now long since he purchased with the price of his life , vnto the Nuptial supper of the Lamb , into the heauenly Bride-chāber . The hart therefore ( who admires not ] is the banqueting roome of these Nuptials and the Bed-chamber of the Spouse IESVS himself . 2. It is a supper truly , because these ioyes are not affoarded til after the toyles of the day and labours past . Expect not lampes ; here hanging on sumptuous and precious seelings : These Pallaces shine within , and without sunne , moone , and starres . The Lamb himself is the lamp within , b and he the banque● Host , and Ghest who is the Spouse . 3. Seest thou this royal Table here These things are al prepared for thee : Seekest thou daintyes ? Hardly are thy seen of mortal eyes . Such as sit downe here are alwayes feeding , they drinke without gluttony , are alwayes satiated , and yet a-thirst , without any loathing or irksomnes at al. Behold al things are ready . Come to the wedding , the Spouse cals . c THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . IESVS , receiues the soule , whom he gratiously beheld , though fowly dight with her immundityes before , and now hauing cleansed her with purging waters , and adorned a with feminine brauery , takes her I say , not only to his Spouse , b but if she keep her holily and chastly to him , casting her out of the most miserable banishment of this life , he leades her vnto the great solemnity of the Nuptials , into the heauenly house of his Father : where he tyes her eternally to him with an indissoluble knot of wedlock . Whereto belongs that sacred Epithalamium : Let vs reioyce and exult ; and giue glory to him ; because the Nuptials of the lamb are come , and his Spouse hath made herself ready , and she hath had giuen her shining and wh●e silke to weare . c Yt is surely a great matter to be reckoned of the family of the King of Kings , more to be accounted among his freinds and familiars ; but most of al to beheld the Sonne of God , the brother and coheyr of Christ : I wil speake more boldly yet ; this same is surely more honourable then al these to be called in the weding the Spouse or Wife of the Lamb , that is , partaker in a manner of his bed and bord , companion of his throne & crowne . And this is that honour if I be not deceiued , which the Prophet Esay meanes : d I wil giue then a place in my house , and within my wals ; and a better name then sonns and daughters . For children being but a slender part or portion of parents , chalenge and retayne indeed much of their right and substance from them : but for man and wife , so great is the society and community between them of their whole life & of al their goods and titles , and they are bound together with so streight a tye , as how farre so euer they be asunder , yet are held to be as is were in one place , and al one , which happens also in the celestial wedlock of IESVS with the soule . For who adheares to God is in al one spirit with him , as the Apostle e hath taught . Whence it is , that the soule perfectly vnited with God , is not only diuine , but in a certaine manner ( if I may so say ) is made God. And hence is al ( whatsoeuer it is , which is surely very great ) that dignity ; profit , and sweetnes of these nuptials . For looke whatsoeuer els besides haue any connexion with them , doe al euen flow from thence , as from an endlesse spring of al good and beatitudes ; especially those three , ( to say nothing of those of the body ] to wit , the most singular and eminent dotes of the soule espoused & wedded to IESVS , as Vision , Comprehension , Fruition : f Which are not procured her either of parents or nature it-self , but being so poore a Spouse , are most bountifully affoarded her by IESVS the Spouse himself ( as with Kings is wont when they match with any of low degree , most richly to endow their beloued Spouses , by reason of their nuptials had between them . But in reguard these things of themselues are greater then can be worthily weighed by vs , much lesse expressed , the diuine Scriptures , doe lightly shadow at least and adumbrate in a sort al the excellencies and delicious fruits thereof , with the pleasant and most apt figure ( for our capacity ) of royal nuptials , and a wedding supper . g The reason is , for that no noises of affaires & negotiations , nor cares , which commonly fal out by day , doe not trouble or disturb the peace and delights of suppers ; & for the feasts of royal Nuptials , they vse especially to be very curious and dainty indeed , where no part of the senses abounds not with exquisite delights . Here the eyes are fed with various Emblems of the tapistries of the Hal most gallant to behold , with the gorgeous apparel of the Ghests and waiters also , with the gold of the plates , and iewels of the whole furniture there . Here the eares are charmed with the artificious harmony of musical instruments & voyces . Here the sent most sweetly is perfumed with the delicate odours of flowers and herbs , and boxes ful of the sweetest oyntmēts : the palat seasoned & relished with delicious wines , and the daintyest viands ; purchased with the greatest study and industry ; and sought for farre and neere by al the exquisit meanes that may be deuised , and dressed especially by the rarest Cookes . Lastly , to the end the sense of feeling , the most brutish sense of al the rest , might not want it 's peculiar delights also , the touching hath its proper delectation , from the softnes of downy beds , and curious carpets , from the feathers , and downe of swans and the like . Let vs runne ouer a while , if you please , the gardens & pictures of the great Assuerus , that from that feast , the royallest perhaps that euer was in the memory of men , by ghesse at least we may gather in some manner , what a bāquet it is , which IESVS furnisheth forth in the hart of his Spouse . He then , as wel , to shew the riches of the glory of his Kingdome , and the greatnes and the ostentation of his power ; as also in the third yeare of his raigne , to celebrate publikely the day wherein first he tooke a perfect possession of Susa the chiefe seat of his Kingdome , prepared a Persian , royal , and a sumptuous banquèt . For first Assuerus himself was the Master of the feast and who was he ? He raigned from India to Ethiopea , from the East to the West : and what more ? He gaue lawes to 27. Prouinces , appointing so many Prefects and Gouernours to them , who in the Kings name might administer iustice . Assu●●●rus therefore was a mighty and most puissant King ; yea truly he had conquered and subdued to his owne dominion the whole world , h if we beleeue but his owne Epistle : i though indeed I should thinke it rather to be no more then a meere exaggeration of insolent men , who extending their bounds a litle wider , vse to flatter themselues with the Empire streight of the whole world : But be it so as they boast of & make their braggs , Assuerus yet shal seem but a fly compared with God himself ; nor euer shal though he pusse vp himself neuer so much , ariue to the bulke and worth of an Elephant . IESVS , the Master of this feast , not only as God , but euen also as man , is the Soueraigne & supreame Lord of al things , in whose loynes is written King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , k and at whose aspect & tribunal comming to iudgement shal Assuerus himself appeare one day , yea tremble and groane the while . The rest may likewise be gathered by this : Yet if you please let vs suruay them more perticularly that our purpose & scope may appeare more clearly . Susa was not the head-Citty of the kindome of Persia , but a pleasant and most delicious Tempe , which that riuer Coaspes washed as it went a long ; whose waters Kings , and those very farre remote from thence , made vse of for daintyest drink : and for the amenity of the place ; it tooke the name of Lilly , which Susa signifies in Persia. Here therofore they reposed and lodged themselues , and that truly in those royal and princely gardens , wodds and groues l in the Spring especially as we may beleeue . Here not only the pleasant variety of flowers and herbs made a wanton daliance but euen of the beautifullest trees also ; in disposing whereof in checker-wise , and distributing the allyes , walks , and arbours the royal hands themselues , after the Countrey fashion , had labowred to some purpose . But what trow you was the rest of the garnishment of this festiual Court Where the Pauilions were of a costly and rich stuffe ; of cerulean , aetherean , and of the colour of the Hyacinth , whose curteynes hung with strings of purple silk , fastne with ●●●inges made of iuory : at either end these rich and stately Canopyes were gallantly susteyned with marble pillars ; beneath lay humble pallots on the ground a pleasant pauement , to rest vpon al of gold and siluer , streyed with the fayrest mantles and rich carpets ( as the 70. Interpretours signify ) wrought al ouer , embrodered and curiously set forth with needle-works of roses , and diuerse other flowers , glittering and beguiling the senses : besides al which , the pauement it-self shined al of a certaine square stone , and that in quadruple wise ; enterstinguished with in the emerald , and touch-stone , and ( as the Hebrew hath ) with marble and Hyacinth being certaine titles forsooth , diuersi●yed al in an admirable manner . And these for the most part were p●●pared for the common Ghests ; for I should thinke those of the better ●●●t , were al entertained in the i● most lodgings of those Princely Palaces , where with tapistryes and pictures , were al the roomes and lobbeyes sumpteously hāg'd . Could there be euer any thing either for maiestie more royal and magnificent or for luxury and delight more soft and delicious ? O childish toyes , & meerly gugawes ! O loose cogitations , of the soule , euen bendingto the earth ! why creepest thou on the earth , thou litle mush rump , and pleasest thy self so much with these trifles ? Measure with the eyes of thy mind at least , the vast immensnes of the Heauens gaze if thou canst , and behold the sunne , moone , and the rest more then common people of that starry house ; which are but onely outward ornaments : for those within , farre different from them , transcending not only the faculty of the senses , but euen the agility of the mind also are meerely laid out of sight . Heare the mellifluous Bernard : m that same indeed is the true and onely ioy , which is not of the creature , but is truly conceiued of the Creatour himself , and which being p●ssessed by thee no man can take away from thee : where to compared al pleasure otherwise is but sorrow , al sweetes but bitternes , al beautie d●formity . Lastly al other things nought els but tedious and irksome , which otherwise might seeme more pleasing and delightful . Now then , which is the other point ; looke we into the great Assuerus Ghests n and directours of the feast . Of these I note two sorts , some purple Heroes of tke Perseans and chiefe Prefects of those Countreyes and Prouinces 127. in nomber ; who al ( leauing magistrates of inferiours orders behind them in their roomes , to take vp differences accurring the while ) flock to thy City & Princely Court , to that great feast : the other Ghests were the common sort of the City of Susa itself , from the highest to the lowest a vast people vvithout head or certaine number of them . But for the ministers and vvaiters there , I seeme also to behold tvvo orders of them some Prefects of the royal Palace ; vvho as Stervvards , V●●●hers , and Sevvers of the feast appointed and placed the Ghests , prescribing lavves and rules to them to be kept amongst them ; others to execute lesser and inferiour offices , as Butlers , Tasters , Cup-brearers , and the rest of vvayters al : But if compared vvith the Angels , as vvel the Pages , and others of that diuine table ; as the bidden Ghests themselues , or either vvith the number or splendour , of the rest of the blessed Citizens of heauen , those are but dvvarfs ; these Giants , those vvretches , and for manners most cōmonly vvicked , these blessed and happy ; yea most holy these except a fevv , an ignoble and base people , and these not only most graue Senatours , but Kings and Monarks al vvithout exception . Behold here the Queene-Mother of God ( to amit the Spouse himselfc , behold , the Patriarks Prophets , Apostles , Martyrs , Confessours , Virgins , and al the rest of the Court of Heauen , and let the Medes and Persian Ghests alone . Yet stil Assuerus o vants & Boasts of the bowels & dishes of his feast . Be it so , let vs set downe thē to eate & drink our fil , for this is thesumme of al. The dishes , plates , and trenchers , are often changed ; such is the multitude and variety there , and store of siluer gold , and other precious vessels : For here they eat and drinke also in gold , and cups made al of gēmes . As for the cups the Septuaginta auerre there was one made of Carbuncles , surely of a vast and immense price , to wit , of thirty thousant talents , which of our florens comes to more then 101 millions . Let no man after this speake or wonder any more at the suppers , excesse , costs of Cleopa●●●ra , L●●●llus , or Heliog●balus . But what was the meate now brought to the table ? The sacred Scriptures speake not a word thereof for that perhaps al might guesse then , if they would , as wel by the Pe●●●sia● pomp , very vsual in those things , and now brought into a prou●rb , as by the great ostentation touched aboue of the plates , cups , and dishes had in that feast . What the drinke ? Forsooth the best forts , as became the royal magnificence : there was aboundance of al and the choycest p wines that could possibly be had , but on that condition that none should be compelled to drinke more or lesse ; but euery-one haue liberty to drink as much and as litle as he would . Surely a holsome and laudable law of the King. For this tyrannical order of Let him doe reason or begone , sprūg first no doubt from the Greek Tauernes , of I know non what Caldus , B●●●berius , or Mero q But now goe to , thou great admirer of the Pe●●●sian banquet : vvhat account makest thou of the gold , siluer , ievvels , in those cups and dishes ? This gold , siluer , ievvels , beleeue me are but a harder kind of earth , vvhereto the sunne & starres haue giuen a colour and some lustre ; vvhereon I say , lest auarice perhaps might set to great a price , nature had vvissel hid them in the vvomb or bovvels of the elements , and these also vvhere they are most in vse , and vvorne of al , become but cheap , and of litle worth . But for meats and drinks what they are , appeareth then , when hardly being let downe into the stomake they are streight egested thence . And wilt thou compare this filth , this dirt [ to say no worse ) with the riches , and delights of heauen , with the Nuptials of IESVS with the Euangelical supper , with the vision of the diuine Essence , lastly with those delights and inexhaustible pleasures , which flow incessantly from that ocean of the highest good ? The great lohn saw r this table in his Apocalyps , and wondered at it ; the royal Psalmist saw it likwise , and wholy astonished , exclaymed : ●hey shal be inebriated with the plenty of thy house , and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of pleasure . s But take here a litle this simple tast therof . Al the goods of this world are nothing els , but as rinds and springs of the fruits of Paradise , cut off : and if the rinds and springs be such that men euen raie with the loue and d●sire of them , what shal the fruits themselues be , and the apples of Paradise it-self ? and if such be the fruits and apples ; what shal the rest be of those more solid and better meats ? Surely they shal be such as they may alwayes be eaten without loathing , and alwayes desired without anxietie . t And now finally how long haue these feasts of Assuerus lasted ? A hundred & eightye dayes at most ; scarce half a yeare , especially if we speake of the feasts of the Peeres and Nobles ; for the cōmon sort● continued hardly a weeke in these transitory delightes . Take me here a hundred thousand yeares , yea a thousand millions of yeares of this Nuptial supper , which IESVS furni●eth in the louers hart , and you shal find no end of the feast , which end yet , if you seeke further , measure Eternity . As long as Heauen and God shal be , these Nuptials shal continue alwayes . Not so , in this banquet of Su●a . For ( oh inconstancy of humane things ! ) behold how in the tables of Assuerus himself mourning occupies the last of ioyes . u After the Persian King had wel carroused , & now al enflamed with B●●●cchus , deep in his cups , & thought he had done but litle yet , if he shewed not the Queene Vasth● , to his Ghests ; because the , either of pride or modesty rather , refused to come into the drunken presence of al those Princes , by the King her husbād , she was fowly & ignominiously intreated , in the very banqueting roome it-self , weere she feasted with her Ladyes , being thrust from the royal throne and dignity , was refused and reiected by him . Goe to now , and praise the feasts and nuptials of the great Assuerus , if you wil ; or rather be wise and admire , and loue the celestial Nuptials of the Lamb. XIX . MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras quesumus , &c. THE PRELVDE . BLessed are they who are cald to the Nuptial supper of the Lamb 1. Point . Cōsider the highest dignity ( then which a greater cānot be imagined ) as wel of the soule , in loue which IESVS , which from an abject and base condition is aduanced to the Nuptials of God himself , as of the humane hart , wherein these diuine Nuptials are celebrated . Whence comes it , O humane soule , saith S. Bernard , a whence happens this so in●stimable glory to thee , that thou should●st deserue to be his Spouse , on whom the Angels wish to gaze ? How happens this , that he sho●ld be thy Spouse , whose beauty the sunne and moone admire , at whose b●ck are al things changed : What wilt thou yeald to thy Lord for al he hath thus afforded thee , to be his com●anion at table , and compartener of his Kingdome ; lastly his bed-fellow , and to haue the King himself to lead th●e into his chamber ? And by and by behold with what armes of mutual charity , he is to be embraced , and loued againe , who hath made such reckning of thee ; and at last : forget thy people , and thy fathers house : Forsake carnal affects , vnlearne secular māners absteine from former vices , commit al naughtie customes to obliuion . 2. Point . Weigh how great , sincere , and solid , the pleasures , are like to be , which the spouse prepares for thee in the Nuptial supper : suruey al things which vnder heauen , are precious delightful , and deare to men , in the ayr , earth , or ocean Sea , and then reason with S. Augustine thus : Is , my Lord , thou affordest so much to vs in prison ; what wilt thou doe in the Palace ? For since here al things are so exceeding good and delectable , which thou hast conferred on the euil as wel as the good ; what wil those be which thou hast laid vp for the good onely ? If so various and innumerable thy guifts are , which now thou equally distribu●est to frends and enemyes , how great and innumerabbe , how sweet and delect●ble shal they be , thou wilt bestow on thy freinds only ! If in this day of teares and mourning thou impar●st such things what wilt thou doe on the nuptial day ? Hearest thou this my soule , and yet exclaymest not ? Blessed be he who shal eate bread in the Kingdom of God. b 3. Point Attend to this also ; how of the ten Virgins of the Ghospel c being al Virgins indeed , that is , espoused to Christ through true and sincere faith , and who had sometimes pleased the Spouse in carying lamps of good works in their hands , fiue were become foolish , and from the nuptials and wedding supper on hard fortune ! quite excluded . Beware thou be not of their number let thy lamp be alwayes burning , and sending forth light ; let the oyle of charity abound in thy lamp , and euen , flow ouer , and especially take heed thou neuer sleep or slumber a whit , nor be surprized vnaware , suspecting nothing of death , or iudgement , or be vnprouided . Haue continually ringing in thine eares , that voyce of thy Spouse Vigilate , so often whispered in thy hart , that when that cry shal be heard Behold the Spouse comes , goe forth and meet him , thou maidst presently meet him chearfully comming to thee , and with him enter into the wedding . For woe and a thousand woes to them , who vnmindful wholy of so great a good , and deafe to the words of God , being taken napping drown'd in sleep with their lamps extinguished , and so excluded from the sweetest nuptials of the lamb , shal be forced to cry out in vayne , Lord , Lord open to vs ; on whom that iron bolt shal be obtruded , I know you not , or that wholy as lamentable ; The gate is shut . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be directed to IESVS the Spouse . Especially thou shalt yeald him thankes with al thy powers , for choosing thy soule to be his Spouse , for louing it so dearely hitherto , and endowing it with the espousal guifts . Then shalt thou humbly beseech pardone of him , for hauing so coldly answered to his feruent loue , wherewith he hath so often preuented thee ; and sometimes perhaps for breaking thy faith to him so firmly engaged . Lastly by that his loue , wherewith he hath so of ten preuented thee , shalt thou most earnestly beg at his hands , that through his grace thou maist be continually vigilant , and prouided for that last Aduent , which is like to be at mid-nigh , when perhaps thou least suspectest the same ; that then thou maist meet him , with thy burning lamp , and with the prudent Virgins enioy him and his nuptial feast for euer . a Pater . Aue. IESVS MANIFESTES HIMSELF AND THE MOST holy Trinity in the mirrour of the hart . THE HYMNE . THe Painter cannot draw a face , T' express to life each 〈◊〉 , grace , And figure , with proportion fit Except the partie d●owne doth sit : But heer in th' hart by being seen , God drawes the picture which had been Before imperfect : though 't were neat , And often toucht , 't was not compleat . Til now , it lightned as vpon see , True picture of the Trinity . The colours stem'd did fak and eye , But now sbal last eternally . While heer the hart doth quiet sit , By vision God doth sigure it . THE INCENTIVE . 1. THe hart which loues God truly and perfectly indeed , is a heauenly Paradise ; so flowers it ouer and swimmes in delights ; not the counterfeit , and transitory delights of this world , but of the other life ; such as here , neither eye hath seen , nor eare hath heard , nor hath ascended into mans hart a 2. Here now IESVS stands not behind the wal , peeping at this Spouse through a grate ; b but , which she beg'd at his hands , shewes her his face , the diuine Essence , the three diuine Persons , so cleerly and manifestly indeed , as euen the images themselues expressed , reflect againe in the Chrystal of the hart . O Paradise ! O delights ! O ioyes ! 3. The hart faints through aboundance of loue and delights and nigh bursts with al , O man ! what a beast thou art , if hearing of these pleasures , thou rather choosest the husks of swine ? How like a block and stone , if yet thou louest not IESVS ? THE PREAMBLE to the Meditation . SO great is the future beatitude to the soule which loues IESVS dearely indeed , that mortal men being drowned in sensuality & mire , cannot easily conceiue it in the mind , nor lesse ( without diuine light and hope ) expect it . For ( which S. Paul a took out of the prophecy of Esay . b The eye hath not seen , nor eare heard , nor hath it ascended into the hart of man , what God hath prepared for such as loue him . Surely those two most wise and worthy men , to the end they might clearely propose the greatenes and amplitude of the heauenly beatitude , assumed the first kind of measure to wit the spacious orbs of eyes seeming most capacious , which though shut in a litle corner as it were , yet now and then get forth , wander & expatiate farre and wide , not only , into the vast champian fields , huge mountayne tops , and the golden and gemmy bowels of the waters , but with help especially of Mathematike instruments reach euen to the very heauens themselues , wel nigh of an infinit distance from vs , and therein discouer the lightest spots ▪ changes , and errours . And yet this scantling is found to be lesse then so to conclude or comprehend beatitude . The eye hath not seen . Wherefore with the ●yes since we only apprehend things present , but with hearing moreouer as by histories perceiue those thīgs which haue been formerly acted , or now are wrought in any other place , or shal hereafter come to passe , the eares haue seemed more apt to measure the thing proposed . But so neither , the immensnes of beatitude could be contained . Nor the eare hath heard . There remained now the vessel , for bulk surely not great , yet for capacity indeed most ample , the hart of man. For in the shop of the hart we frame , cherish , and embrace , as our proper issues , not only what our selues haue seen , with our eyes , or heard by relation from others but euen many other things also , which can not truly exist at al , as golden mountaines , Chimeras , Hippocentaures , and the like : And yet so neither , hath it ascended into the ha●t of m●n , what God hath prepared for such as loue him . This thing according to S. Augustin . Is not comprehended through charity , it trāscends as vowes & wishes . Shal we therefore dispaire ? No it cannot be esteemed , it may be yet purchased Goe to yet let vs value it , howsoeuer , and as wel as beating the price , let vs cheapen it as we can . I for my part am truly of this opinion , that we are much taken and caried away with nothing more then with pleasure , nor doe I mislike them who are so , if they be solid ▪ sincere and honest pleasures we hung so after . But beleeue me there can be nothing more sweet and delicious , then the ●oyes and iubelies of the hart , drowned in the loue of IESVS , and wherein IESVS deliciats himself ? For why ? It is a Paradise truly and ●ot that terrestrial one ( though for 〈◊〉 amenity of the soyle and ayr , and the exceeding plenty of flowers , trees , and fruits , it were so glorious and the very name of Paradise it-self imports no lesse then a place of pleasures and delights ] but is indeed a heauenly Paradise into the allyes whereof and first walks , S. Paul being hardly admitted , was so lulled with al delights , that forgetting himself and al things else besides he was able to tel no more then this , I know a man ; saith he , whether in body I know not , or without the body I know not God knowes , to be rauished into the third heauen , and to haue heard so mysterious words , as man might not vtter . c But what were they whence so great a feeling of pleasure , and delight results ? Touch we the thing it-self , with the needly of faith only . In that celestial Paradise of the blessed hart , IESVS laying his Pilgrime habit a side , and the vayle of faith wherewith he was shrowded , shal exhibit his humanity to be seen and enioyed face to face : I haue said too litle , yea his diuine essence also . This perhaps were enough to beatitude yet wil he cause the three diuine Persons , Father , Sonne , and Holy-Ghost . to be so present , as they may not only be seen , but euen seeme in a manner to be touched also . Besides , in this natiue and most lucid mirrour of al things , many other things , nigh infinit for nomber , for beauty and variety surely admirable , shal shine with al , with so new alwayes & so fresh an ob●ect , that as long as eternity shal last they shal not breed any tediousnes in the beholders , or euer diminish the ●hirst of seeing and beholding more , ●●ere therefore , as in a liuely pi●●ure expressed in their colours , those mysteries of faith and religion shal be truly represented , which now hardly are but shadowed , and with al our endeauour neuer wholy atteined The Incarnation of the Word in the Virgin , the Oeconomy of mans Redemption , the diuine prouidence in administring things , the admirable and most hidden reasons of punishing the good and prospering the wicked : lastly , the lawes , traces , and rapts of diuine loue , by which he hath at last conducted the hart which loues him ; sweetly indeed and yet strongly , now by the pleasant , and then the horrid paths , now of ioy then of sadnes , into the seats of al beatitudes From the cleere knowledge of al which verities , especially the obiect of the diuine Nature , and Persons , and conceiuing the images in the mind , of so excellent and admirable things , who sees not very soueraigne and nigh incredible ioyes to arise ? Queene Saba , scarce entring into the roome where Salomon , was fel into so great admiration , and was so rapt and transported with delight , at the order pompe , magnificence , especially at the presence of the King himself , that recouering breath at last , which she had nigh lost , she cryed out aloud : Blessed are thy men , & blessed thy seruants who stand alwayes before thee , and hearken to thy wisdome . d Yet these are but toyes , chips , trifles , compared with the presence and sight of God. They report of S. Francis , that being once sadder then ordinary , he was so taken and rauished with the short modulation an Angel made with the lightest touch of his thumb on a Harpe , as he seemed to him●●lf to be no more on the earth , but to be conuersant in heauen , amid the blessed Spirits there . e Good God! If these ( which in heauenly delights is likely one of the least amongst them ) so short and slight touches of the Angelical hand , as they could hardly be heard , were yet able to rauish the holyman , what would the harmony worke of so many Angelical and humane voyces , what exultatiōs would be there what dances and iubelyes ? Besides , if the meanest things in heauen , as songs and dances , so delight and tickle harts , what wil the rest doe , both for number and dignity farre greater ? What is more poore and slender with vs thē a bare & simple thought of God ? Yet Dauid in his greatest troubles and afflictiōs when he felt himself most opprest , with the tip of the lips only of his soule , as it were , would lick in this celestial 〈◊〉 diuine hony , and therewith take extreame pleasure . I was mindful of God , saith he , and took delight . f Againe hauing but a thought only the fruition of God , of meere ioy he could hardly containe himself ; but sing in triumph . I haue reioyced in the things which haue been told me we shal goe into the house of the Lord. g Which triumphal verse of the Royal Psalmist , when our Angelical Blessed Aloysius , being neere his death through weakenes , could not wholy bring forth , Reioycing saith he , we goe reioycing , and with that so broken and abrupt verse in his mouth , euen dying wouderfully exulted . Another time when the Kingly Prophet , not only considered that he was to goe to the house of the Lord , but sending his soule as it were before him into those galleryes themselues and entryes of heauen , and priuily laying his eares to the doores in a manner of the Nuptial Chamber , and obscurely hearing a kind of whispering ( I know not ) of some of the ioyes there within , it not only wiped away from him al sadnes , caused in him through the formes exprobration obiected to him of Where is his God ? but dilating his breast , made him to powre forth his soule into most sweet and extatical pleasures : And wherefore ? Because ( saith he ) I shal enter into the place of the admirable Tabernacle euen to the house of God , in the voyce of exultation , and confession , the sound of the Master of the feast . h Lastly , another time , being yet mortal when creeping by stealth as it were he had secretly insinuated himself into the bowre or conclaue of the immortals , comparing them with himself and our humane affaires , he brake forth into these termes of ioy , and congratulation : How louely are thy Tabernacles oh Lord of vertues ! my soule couets and longs after the galleries of the Lord My hart and my flesh , haue reioyced in the liuing God. Blessed are they , Lord , who dwel in thy house , they shal praise thee foreuer and euer . Because in thy galleries one day is better then a thousand , i to wit , so great is the pleasure of the eternal light , Which ( S. Augustin , expresly saith in these words k that though it were not lawful to enjoy it longer then a day , yet for that only , innumerable yeares of this life , ful of delights and the aboundance of temporal goods , vvere worthily and with reason to be contemned . For it vvas not falsely or slightly said , that better is one day in thy Galleries , then a thousand . So as it is less to be admired , that Dauid should presently adde this also : I haue chosen rather to be an abiect in the house of my God , then to dvvel in the Tabernacles of sinners . l I had rather , saith he , be in the lowest office of a doore-keeper in the porch of the Temple , and there watch at the entry as a slaue before him , with the hope of enioying this celestial beatitude , then with the hazard of loosing it ; in the most ample and sumpteous Palaces and houses , to be obserued and courted , by a number of clyents , and frends . Hence , that affection of the mind aspiringe vnto Heauen with a swift course , As the Hart , couets the fountaines of vvaters , so my soule desires thee , O God. m That kind of beast truly is fleet and swift , but then flyes he with most speed , when either being chased by hounds , or bitten with serpents , he feeles an extraordinary thirst , for then to quench that heat he runnes headlong to the fountaines , & flyes like the winds . Dauid thirsted likwise , and no less groaned & sighed after heauen . When shal I come and appeare before the face of God ? And for the great desire he had and loue to the heauenly countrey and the felicity of the Blessed , which euen absent he had tasted now and then , had so great a horrour tediousnes and auersion from humane things , as teares to him were of familiar as bread to others , nor vsed he food more frequently then teares , yea teares themselues were food vnto him ; so as oppressed with dolours neither would he take his food , or so much as thinke thereof ; while to him thus vehemently thirsting after the presence of God , this gibing taunt was obbrayded to his face , Where is thy God ? From al which this same may be ●athered , that if in these Galleries , though absent Dauid and diuers other Saintly men haue taken such pleasure , with what ioyes and delights may we not imagine those to swmme in , who are admitted into the secret closet and cabinet of the Spouse ? If but a slight ray onli of the blessed vision , so dazle the eyes of the mind ; if but a drop of the water of Paradise and fountaine of the chiefest good but lightly sprinckled ; if but a crumme falling from the table of our Lord , so recreates and refresheth mortals , what wil the whole sunne himself doe ? what wil the very Ocean of al good things ? what wil the table of our Lord himself conferre to the immortals ? Shal not the hart euen swimme trow you , in these delights , yea be wholy immersed , and drowned in them . XX. MEDITATION . The preparatory Prayer . Actiones nostras quesumus , &c. THE PRELVDE . VVHen he shal appeare , we shal be like to him : because we shal see him , as he is : And whosoeuer hath this hope in him , sanctifies himself as he is holy . 1. Point . Consider how great a good , how excellent , how delectable it is , most cleere to behold one God in essence , three in Persons , Father , Sonne , and Holy-Ghost , and that eternally in the mirrour of the hart : Surely , the eye hath not seen , nor eare heard , nor hath it ascended into the hart of man what God hath prepared for such as loue him : a Tast with the inward sense these delights of the heauenly Paradise , and loath the leeke , and garlike of AEgipt the miry bogs , the empty husks & filthines of the world . Oh if thou couldst but take a tast or assay before hand with the glorious S. Augustin of the ioyes of the Blessed , thou wouldst say with him : How sweet to me sudenly it vvas to vvant those svveets of idly toyes , and vvhat before vvas a griefe to loose vvas novv a ioy to forgoe vvholy thou eiectedst them from me , the true and chiefest svveetnes , and entredst thy self in ; insteed of them , svveeter farr then al pleasure . b 2. Point . Ponder how , much this same cogitation may and ought auayle to endure and goe through with any hart and difficult entreprise for God and our saluation . What changes sudenly and alterations of minds , those fruites wrought whith come from the land of Promise , c which made them surmōut the difficulties , they feared so much before ? What doe not the wrastlers generously performe and suffer in sight of the goal and crownes proposed ? Surely the sufferings of this time are not condigne to the future glory , vvhich shal be reuealed in vs. d With which only napkin , ( as S. Gregory obserues e that glorious and illustrious Champion of the Christian lists S. Paul. wiped away al the sweat of the infinit and most greeuous labours and troubles he sustained ; and so likewise the rest of Martyrs . But this especially when S. Adrian being a Soldiours , in the flower of his ●ge , beheld a great number of Christians to runne very ioyful and glad into torments , scaffolds , gibbets , Crosses , fires , as it were to a wedding , asked what hope it was that drew & led them to it : and when it was answered they hoped for those goods which the eye hath not seen , nor eare heard , nor hath ascended into the hart of man , he was so mooued and changed therewith , that presently he gaue vp his name to be put into the list , and vnder Maximian most stoutly and valiantly suffred Martyrdome . So much the hope of beatitude could worke . 3. Point . See how immense and powerful is the diuine loue of IESVS , which through grace at last leads a man vnto the vision it-self , of the diuine effence , wherewith euen God himself is blessed . Then thinke what thou oughtst to yeald to recompence this loue againe : no lesse no doubt then reciprocal loue . For when God loues , he would no more then to be loued againe ; knowing thē who loue him only , to be truly blessed . So S. Bernard in his 83. Sermon on the Canticles . But to the end thou maist loue God thou art wholy to empty thy hart from the loue of al other things . For euen as a vessel ( which is S. Anselmes discourse ) the more water is in it or any other liquour , conteynes lesse oyle ; so the more the hart is taken vp with other loues the more it excludeth this . There is yet another , that as stench is contrary to a good ●dour , and darknes to light , so is al other loue contrarie , to this : As therefore contraries doe neuer agree wel together ; so this loue agrees not with any other loue in the hart . THE COLLOQVY . SHal be made to IESVS , the most deare louer of soules of whom shalt thou earnestly beg , to impart vnto thee his diuine loue which this or the like forme : My God , giue me tby self ; behold I loue thee , and if this be too litle may I loue thee more . I cannot measure how much loue I want , of that which were c●ough . This know I only , it goes il with me , without thee : and al aboundance which is not my God , is meere pouerty . Let the sweet power then of thy loue deuour me , grant I may liue and dye with the loue of thy loue , since first thou hast so loued , as thou hast not only afforded me and done many great things for me ; but hast likwise wouch safest to dye for me . a Lastly from the inward bowels make an act of the loue of God aboue al things , and so conclude in thee wonted manner with a Pater & Aue. AN INCENTIVE Of the Act of the loue of God aboue al things . GOod God! thou commaund me to loue thee , and threatnest if I doe it not : Is there any need of these chaynes for me to be tyed to loue theer Am I so voyd of sense , as to be ignorant of thy benefits , graces , perfections ? Or rather doe I want a hart , to loue an infinit good ? Now if loue be to be recompenced with loue , what loue can parallel the diuine loue ? Thou hast loued me eternally , euen when I was not or possibly could loue thee : Thou hast created the world , & cōseruest it hitherto for my sake : Thou hast giuen order to the Angels to guard me : Thou wouldst be my reward beyond measure . Thou callest me a sinner to grace and pennance . But yet is this farre more louely , most sweet Sauiour , that being God , thou wouldst become man , to suffer so hard and cruel things and lastly dye on the Crosse for me who had ( cruel as I am ] so engaged thee death . But this of al others is most sweet , that being neere to death thou leftst me thy body and bloud in the Sacrament , an admirable pledge of thy loue towards me . Oh Loue ! o extasis of loue ! How thou deseru'st , my God , to be highly loued of al men , aboue al things . May I therefore so loue thee ( my IESVS , ) Sauiour of louers and loue of Sauiours , and so let the face of thy loue euen swallow me ; that I may liue and dye with the loue of thy loue , who through the loue of my loue , hast likwise vouchsafed to dye for me . Oh infinit goodnes of God ? A Formulary of the loue of God aboue al things . O Great God , I loue thee aboue al things ; I loue thee with al my hart , with al my soule , with al my powers , and meerly of this same loue I am sorry aboue al things for offending thee the infinit good : most firmely re oluing hence forth , through thy grace , to keep al thy commandements . And why doe I loue thee aboue al things ? surely for this ; for thy immense perfection , incomprehensible power , high●● wisdome , infinit sanctity and godnes , that is , for thy self , O Father , O Sonne , O Holy-Ghost three persons , one God , who art aboue al things . Amen . IESVS . Ad maiorem Dei gloriam . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A06534-e290 a Luc 12. a Rom. 8. b Cant. 5. c Ester 15. d Cant. 3. e Cant. 1. f Greg. Hom. 30. in Euang. g Gen. 29. h Psal. 41. i August . Conf. lib. 10. cap. 21. k Exod. 37. & 40. a Exod. 26. b 3. Reg. 6. c Ezech. 8. d Leuit. 6. e Apoc. 3. a 3. Reg. 8. b Reg. 18. Notes for div A06534-e1250 a Leuit. 10. b Isaye . 14. c Ephes. 6. a Ezech. 8. Notes for div A06534-e1830 a Cant. 5. b Probatica , Ioan. 5. c Cant. 2. d Cant. 4. e Cant. 4. f Psal. 88. Isaiae 55. g Cant. 3. h Iosue . 10. h Iosue . 10. k Eccl. l Gen. 3. a Cant. 5. b Apoc. 3. c Cant. 3. d Cant. 5. a Luc. 24. b Cant. 2. Notes for div A06534-e2600 a Soph. 1. b Ion. 4. c Num. 1. d Apoc. 21. a 2. Cor. 6. a 2. Cor. 6. Notes for div A06534-e3200 a Apoc. 12. b Apoc. 12. c Psal. 76. a Ioan. 3. Notes for div A06534-e3810 a Iohn . 9. b 4. Reg. 5. c Gen. 2. d Ioan. 4. e I●dic . 15. f Gen. 24. g Iohn . 4. h Psal. 50. a Heb. 9. b Exod. 12. c Exod. 29. d Heb. 9. a Psal. 50. Notes for div A06534-e4640 a Exod. 24. Heb. 9. b Psal. 50 , c Gen. 35. d Ose. 10. e 4. Reg. 1. f Cant. 5. a Exod. 3. a Psal. 62. b Thren . 4. c Psal. 50. d Ioan 9. e Exod. 15. f Exod. 17. g 4. Reg. 5. Notes for div A06534-e5370 3. Reg. 10. b Psal. 17. c Ester , 5. d Psal. 83. e Cant. 2. Notes for div A06534-e5940 a Exod. 4. b 2. Reg. 23. c Iob. 40. d Ion. 4. e Psal. 88. f Psal. 18. g Cant. 4. h Aug. serm . 10. de serm . Dom. i Mat. 11. a Ioan. 6. b Sap. 13. Rom ▪ 1. c 1. Cor. 10. Heb. 11. d Exod. 3. e Num. 21. f 2. Reg. 11. g Mat. 11. Notes for div A06534-e6660 a Eccl. 1. b Psal. 88. c Apoc. 21. d Apoc. 14. a Deut. 32. Notes for div A06534-e7260 a Psal. 87. b Exod. 5. c Gen. 28. d Gen. 32. e Iud●●●h 13. f 4. Reg. 19. a Cant. 8. b Cant. 4. Notes for div A06534-e7850 a Cant. 1. a Cant. 1. b Cant. 2. c Cant. 1. d Cant. 2. e Zach. 6. a Cant. 1. Notes for div A06534-e8470 a Psal. 88. b Isa. 48. a Psal. 88. b Isa. 48. c 1. Reg. 16. a Psal. 18. Notes for div A06534-e9060 a Mat. 27 b Cant. 4. c Psal. 33. d Psal. 50. e Psal. 55. f Psal. 102. a Luc. 23. a Luc. 1. b Psal. 116. Notes for div A06534-e9820 a Cant 5. b Io. 4 c Luc. 6. d Gen. 2. e Gen. 28. a Mat. 18. b Iob. 39. c Rom. 16. Ephes. 2. Notes for div A06534-e10580 a Lib. 9. Conf. c. 2. b 4. Reg. 13. c Psal. 44. d Gen. 1. a Cant. 4. b Cant. 4. c 2. Cor. 13. Notes for div A06534-e11240 a Mat. 17. b Exod. 29. a 4. Reg. 2. d Gen. 3. e Ezech. 1. f Cant. 8. g Zach. 2. h Exod. 2. i Zach. 2. a Luc. 12. Notes for div A06534-e11900 a Cant. 2. b Psal. 102. c Luc. 7. d Marc. 26. e Sap. 2. f Apoc. 10. g Apoc. 4. h Psal. 102. i Psal. 147. k Exod. 14. Iosue . 3. l Apoc. 4. m Apoc. 7. a 2. Tim. 2. b Apoc. 7. a Apoc. 4. & 7. Notes for div A06534-e12710 a Exod. 4. b Apoc. 21. c Mat. 22. a Ezech. 16. b Osee. 2. c Apoc. 19. d Isa. 56. e 1. Cor. 6. f S. Tho. 1. 2. q. 4. ar . 3. g Luc. 14. Mar. 22. h Ester . 1. i Ester . 13. k Apoc. 19. l Ester . 1. m Bern. ep . 114. n Ester . 1. o Ester . 1. p ibid. q Cicero . lib. 5. Tuscul. r Apoc. 6. & 21. s Psal. 55. t Bellarm. de fel. 88. u Pro. 14. a Bern. ser. 2. de mut . aquae in vinum . b Luc. 14. c Mat. 25. a Mat. 25. Notes for div A06534-e14000 a Rom. 8. b Cant. 2. a Rom. 8. b Iza . 58. c 2. Cor. 12. d 3. Reg. 10. e S. Bona● in vita S. Fran. f Psal. 56. g Psal. 111. h Psal. 41. i Psal. 83. k Aug. lib. 3. de lib. arb . c. vlt. l 1. Par. 9. m Psal. 14. a Rom. 8. b Lib. 9. Conf. cap. 1. c Num. 13. d Rom. 8. e in Iob cap. 7. a Exs. Aug. & S. Francisco .