THE SOCIETY OF THE ROSARY. Newly Augmented. Gaude MARIA Virgo, cunctas haereses sola interemisti in universo mundo. the virgin Mary with the infant Jesus Dignare me laudare te Virgo sacrata. Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos. THE PREFACE to the Reader. AFTER the general deluge and inundation of the whole world in the time of Noë, Gen. 6. Almighty GOD placed in the clouds his Rainbow, as a token and obligation that he would no more destroy the world with water. How general a deluge of heresy and of all manner of iniquity our miserable country hath these late years sustained we yet feel by the experience of the calamity thereof: and it is to pitiful to remember how many souls have already perished thereby. Neither do we see any other relief in so great distresses: than to make our humble recourse unto our merciful Lord, and earnestly to desire of his sovereign greatness: that shutting up the depth of hellish lakes, Gen. 8. and the mighty cataracts of his heavy displeasure; these deadly floods may cease from the earth, and all creatures be restored to their former safety. One singular occasion of hope we might have of so great a benefit: if it would please him but once to show this sign of his Testament with mankind, his glorious rainbow, which discovering unto the world most beautiful colors might signify the calm & fair weather, which were at hand: This rainbow I mean to be the glorious Virgin, a most beautiful sign of God's friendship with men, and such a token of his singular mercy, that when he hath often times loaded the skies with the heavy clouds of his iminentiven gence, he nevertheless looking upon so glorious & beloved a creature, not appointed by him for wrath and anger, but chosen for a figure of mercy and peace, and therefore most worthily called the mother of mercy: forgerting our iniquities, and as it were in a manner his own justice; withholdeth his severe punishments, and in steed of brimstone and fire, which those clouds should send upon us, leadeth us In nube diei, Psal. 77 & tota nocte in illuminatione ignis by the clouds of his mercy in the day; and all the night by the comfort of his heavenly lights. I could here discourse at large how worthily this B. Virgin may be called a rainbow, & how many excellent comparisons may be made thereof unto her: of the variety of her virtues, of the perfection of her great excellencies figured in roundness, Apoc. 4. of the stateliness of that seat which God did choose in her for his own person But sufficient it is for our purpose, that she is in special manner a rainbow against Heretics: whereas the Church generally singeth, she hath destroyed all heresies in the whole world, and therefore is a particular sign and abode of the ceasing thereof: From this bow there goeth none but choose arrows taken forth of the quiver of God himself, yea arrows of the salvation of our Lord, arrows of salvation against Syria; that is, arrows of salvation both in tranquillity of the Church; and also against all the enemies of Israel, & the Church of God in the time of tentation and disturbance. Neither wanteth it a mystery, that this bow is bend upwards towards heaven: Cant. 4 for it not only recerueth the strength from God, to whom it looketh: but wounding first the heart of God himself, from thence receiveth all comfort for his servants and confusion at the last for his wicked enemies. This when I consider, & weighing also with myself, how true it is of her which is spoken of the wisdom of God, with which she was so abundantly endowed; that she preventeth those which desire her for to show herself first unto them: that she seeketh with great diligence for those that are worthy of her, Sap. 6 and showeth herself in the ways pleasantly unto them: and with all provident care runneth to meet them. I fully persuade myself, that it is in our own power to win her, and to obtain from heaven a new rainbow: which being a sign of god, cannot signify falsely, but most certainly foretell our comfort and relief. It is in our power. I say: yet not except we desire her: she seeketh for us but so, if we be worthy of her: she showeth herself pleasant, but unto those that she meeteth in the ways to seek her: for whom she bountifully provideth all manner of good. I present therefore unto my most dear country with the same love and affection with which I would if so it pleased God present it my blood, a singular mean of winning this Virgin's favour, and such a mean as by herself hath here tofore been presented unto the world, and now undoubtedly by herself also not unmind full of her ancient Dowry, is offered unto our country the Society of the holy Rosary: an ancient means even from S. Domincks time of rooting out of heresy. Which albeit both in time past, and now of late years it hath been embraced in our country, with great devotion: yet neither hath it hitherto been so generally used neither the nature and profit there of so perfectly known, as for so great a good were required. for (as the scripture saith) A hidden wisdom, & an unseen treasure, Eccl. 20 what profit is there in them both? Wherefore I thought it my part, knowing what opportunity our country men may have to be admitted unto the participation of this treasure, diligently to search out & briefly to set down what so ever either necessarily doth belong or any way might be profitable to the enjoying of the same: fully persuading myself that as spiritual men in these Catholic countries are wont to say of themselves; so the beads must be to our afflicted brethren, in steed of all manner of armour or weapons: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to God, 2. Cor. 1 unto the destruction of munitions, destroying Councils, and all loftiness extolling itself a 'gainst the knowledge of God. Which persuasion of mine unto those which shall duly weigh the perfection and excellencies of this most glorious Virgin, cannot any way be judged false: for therefore is she called a well settled array of a pitched army, because she mightily overcometh, Cant. 6. not only her own, but also her devout clients adversaries. Which singular protection we can no way deserve more conveniently: then by such service as herself hath elected and commended unto us, and of itself doth yield us such commodities as in the treatise shall appear. Yet this must I confess, that I have for the most part framed myself, unto the simpler sort: for such are they which most please our Lady, & in which she-most delighteth: my intent having been in this little treatise, that as the beads are the unlearned man's book; so also such persons might here find whatsoever is necessary for their devotion. And yet doubt I not, but any Catholic mind will judge the same work not to be unprofitable unto whosoever of never so great knowledge with a certain spice of heretical pride, will not contemn ordinary Catholic helps of devotion. Accept therefore (gentle Reader) this my present: & with convenient diligence and study use the same. Which if thou dost: I doubt not, but howsoever it may displease curious eyes, it will not be displeasing to our B. Lady, not without unspeakable profit to our whole country, them the which two things next unto God's glory I desire nothing more. Farewell. A BRIEF DIScourse of the Devotion of our B. LADY. EVEN as with all manner of deceitful subtleties and blasphemous untruths, heresy doth ever go about to derogate unto the glory of the most sovereign Queen of heaven and earth: so is it the part of every zealous Catholic with as much care and diligence, to procure to set forth, amplify, and increase, her wonderful praises, and most deserved honour. Whereas therefore in this little treatise we are to set down one of the most special devotions and services that the holy Church useth unto the glory of this B. Virgin: I think it necessary that before we enter into the principal discourse itself, we briefly for the behoof of the unlearned set down, wherein the devotion, and service of so high a creature doth consist. Two things therefore are required, for the whole perfection of that which we call the devotion of our Lady. First, for to have a deep and settled conceit of her worthiness and greatness, next unto Almighty God himself, above all spiritual and corporal creatures. Secondly to derive from such due estimation, an earnest study, and endeavour for her honour & the glory of God, & our own profit, of doing and performing whatsoever may become us. Concerning the first therefore, I will here only touch amongst her infinite privileges only a few, and such as either without heresy cannot be doubted of: or are by the firm consent of the whole Church, most constantly believed: or may with godly devotion be gathered out of the holy scriptures and ancient Fathers: leaving the large proofs thereof unto many learned books which of this point are every where extant. 25 singular privileges of our Blessed Lady. 1 That as she is in all manner of virtues and dignities, far exceeding all other creatures; so was she before all worlds appointed and chosen to so great highness; in so much, that ab eterno, Almighty God considering and beholding so singular a work of his hand, next unto himself and the humanity of our Saviour, had a special delight and repose in her. 2 When the time came that so excellent a creature should be brought into the world, she was foretold by Angelical revelation unto both her barren parents, even as before even from the beginning of the world, she had in sundry ways been both prefigured and promised. 3 Her Body, although it were conceived according to the natural order of man's generation, yet was both the matter ministered thereunto with such devotion as became so holy parents: and there wanted not the special cooperation of the holy Ghost, preparing (as the Church singeth) the habitation of the son of God. Whence it did proceed, that in perfection of beauty and complexion, she was such, as is credibly to be thought never to have been subject to such particular defects of body, as are either caused by the evilness of complexion or inflicted for punishment of sin, or procured by disordered life: and that in her person she did carry such a show of heavenly comeliness and majesty, that a great Saint beholding her, said, Dion. Areop. that if he had not other wise been taught by his faith: he would have deemed her to have some Godhead within her. 4 When the time came that her Body should be quickened with a reasonable soul, (which in all others in the very creating within a body by carnal generation, descending from ADAM contracteth original sin, and giveth life, and being to a child of wrath:) she only was exempted from such deformity, and presently made the child of God, and ever from that time full of grace and of all virtue: although in the process of her most holy life, she continually increased the same, especially at the conceiving of the son of God, and the coming of the holy Ghost unto all the Apostles. 5 She had then such abundance of grace bestowed on her from God, D. though 5. Par. q 27. ar. 5 Psa. 86. that she far exceeded the grace of all Angels & holy souls: so that she laying her foundations above so many high hills, we may not any way conceive unto what a hight so perfit a sanctuary grew before her death. Neither wanted she any grace or gift of the HOLY GHOST, as of prophesy, working miracles, and such like, although whilst she lived in this world, it was convenient for the confirmation of the doctrine of Christ, that he only and his Apostles should work miracles. But she hath above all other Saints since her assumption into heaven: received that power of her son and daily in all countries practised the same. 6 As divers holy Fathers do testify, Amb. & Beda in Luc. vide Aug. ep. 57 that S. JOHN Baptist when he was sanctified in his mother's womb, had the use of his free-will: voluntarily concurring to the acceptation of that grace which he then received; which is not obscurely signified unto us in the Gospel itself: where we read that the Infant exulted in joy, which argueth knowledge of the cause of so great joy: so is it also most worthily to be thought of this Virgin: for that general rule of all Divines and holy Fathers, that whatsoever privilege hath been granted unto any pure creature, is to be in a higher degree attributed unto her. And it were very agreeable unto her other privileges, to think the same use of reason to have still continued in her: especially whereas the whole Church attributeth such discretion unto her, as well the space of her infancy being with her Parents: as also when being three year old she went of her own accord to present herself with great devotion to the service of God, in the Temple: And the gifts of God, Rom. 11. (as S. PAUL teacheth us) being always without repentance: it was not convenient that she above all other should ever lose that which she once received. 7 Her holy nativity and presentation were unto the holy people which were by the inspiration of God made privy unto her greatness, and to the hope of the redemption of Israel now at hand; a cause of such joy as never before had been in the world: all being full of God's miracles and heavenly comforts. 8 The bolines of her life even from the beginning unto the end thereof was such that it was void from all sin, not only mortal but also venial. Aug. lib. de nat. & great. c. 36. Yea she was wholly delivered from that inclination unto evil, and difficulty in that which is good which we all received from ADAM; not only in her conceiving of CHRIST, but also from her first immaculate conception; when being free from Original sin, she was also exempted from the sequel thereof, which the Divines call foams peccati: so that in all her life the inferior powers of her soul, could never be moved without the direction of reason. 9 As her life was more holy than ever of any other creature: so did she abound with more heavenly visitations, than ever was granted unto any being continually guarded & waited upon with Angels: yea, Exe. 33. 2. Cor. 12 if unto S. PAUL & MOSES was showed in this life the very essence and glory of God, as the Divines after S. AUGUSTINE & other holy Fathers do more probably judge then must we also for the rule aforesaid not doubt, but unto this Virgin the same privilege at some time or other was granted: which so great gifts of God she always concealed with unspeakable humility, preferring herself to no creature, but always ready to become the servant of all. 10 She was the first which vowed unto God her virginity & that without any insttuctions of any as well as without example. 11 She had by the special work of God joined with her unspeakable virginity the fecundity of a mother; and whatsoever is perfect in marriage; unto which she yielded herself not purposing to diminish her sacred purity, but by most certain reulation assuring herself of the perpetuety thereof: that so the son of God might be borne in wedlock, she preserved from infamy, and so great a mystery of the incarnation of our Saviour Christ, concealed from the Devil, and there should not want unto herself and her son in this miserable life the necessary comfort of a fosterer Saint JOSEPH her spouse: whom presently after the marriage she caused to vow also virginity, making themselves a perfect pattern of so many couples as by their example have in the Church of Christ undertaken the same. 12 She by her holiness and singular perfection deserved that the son of God should be incarnate and take flesh in her immaculate womb, for this word of deserving or meriting doth S. AUGUSTINE use when he yieldeth the reasons why she was every way free from sin: Lib. de nat. & great. 1. 36. Quia concipere ac parere meruit eum quem constat nullum habuisse peccatum: Because she deserved to conceive & bring forth him, whom it is manifest to have had no sin: yet this merit do we not so understand, as though the work of the incarnation itself could be deserved: but that supposing that God of his mere liberality and goodness determined the same, she might deserve of God with an imperfect kind of merit, (which the Divines call the congruo) that what he was determined to do, he should do, both the sooner, and take her as an instrument of his goodness, & graciousness in the same. And yet such was her base conceit of herself, that so far she was from the expectation or imagination of so great a benefit, that she desired to be the handmaid and slave of whatsoever woman were to be the Mother of the MESSIAH of the world, whom she knew by the profoundest intelligence of the holy Scriptures which ever any creature had, of which she was a continual student, to be borne of a woman a Virgin. Esa. 5 For as she had learned most highly to conceive of God, and his appointed Mother: so had she also used herself with sincerity to humble herself in the fight of God, that he might exalt her, & therefore dare I boldly say, that if this most absolute Virgin, jac. 4 1. Pet. 5 had not been so worthily disposed, as in deed she was, for so great a sacrament: Almighty God would not have sent his Son. For as he had ordained before all the world the most holy incarnation of his only son: so had he also ordained together with the privileges of the human nature of his son: the dignity of her from whom he was to take the same. Yet do I not say that God's providence could be deceived herein: but that he would with the same foresight provide both the end and the means of so great an end. And as our saviour himself whatsoever he did for our salvation, although he did it with order and commandment from his Father, yet he did it voluntarily and freely: Even so she which was thought fit of God himself for so great a work, although Almighty God himself was the chief author of her worthiness: yet did she freely and voluntarily concur unto our redemption: by making herself with God's especial grace a fit mother for our Redeemer. Whereby we learn what devotion, reverence, and gratfulnes we should carry to so great a benefactrice. 13 The plenitude of time which God in his eternal wisdom had ordained being now come: the Angel GABRIEL cometh to bring her these joyful tidings, & with great reverence, as not presuming to call her by her proper name, saith unto her, Hail full of grace: when she nothing frighted with the sight of a young man (for such figure the Angel bore) as one much accustomed to the conversation of Angels: was only amazed with such honourable speeches: yet being certified by the Angel of what God had determined of her, & of the safety and security of her vowed Virginity, she freely gave her consent. But what consent? Such a consent as brought the Son of God into the world. Herald 4. super Missus est. For as S. BERNARD saith, she spoke a word, which was, Behold the handmaid of our Lord, be it unto me according unto thy word, and presently she received in her most chaste womb the eternal word of God; equal unto the Father; & the holy Ghost When as she had always been the Temple of the holy Ghost, so now she was first made the workhouse of the same eternal spirit, framing within her an eternal house for the wisdom of GOD, Prou. 9 which was Christ our Lord: and secondly the Mother & Temple of the son of God, who corporally dwelled within her for the space of nine months. A most happy consent: and most glorious son, wherein Almighty God himself made his Tabernacle, for the redemption of the whole world. Psa. 18 And o base and ungrateful heart, who wilt not acknowledge and reverence so great a benefit. 14 Presently after the conceiving of Christ, as though neither she herself nor Christ our Saviour newly come into the world could be idle, & not attend to the work of our redemption: she went to her cozen Elizabeth: although in show to visit her being great with child: yet also to sanctify her burden which she had within her For he which now dwelled within MARY, by her sacred voice, as by an instrument, sanctified him which was to be the Precursor of the true Messiah: & endued him with those virtuous habits, which brought forth afterward such holy actions, as the scripture yieldeth testimony of. 15 Without all sorrow, pain, indecency, prejudice to her Virginal integrity, she alone, as only worthy to be privy to such a mystery (when all things were at quiet silence, and the night in her course was at the midst of her journey) received in her Angelical hands from the Kingly seat of her sacred womb, the omnipotent word of God, & laying him in a manger, nourished him with her most pure breasts; and was present at the homage and fealty which by the holy Angels with heavenly melody was yielded unto him. 16 She was the principal imposer of that most comfortable name of jesus, confirmed with the first effusion of that sacred Blood, which was to take away the sins of the world. 17 She had not only an intrinsical familiarity with the son of God, and was a principal scholar of his; but he vouchsafed also to be subject unto her, she having a motherly right and authority over him, and he with his labour and toil gaining great part of her livelehode, for the space of thirty years, especially after S. joseph's death. 18 All the Apostles and Disciples having abandoned her holy son, she forsook him not, but accompanying him unto the Cross, and contemplating him thereon, suffered in her afflicted mind (yet without any excess or disorder of passion) whatsoever he suffered in his divine Body: was commended most carefully by him to his most tenderly beloved Disciple: received his naked body with motherly familiarity in her sacred lap: & with most certain expectation of his Resurrection, after she had buried him returning home, all the Disciples although not having lost the faith of that point which they had not as yet perfectly received yet not sufficiently persuaded of the same Resurrection. 19 She was the first unto whom he appeared after his glorious resurrection. For although of such apparition there be no mention in the Gospel: yet of this affection to his loving Mother we need not doubt, but that as the Church singeth: Prima meretur gaudia, quae plus ardebat caeteris: She deserved the first joy, which did love more than the rest; And the delay between his resurrection and the apparition unto Mary Magdalene; is an argument that first he appeared unto his Mother. And he had so determined, that for the salvation of mankind, two such notable personages living necessarily together, as was himself and his glorious Mother; his only greatness should be showed first: which being fully commended unto men, he would afterward make known the excellencies of his Mother, even unto the world's end. With whom before he had showed any only private favours, and therefore in the Gospel there is not mention made of her many privileges, but only of such things as belong to the necessary confirmation of the faith. 20 After the Ascension of our Saviour, she was the mistress of the Apostles, Luc. 2. when they went to preach in the world, and to the evangelists going about to write the Gospel. For she had diligently laid up in her heart, such things as her son, for our salvation had done, and such as none but herself could be witness of. 21 At the coming of the holy Ghost, she received alone, as much grace, as all the other Apostles and Disciples, S. Bona. in specu. such being the love of her dear son unto her, and so great her capacity, according unto which Almighty God not permitting his vessels to remain empty, doth always infund his holy gifts & graces. 22 Having for the space of fifteen years after her sons Ascension, both been a great comfort to the militant Church, and having also received as much joy of the conversion of souls, and the name of her son spread about the world, and continually visited with singular devotion, the places where she remembered the fruitful steps of our Saviour for our redemption: Being warned by an Angel of her death, & all the Apostles miraculously present, she yielded her soul, with unspeakable comfort & quietness, amongst so holy a company, and with heavenly melody of Angels, into her sons own bosom, who most lovingly had invited her, & most joyfully received her into his heavenly Tabernacle in recompense of the harbour received by her. 23 Her body having been with great solemnity and many sacred hymns, both of the holy Apostles, and also of Angels committed unto the sepulchre, the Angels continued also for the space of three days in the same place with their heavenly melody. 24 The third day her sacred body with far greater solemnity and joys of Angels, being again restored unto the glorious soul, was in the bosom of her dear son, whom she had so oft entertained in her blessed lap, assumpted up into heaven being more reverent & holy, than heaven itself having contained that which heaven could not contain. 25 She was exalted to such dignity, as she had been before the beginning of the world chosen unto: that is, to be Queen of Angels, and of all Saints; and of all the world, an especial advocate unto her Son for all mortal creatures Other Saints are in deed made by God Kings over the world, Apoc. 5. as the scripture teacheth us: but although they have a subordination of degrees of glory in those diverse mansions; Io. 14. yet are they not Kings one over another, but partners and fellows of so great a felicity. This is the privilege of our B. Lady, that she only is exalted above all Angels & Saints, being made so much the more better than they all, by how much the more perfect a name she hath received, than they. For unto whom at any time of his Angels or Saints hath he said, Heb. 1 Ber. ser. 2. de adven. Do. Cant. 4. & 7. thou art my mother? and having this very convenient privilege unto her whole life, and former dignities, that as we received Christ by her, so by her, Christ doth at our death especially receive us. Finally by her as the Neck of the Church from Christ her son, the head thereof, we receive all manner of spiritual & heavenly good I will therefore conclude with the saying of S. Bernard wonderfully discoursing of this Virgin's name Mary: which signifieth star of the Sea. O thou whosoever dost perceive thyself in the flux of this world rather to be tossed in the midst of storms and tempests, than to walk upon the earth: turn not away thy eyes from the brightness of this star, if thou wilt not be overwhelmed with storms: if winds of temptations do arise, if thou dost incur the rocks of tribulations, look upon the star call upon Mary. If thou be'st tossed with the waters of pride, Ambition, Detraction, Emulation: look upon the star, call upon Mary. If Sloth, Anger, or Covetousness, or allurement of the flesh do shake the ship of thy mind: look upon Mary. If thou be'st troubled with the enormity of crimes, confounded with the uncleanness of conscience, frighted with the horror of judgement, & beginnest to be swallowed into the gulf of sadness, or into the depth of despair: think upon Mary. In dangers, in distresses, in doubtful cases, think upon Mary, call upon Mary. Let her not depart from thy mouth, let her not depart from thy heart. And that thou mayest obtain the relief of her prayer, do thou not serve from the example of her conversation. Following her, thou straiest not: calling upon her, thou despairest not: thinking upon her, thou errest not: she holding thee thou fallest not: she protecting thee, thou fearest not: she being thy guide, thou faintest not: she being merciful, thou shalt arrive, and so in thyself thou shalt feel by experience, how worthily it is said. And the name of the Virgin was Mary. Now for the second part, thus it behoveth every true Christian to be devout of our B. Lady. 1 To be stirred up to the admiration of God himself, who hath showed his power in so glorious a creature of his hands. 2 To Imitate her particular virtues. 3 To conform ourselves to her diverse affections which she had in her whole life, to rejoice with her ioifullnes, to have compassion of her sorrows, to congratulate with her glory. 4 To yield her such honour and reverence as she deserveth: to admire her, to love her, to praise her to acknowledge her as our special patron, to dilate her praises unto the world, to salute her with diverse devout prayers, specially with the ave Maria, to acknowledge with thankful mind the benefits received from her, and by her means to commend our own necessities and of our friends and of the whole Church unto her, to offer all our actions yea and ourselves unto God by her, to exhibit unto her, that exterior reverence & honour, which is agreeable unto the practice of the holy Church & of all devout persons: finally to acknowledge her as our mother in all things having recource unto her as her tender children, preparing ourselves for her feasts & expecting them as in the which we may hope to receive singulercomforts and at our death reposing a special hope in her protection. These things, dear Brother if thou wilt practise: I doubt not but thou shalt not only highly please this most B. Virgin, but thyself shalt reap such benefits as she useth liberally to bestow on her devout Favourites. THE TABLE OF THE Chapters contained in this Treatise. Of the beginning, largeness, and profit of this Society. Cap. 1 The ordinances or decrees of the Society of the Rosary, with an explication thereof. Cap. 2 A brief summary of the Graces or indulgences, of this Society of the Rosary with the names of the Popes which granted them. Cap. 3 Of the Stations of Rome. Cap, 4 The 15 mysteries of the holy Rosary. Cap. 5 Of other manner of saying of beads. Cap. 6 The manner of distribution of the life of our Saviour & of our Lady for the corone of 63. Aves for those which shall desire to use the same although the corone may be said without such particular memory. Cap. 7 An other Rosary of the B. Virgin Mary much like unto the former but divided according to the acts of our Saviour Christ for the Rosary of 5. Pater's and 50. Aves out of Ludovicus Blosius. Cap. 8. another like exercise of the life and Passion of Christ, consisting of 5. Pater's & 50 Aves. Ca 9 Another manner of dividing the Rosary of 150 ave Maries, accorto the mysteries of the life of our Saviour taken out of the Italian book of the Rosary. Cap. 10 Twenty Propositions to prove the Catholic custom of saying the Rosary out of Franciscus Costerus. Cap. 11. An explication of our Lord's prayer An exposition of the Angelical salutation. Cap. 13. diverse other devotions. Cap. 14. Our Lady's Litanies OF THE BEGINNING, LARGENESS & Profit of this Society. Cap. 1. AMONGST diverse companies or Societies, religiously instituted and most devoutly followed and reverenced in the Church of God, one of the most ancient, general, and profitable is, that which being instituted in the honour of the most blessed and immaculate Virgin MARY mother of God, and patroness of all distressed mortals, is commonly called the Society of the holy Rosary The first Founder and beginner thereof was the glorious light of God's Church S. DOMINICK who about 400. years ago not being contented to have instituted a noble order of religious persons, The Antiquity. as well Freers as Nuns, which in their several houses & with most perfect rules serving Almighty GOD, have spread their zeal and devotion, over all the world: did also extend his charitable care and providence even to all sorts of people, and with his singular wisdom and in flamed love of souls, by the inspiration no doubt of the holy Ghost, and special revelation of the same glorious Virgin, knit together in one band of a mutual Society, all kind of devout Christians. For this devout Saint, The generality. Rom. 1. considering with S. PAUL, that he was debtor to the simple aswell as unto the wise, and weighing with himself that there were many secular persons, whom either want of will might withdraw, or necessity of their estate and condition might hinder from the straight path of evangelical perfection: found notwithstanding a means for them to kindle and nourish devotion, and with great facility to pray & obtain by the most effectual intercession of so great an advocate all manner of good and perfect gifts, from the only giver and bestower thereof the FATHER of lights. From which so fruitful means, should be excluded neither the husbandman in the fields, nor the travailer in his journey, nor the labourer with his toiling, nor the simple by his unskilfulness nor the woman by her sex, nor the married by their estate, nor the young by their ignorance, nor the aged by their impotency, nor the sick by their infirmity, nor the poor for want of ability, nor the blind for want of sight, yea the Religious themselves of both sexes, at all times and in all places, when they may want either books or other ordinary helps of spirit, (although this be not one of the least among many others wherewith they abound) might hereby find no small increase of comfort, fervour, and devotion, in so much that we see by experience, that there is not any devout Christian, and which hath care of his soul, but in what estate soever he live, if he have convenient opportunity, he seeketh by giving his name unto this holy confraternity, to become a client or pupil of the most glorious Virgin. Wherein we may see the singular profit and commodity which redoundeth unto us by the same. The profit & commodity. For if it be so general a devotion, in the whole Church of God, as we have said: then undoubtedly we may say that one profit which hereby we may reap, is the facility of an acceptable service of God, for that devotion which repugneth to no estate or condition, but may so easily be performed, not requiring more knowledge, then to say the Pater noster, and ave Maria, nor any more charge than the price of a pair of Beads, nor any choice of place or situation of body, but as it shall like the party, either to stand, site, lie walk or kneel: especially having no burden of conscience or charge of sin if it be omitted: who seethe not then how easy it is, and with what facility it may be observed? yea who seethe not how great and careless a negligence, and how contemptuous a singularity it were, to omit so general a profession? This facility is also the greater for that there being divers Societies of our LADY, divers Societies of our Lady. every one of which doth laudably endeavour to advance the honour of so holy a creature, to their own singular great gain of devotion, virtue and merit: in every one are diverse bonds either of rehearsing some certain prayers every day, or of oft Confessing and Receiving, or of some more strict observance than is necessary or easy and expedient for every Christian: But in this of the Rosary, that it may the rather be embraced of all: though there be spiritual rewards almost for every godly action, in which every man according to his devotion may exercise himself: yet is there no general bond, but only to the rehearsing of the Beads thrice a week, as shall be showed hereafter, One only necessary bond in this Society. and that without the incurring of any sin by the omission thereof, as hath been said before, yea and that also may be supplied by an other, who performeth the due exercise for his brother, being either sick or otherwise hindered: as afterward shall appear But besides the facility there are other more singular commodities herein. For secondly there is the special patronage and protection of the same most blessed and glorious Virgin. The patronage of our Lady. For although she be worthily called a most loving advocate of all faithful Christians, yet there no doubt doth her care more abound, where she hath most mercifully chosen & gathered, & knit together such as she meaneth singularly to tender, she having declared by sundry miracles, the familiar rpovidence which she carrieth over this her family. Godly meditation. Thirdly in this devotion of the Rosary is daily with great fruit remembered the principal points of the life of our Saviour, and of his holy Mother, in so much that the danger, of which the Prophet complaineth, when he saith that the whole earth was brought to desolation, Hier. 12 because there was not who did meditate or ponder in his heart: by this devout exercise of Christian duty, is by all estates of men utterly avoided: whilst every devout Catholic, daily when he saith his beads, doth as it were in a book read and reverently layeth before his eyes, Christ our Saviour incarnate in his Mother, The 15. mysteries of the Rosary. sanctifying JOHN Baptist his holy Precursor, lying in a manager, offered up to his Father in the Temple, teaching the Doctors, praying in the Garden, cruelly whipped crowned with thorns, carrying his Cross and exalted thereon for our redemption, rising again, ascending into heaven, sending his holy Spirit and gracious gifts unto men, taking up with childly affection his most holy Mother, even corporally unto heaven and exalting and crowning her over all his holy Saints and Angels. Whereof what gratitude, what humility, what charity, what spurs unto all virtue may be engendered in Christian minds, let every one consider: it is not our purpose now to expound And although this manner of remembering the life of Christ, may be practised by any one which is not of this Society: yet both this manner of dividing & religiously honouring these holy mysteries, was first commended of S. DOMINICKE to this holy confraternity, not without a special revelation (as it is credibly thought) of the B. Virgin, and such virtuous practice will then be more acceptable, when it is performed with a relation, and respect, as of one of this so favoured a Society. 4 fourthly this holy Society hath many Indulgences or Pardons annexed unto the saying of the Rosary: Indulgences. as shall hereafter appear. Of the profit whereof as it is not lawful for any Catholic to doubt, so were it to long here to entreat. Only this will I say: that although there be perhaps many greater Indulgences granted unto diverse Grains, than these of this confraternity, yet are not these to be neglected, but rather greatly to be esteemed for to causes. First for so many other commodities as are in this Society: which cannot be obtained without saying once a week the Rosary, for respect of this Society. Wherefore although one would for desire of greater Indulgence apply the saying of his Beads unto other grains, yet is it very expedient thrice a week to apply his intention unto the Society of the Rosary, saying his beads as a member thereof, for than is he sufficiently disposed to receive the fruits of the same Society, although he should never so often beside by saying the same seek the INDULGENCES of hallowed grains. Secondly for that a sufficient cause being required for the value of an Indulgence as the Divines do teach, these Indulgences being confirmed by so divers Popes, and having the value of a cause from the influence of so divers members, which in this Society every where tend unto one end of the service and honour of God and his blessed Mother, must of necessity have an undoubted and more abundant effect. 5 Fifthly, there is in this confraternity an inestimable treasure of the mutual participation of all the good works done by the persons of the same, The participation of spiritual good. & of the whole order of S. Dominick as well Freers as Nuns. So that besides the general influence which for the communion of Saints in the Church of God, is from one member of Christ his mystical body unto another, by which one member rejoiceth with another, suffereth with and for an other, and the abundance of one supplieth the want and poverty of an other, so that both be in god's grace (without the which neither Indulgences may be obtained, nor the participation of good works either given or received.) There is a more special benefit and participation in this Society by the particular application of those which may by authority distribute so great a treasure of all that Fasting, Praying, Watching, Alms, & other works of Christian piety, as are by so many so godly so far dispersed persons every day and moment performed. 6 Last of all, the benefit of this Society lasteth after death also as shall be showed also hereafter. The benefit after death. For when the Souls departed, in the flames of Purgatory yieldeth satisfaction for sins not perfectly remitted in this world, it may by the ordinary suffrages of God's Church, be relieved, as unto all Christians departed in God's grace is common. But he which for a soul departed of this SOCIETY offereth the usual devotions of the same, besides the value which such devotions may have of themselves cometh laden with the treasures and merits of divers other members of the Church to be applied for the relief of the distressed soul. All which so great commodities shall more plainly appear in the summary following of the ordinances or statutes and graces of this Society. Which hath been faithfully drawn forth of an Italian book of the Rosary set forth at Rome about 8. or 9 years since by the Reverend General of S. DOMINICKS order unto whom especially the admission into this Society doth belong, although I understand to my great comfort that there be diverse within our Realm which have either immediately from the same General or by some other lawful means the like authority. THE ORDINANCES or decrees of the Society of the Rosary, with an explication thereof. Cap. 2. AS by the glorious Father, & Founder of the order of Preachers, S. DOMINICKE, this holy Rosary was planted, and this divine manner of prayer instituted: so unto the Reu. Fa. General of the same Order as his successor & heir doth it only belong to give authority and licence to institute and ordain the said Societies: to substitute & give leave to enrol and receive in them; and to do every other necessary act as by many Popes hath been granted and confirmed; And moreover by julius 3. and Pius 5. expressly declared, that the confraternities without his leave and authority instituted, be annulled and do not enjoy any Indulgence or privilege. 2 In every Covent and Church of the order of Preachers ought this holy company be and not in other; this being a proper inheritance and institution of that order. In Cities, Towns, or Villages, where there is no Covent or Church of the order of Preachers it may be placed in other Churches with leave of the said Reverend Father General, yet so that one company only there be in each Town or place for to avoid confusion: & if afterward the Freers of the order come to the said places to dwell, and build there a Covent or Church, unto them as unto true and lawful heirs the said company, Altar and all kind of commodity, and appurtenances is understood to be brought and transferred. This is understood of Legacies or Rents left to the maintenance of the Altar or Chapel of the Society 3 In every Church where the said Company is, there ought to be their particular Altar, or Chap chapel called of the holy rosary with some devout figure or Image of the most holy Virgin, & of the mysteries of the holy Rosary; there must be also the Rectors & heads of the said company, to avoid all confusion: There must be a particular book, where the names & surnames of all the perons of the company must be written. Note that here is not signified any bond or necessity of frequenting this Church or Chapel, for those which cannot conveniently come so far: but they may at their pleasure upon holy days go unto their own parish Church or other which they shall like. But it is very convenient, that then every one go to the proper Church of this Society, when there is any proper exercise of the same or any spiritual gain to be reaped as shall be seen hereafter. Yet so long as our Country remaineth in the present estate, it is good and sufficient that every household procure their ordinary Altar stone to be deputed unto this SOCIETY by those which may admit therein, because of the special Indulgences to be received, at the first entry as shall appear. 4 Those who have authority & leave as is aforesaid, to inrol and receive into the said company, aught to receive and enrol all such as devoutly demand it, with out any reward or payment at all, both because it is a spiritual & holy thing, and all so to the end that as well the rich as the poor may enjoy this treasure, as also for that the holy company hath been instituted and ordained not for the benefit of him which receiveth, but of him which is received, and it is sufficient to be in one place and once inrouled. This manner of inrouling being not convenient in our country for respects too well known: it sufficeth that after the names be once taken of such as enter, they be torn. Yet is it expedient, that when opportunity shall be offered, every one cause himself autentically to be inrouled, that so both God may be in the number of his devout servants more highly glorified and they may also be as it were solemnly accepted, & confirmed in that which first they received. 5 Neither those which are alive only, but also those which are dead those poor souls which are in purgatory may be enrolled and made partakers of so great a good, if any one for godly affection will make them to be inroled and will say for them the holy Rosary. 6 In the like manner if any person shall cause to be said for himself the Rosaty, he also obtaineth and enjoyeth so great a benefit. 7 All those which are enrolled in this holy company of the Rosary, are bound to say the Rosary at the least once a week. And for their better commodity it is granted them that they may divide it and say five tens at a time: which make fifty Aves and five paternosters: notwithstanding by omitting either by forgetfulness, or occupation, there is no sin incurred, but the fruit is lost, which should have been gotten by saying: and also the participation of the good works of the other brethren. By the name of Rosary, The division of the Rosary. is hear always understood the Psalter of our LADY, which containeth fifteen mysteries, to every one of which, are applied one Pater noster and ten Aves, so that in the whole there are fifteen Pater nosters & a hundred and fifty Aves, which in imitation of the Psalter of David of so many Psalms, made immediately unto God, maketh a kind of Psalter unto our LADY. This Psalter or Rosary is divided into three parts, every one of which is called the third part of the Rosary or one part of the Rosary very fitly containing five of the aforesaid mysteries, thereby representing unto us the memory of the wounds of our Saviour, in the several parts of the joyful, dolorous and glorious mysterries of the ROSARY. Although in diverse other Indulgences of hallowed Grains this word Rosary signifieth the third part only, when it is joined with this word corone, as when it is said, whosoever shall say the Rosary or corone. For than certain it is, that the third part is only signified, and the meaning of the word Coron is that pair of beads which in the remembrance of the life of our Lady containeth 63. Aves and 6. The corone of our Lady. Pater nosters, some also use very well at the end of every third part of the Rosary to say the Creed although it be no necessary part thereof. Note also that when in the Indulgences following there is required in any day that the whole Rosary be said, than you may not divide it into several days, & it is also more secure to say all at once. Finally if one be once admitted and for negligence omit to say the Rosary, he ceaseth not for all this to be of the Society, and may returning to his wont devotion without any new admission obtain the accustomed graces and benefits. 8 There are celebrated four anniverssaries in the year, for the souls of the brethren departed in the Churches of the Society, after the 4 principal festivities of our blessed LADY, the Nativity, Purification, Annunciation, and Assumption, at which every one ought to be present, praying for those souls, that the same piety may be used toward them. 9 Every first Sunday in the month, there is made a solemn and devout procession of the holy Rosary after Evensong, to the which they should in any wise come together, aswell for the Indulgences & treasures which they may gain, as that they may be present to honour the most sacred Virgin their advocate & Lady, and all devoutly united to ask her help. These two last articles cannot) as it is manifest (be preformed in our Country 10 After that the Priest hath written them which devoutly demand to enter into this company, the corone or Rosary being laid upon the Altar, with a stole about his neck, he blesseth the beads, saying the prayer following. This benediction if one can not conveniently come to him, which receiveth him, but only sendeth his name to be enrolled, is not necessary neither if the beads were ever blessed before. Hence also doth it appear that there is no other thing necessary, What is necessary in this Society. for the obtaining of the benefits of this Society, but to say once aweeke the Psalter of our LADY, & whosoever thinketh otherwise, requiring either other ordinary prayers, or frequenting of Sacraments, or any solemn profession at the first entrance: doth confound this Society, being a general corporation over all the world, with other particular Societies of our Lady in several places binding themselves to more strict observances, than were easy to be undertaken of all that variety of people, which is by this Society embraced. Although whosoever is of any other particular Society of our LADY receivig therein a particular fellowship, and incorporation in that place where such a Society is instituted, will withal for the general devotion unto this, as insttuted by the express revelation of our Blessed LADY (as it is credibly and devoutly thought) seek to be here enrolled if he were not before, which I thought good to note least any should either be confounded with variety of opinions, or deterred with more heavy burdens, from so profitable a devotion. THE PRAYER FOR the blessing of the Beads. Versic. Adiutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. Resp. Qui secit coelum & terram. Versic. Domine exaudi orationem meam. Resp. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. Versic. Dominus vohiscum. Resp. Et cum spiritu tuo. OMNIPOTENS & misericors Deus, qui propter nimiam charitatem tuam qua dilexisti nos, filium tuum unigenitum Dominum nostrum jesum Christum pro Redemptione nostra, de coelis in terram descendere & de Beatissimae Virginis Mariae utero Angelo nunciante carnem suscipere voluisti, ut nos eriperes de potestate Diaboli: Obsecramus immensem clementiam tuam, ut haec signa Rosarij in honorem & laudem eiusdem genetricis filii tui, ab Ecclesia tua fideli dicata, Bene ✚ dicas & San ✚ ctifices eisque tantam infundas virtutem Spiritus Sancti, ut quicunque horum quodlibet secum portaverit, atque in domo sua reverenter tenuerit, ab omni hoste visibili & invisibili semper et ubique in hoc seculo liberetur, & in exitu suo a Beatissima Virgine Maria Dei genetrice tibi plenus bonis operibus presentari me reatur. Per eundem Dominum nostium jesum Christum filium tuum, qui tecum vivit & regnat per omnia secula seculorum. Amen, Aspergat ea. Sacerdos aqua benedicta: In nomine Patris, & filii, & Spiritus Sancti. Amen. A BRIEF SVMMArie of the Graces, or Indulgences of this Society of the Rosary, with the names of the Popes which granted them. Cap. 3 WHo faith the ave Maria or reverently nameth the holy name of JESUS gaineth 60. days. Vrbanus. 4 & joan. 22 By saying the whole Rosary 15. years, Sixtus 4. and 15. quarantenes. A quarantene is an Indulgence, or releasing of 40. days penance. Inno. 8 A pleanary Indulgence once in life & again in the hour of death The Indulgences of the stations of Rome, Leo. 10 by visiting that day five Altars, or one five times devoutly saying, five Pater's and Aves for every one. What the Stations are, it shall appear in the Chapter following. For saying the whole Rosary 10. years, and 10. quarantenes, Idem A certain Legate. Idem. Also for the whole Rosary 120 days. For being present every Saturday in the Church of this Society at the Salue Regina, 40 days. For saying five Pater's & Aves in the Feasts of the annunciation, Idem. Nativity, Visitation, Purification, and Assumption of our Lady: 100 days. For saying the whole Rosary 120 For visiting the Altar of the Rosary at Rome, A Patri arch. Pius. 4 every feast of our Lady a plenary. The same by accompanying the procession which is made every first Sunday in the month. Idem. Having Received the day of the Annunciation of our LADY: Pius 5. granted those which follow and confirmed all those which are before. by saying the Rosary, a Plenary. By saying the ROSARY in the days of the Nativity, Purification, Visitation, & Assumption, of our Lady, 10. years and 10 quarantenes. By saying the Rosary any day whatsoevet, 40. days. By naming devoutly jesus Maria, every time 7 days. At the first entering, by Confessing and Receiving at the Altar or Church of this Society, and saying at the least one part of the ROSARY for the peace of the Church: a Plenary. The same is granted unto them which in the end of their life have Confessed and Received. By saying one part at the least of the Rosary, (having first Received the days of Easter, the Annunciation, and Assumption of our Lady: 10. years and 10. quarantenes. By saying at the least one part of the Rosary in the festival days of the mysteries of the Rosary, 7. years and 7 quarantenes of enjoined penances. The same for saying at the least once a week the whole Rosary. To all Christians (although not of the Society) for accompanying the Procession of every first Sunday in the month, are granted 7 years & 7 quarantenes of enjoined penances. Those which are of this confraternity, are partakers of all the good works, which are done by other petsons of the same, as also by the whole order of S. Dominicke as well of Freers as of nuns Here is diligently to be cosidered that we may so both stop the blasphemous and venomous mouths of hertics, Of the nature of Indulgences. and by Catholics make the fruit of these Indulgences to be enjoyed, that no Indulgence can be obtained out of the state of God's grace. Therefore whosoever feeleth his mind wounded with any mortal sin, or purpose, or desire, or deliberate affection & liking of the same: let him before he seek Indulgence reconcile himself unto God, either by the Sacrament of penance, or if he can not conveniently, at the least by perfect sorrow and repentance, and steadfast purpose of amendment, and of Receiving the Sacrament of penance at convenient time, without which disposition of mind none can ever obtain God's grace and by which disposition he may at any moment according unto Gods most gracious promise and mercy. For an Indulgence is a remission of temporal punishment due unto sins already forgiven and not possible therefore to be applied but to him which having forsaken sin is in God's holy favour. And hereby mayst thou confounded the graceless ignorant heretic. Also for the better understanding of the nature of Pardons: the meaning of so many days or years of Pardon is, that look how much pain of PURGATORY we could redeem with so many days or years of such penance as might by reason be imposed upon us for to match our faults (our devotion, earnest sorrow and purpose of satisfaction considered) so much by the Indulgence of so many days or years is taken away. Neither is it necessary that we might live so many years whereas perhaps the world shall not last so long as the years of some Indulgences, for sufficient it is, that we may deserve so many years of punishment, which the justice of God may by the severity of the painfully inflict in one hour of the fire of Purgatory: And to gross is the ignorance of our heretics, who think that he that hath a hudred years of pardon may by the Pope's leave sin without remorse all his life as by this which we have said is most evident. It is also to be understood that one may apply the saying of his beads for whatsoever necessity of his own or of others except where in the Indulgence it is other wise required: To what intention the beads are to be employed. neither is he bound to say the Rosary once a week, for the Society, so that saying it for what purpose he will, he intent to say it as a member of the Society, & for to obtain the gtaces of the same. OF THE STATIons of Rome. Cap. 4 THERE hath been at Rome a continual holy custom of the people for thes 1000 years at the least at divers times solemnly to visit certain principal Churches, therein to offer up their devotions jointly with one mind for their own necessities and of the whole Church of God. These solemn, religious & devout meetings are commonly called Sations. And by divers Popes there hath been granted unto the foresaid Churches either specially in those days in which the Stations are there kept, or generally all the whole year very great and large Indulgences. I will here therefore note the days and places of the same Stations, as for the Indulgences it is sufficient here to advertise, that in every one of these Churches they are very great and never less then of ten thousand years. Yet because often times there is a Plenary Indulgence and the delivery of a soul out of Purgatory, I will expressly set down when either of these so great graand favours may be obtained, which thing will be also profitable for those which by hallowed Grains will gain the Stations. 1 The first Sunday in Avent. at Sancta Maria Maior. 2 The 2. Sunday at S. Cross in Jerusalem a Plenary. The 3 Sunday at S. Peter. 4 Wednesday in the Imber week at S. Maria Maior. 5 Friday in the Imber week at SS. Apostoli. a Plenary. 6 Saturday at S. Peter. 7 The 4. Sunday at SS. Apostoli. a Plenary. 8 Christmas Eve at S. Maria Maior. 9 In the night following at the Chapel of the Crib in the same Church. a plenary 10 Christmas day in the morning at S. Anastasia a Plenary. 11 At the third MASS on Christmas day at S. Maria Maior. 12 On S. Steuens day at Saint Steuens a Plenary. 13 Saint JOHN'S day at Sancta Maria Maior. 14 Innocent's day at S. PAUL a plenary. 15 Newyear's day at S. Mariatrans' Tiberim. a Plenary. 16 Twelve day at S. Peter. a plenary. 17 The Sunday of Septuagesima at S. Laurence extra muros. a soul out of Purgatory 18 The Sunday of Sexagesima at S. PAUL. 19 The Sunday of Quinquagesima at S. Peter. 20 Ash-wednesday at S. Sabina a plenary. 21 Thursday are S. George. 22 Friday at SS. JOHN & PAUL 23 Saturday at S. Triphon. a Plenary. 24 The first Sunday in Lent at S. JOHN Laterane. a Plenary & infinite Indulgences. 25 Monday at S. Peter in vinculis. a Plenary. 26 Twesday at S. Anastasia a Plenary and a soul out of Purgatory. 27 Wednesday at Sansta Maria Maior. 28 Thursday at S. Laurence in Palisperna. a Plenary. 29 Friday at SS. Apostoli. a Plenary. 30 Saturday at S. Peter a plena. 31 The 2 Sunday in Lent at S. Maria in Navicella. 32 Monday at S. Clement. 33 Twesday at S. Balbina 34 Wednesday at S. Cecely. 35 Thursday at Sancta Mariatrans Tiberim. 36 Friday at S. Vitalis. 37 Saturday at S. Peter & Marcelline a plenary. 38 The 3 Sunday in Lent at S. Laurence extra muros a soul out of Purgatory. 39 Monday at S. Mark. 40 Twesday at S. Potentiana. 41 Wednesday at S. Sixtus. 42 Thursday at SS. Cosma & Damianus. 43 Friday at S. Laurence in Lucina. 44 Saturday at S. Susan. a Plenary. 45 The 4 Sunday in Lent at S. Cross. a Plenary & a soul out of Purgatory. 46 Monday at SS. qnatuor Coronati. 47 Twesday at S. Laurence in Damaso. 48 Wednesday at S. Paul. 49 Thursday at S. Silvester. 50 Friday at S. Eusebius. 51 Saturday at S. Nicholas in carcere. a Plenary. 52 The 5 Sunday in Lent at S. Peter. 53 Monday at S. Chrisogon. 54 Twesday at S. Cyriacus. 55 Wednesday at S. Marcellus 56 Thursday at S. Apollinaris. 57 Friday at S. Steuens. a soul out of Purgatory. 58 Saturday at S. john ante portam latinam: a soul out of Purgatory. 59 Palm Sunday at S. JOHN Lateran: a Plenary twice. 60 Monday at S. Praxedes a plenary. 61 Twesday at S. Prisca: a Plenary. 62 Wednesday at Sansta Maria Maior: a Plenary. 63 Thursday at S. john Lateran a Plenary twice. 64 Friday at S. Cross: a Plenary & many other Indulgences 65 Saturday at S. john Lateran a Plenary. 66 Easter day at Sancta Maria Maior: a Plenary. 67 Monday at S. Peter: a Plenary. 68 Tuesday at at S. Paul: a plenary. 69 Wednesday at S. Laurence extra muros: a soul out of Purgatory. 70 Thursday at SS. Apostoli. a plenary. 71 Friday at Sancta Maria Rotunda. 72 Saturday at S. john Lateran a Plenary twice. 73 Low Sunday at S. Pancratius a plenary twice. 74 On S. Marks day at S. Peter. 75 Monday in Rogation week at Sancta Maria Maior. 76 Twesday at S. john Lateran. 77 Wednesday at S. Peter. 78 Ascension day at S. Peter. 79 Whitsun Eve at S. john Lateran: a Plenary. 80 Whitsonday at S. Peter: infinite Indulgences & a Plenary. 81 Monday at S. Peter in vinculis a plenary. 82 Twesday at S. Anastasia. 83 Wednesday at Sansta Maria Maior. 84 Thursday at S. Laurence extra muros a soul out of Purgatory. 85 Friday at SS. Apostoli: a plenary. 86 Saturday at S. Peter a soul out of Purgatory. 87 Wednesdaye of the Imber week in September at Sancta Maria Maior. 88 Friday of the same week at SS. Apostoli. a Plenary. 89 Saturday following at Saint Peter. THE FIFTEEN Mysteries of the holy Rosary. Cap. 5. THIS devout kind of Psalter or Rosary of our B. Lady contain 15. principal mysteries of the life of Christ & our Lady: for every part of the life of our Saviour did very specially appertain unto his holy mother, Luc. 2. as who did ponder in her heart and diligently weigh whatsoever her most beloved son wrought in the world and whose soul was pierced with every dent of that most sharp sword which caused grief and so row to him, whom she had lodged in her affection for ever; no less than harboured for some months in her sacred womb, Rom. 12 and who finally had learned that lesson of S. PAUL to morn with the morners & to rejoice with the joyful. This Psalter I say of 15 Pater nosters and 150 Aves is first divided into three parts, every one of which may be recited a part by itself, as we have said above, & representeth unto us, as well one of the most holy persons of the B. Trinity, as one of the three kinds of mysteries of Christ and our Lady's life, that is either joyful, or dolorous, or glorious. Every one of these parts first, very fitly representeth unto us both the wounds of our Saviour and the spiritual liberty which we obtained thereby, the number of fifty signifying a perfect jubiley & release of all bondage as we will show hereafter: Levit. 25 then doth it also contain five mysteries, which whilst we are saying every ten Aves with the Pater noster belonging thereunto, going before; are devoutly to be laid before the eyes of our mind: affectuously imagining that we are kneeling in the closet of our Blessed Lady, before her sacred person, where she talketh with the Angel, or in Zacharies' house where john Baptist by her voice is sanctified in his mother's womb, and leapeth for joy or in the Crib where the son of God in a new shape manifesteth himself unto the world, and is honoured of the whole multitude of Angels, shepherds, and Sages. And the like of other so holy & devout mysteries although they which have more leisure & feeling of so heavenvly matters, may with more fruit spend some little time in meditating of every mystery, not saying any thing, & then afterward say the Pater & Aves thereunto belonging: or having first rehearsed them, afterward meditate, which being done they may go forward to an other mystery. Neither yet do I think that the simpler sort whose capacity cannot reach to the remembrance of so many several mysteries is bound for the obtaining of the graces appertaining to this Society to think actually of every mystery: although it be the more sure way and more profitable and not very difficult to remember if they first cause every misterve to be expounded unto them by some more skilful than themselves. Which now although I would willingly do, yet am I not by my other business permitted. Wherefore for the larger explication of these mysteries I refer every one to a very profitable book extant in our tongue and with great fruit practised by diverse in our country, of the mysteries of the Rosary: yet will I not every place where in the holy scripture each mystery may be read at large. These are therefore the mysteries of the holy Rosary. The five joyful Mysteries. 1 The Annunciation of our Lady. Luc. 1 2 The visitation of S. Elizabeth. Luc. 1 3 The nativity of Christ. Luc. 2 4 The purification. Luc. 2 5 The invention or finding of Christ among the Doctors in the Temple. Luc. 2 The five dolorous Masteries 1 The prayer in the Garden. Luc. 22 2 The whipping. joan. 19 3 The crowning with Thorn. Mat. 27. 4 The carrying of the Cross. joan. 19 5 The Crucifying and death of Christ. Mat. 27. The five glorious Mysteries. 1 The Resurrection of Christ. Mat. 1● 2 The Ascension. Act. 1. 3 The sending of the holy Ghost 4 The Assumption of our Lady into heaven. Act. 2. Cant. 8 5 The Coronation and exaltation of our Lady above all Angels and saints. Thus much have I thought necessary to be here declared, for the perfect information of whosoever desireth to know what belongeth unto this devout Society, and to be partaker of the benefit thereof. Now before I proceed any farther, I have judged it very convenient to add here, two brief admonitions of two things, which may greatly appertain unto the knowledge and use of this so great a treasure. First that albeit, as we said above in the first chapter, What benefit one which is in deadly sin may reap hereby. no manner of person being out of the blessed favour of Almighty God, and in the miserable estate of mortal sin, can either enjoy these Indulgences or any other; or be partaker of the good works and satisfaction of others: yet ought not any man which for human frailty, may perhaps either sometime fall into deadly sin, or remain most lamentably in the same; be thereby terrified from this most wholesome medicine & comfortable sanctuary of the Blessed Virgins protection. For first concerning the entry into this Confraternity: although it be desired that every one at that time dispose himself to God's grace by receiving the holy Sacraments, and there is, as hath been said, aspeciall Indulgence granted to that end: yet that this is not altogether necessary, the very practice of this Society doth show, which receiveth those which are absent, and not in case or possibility to receive holy Sacraments, neither ever exacteth the same as necessary of such, when they are admitted. As for the being afterward in estate of sin, true it is that it hindereth those benefits, as we said before: yet doth it not hinder but that so long as one remaineth in the unity of holy Church, and saith his Rosary or our Lady's Psalter every week; the common prayers & suffrages of this whole Society are applied unto him also as a member thereof. Wherefore although he have not that infallible measure of fruit of their satisfactions, which if he were in grace he should receive: yet is this no small help besides the general communion of the prayers of the whole CHURCH, to have such particular relief, whereby God's wrath may be the easier appeased and he the more every day disposed unto repentance and perfect conversion. The Feast of the Rosary. Secondly it is to be understood, that GREGORY the 13. in the year of our Lord 1573. the first day of April, for a perpetual memory & thanksgiving unto God and our Blessed Lady for the triumphant victory received the year before over the Turks, See the book of the Rosary in Italiam instituted a solemn feast, under the title of the feast of the Rosary, every year to be cellebrated, on the first Sunday of october. whereas the year before on the like Sunday, being than the 7 of the same month, so glorious a victory was obtained, not without the special intercession (as he saith) of the Mother of God, whose devout Clients through the whole world, the same day, as being the first Sunday of the month, religiously according to their laudable custom made their ordinary processions: whereas also this devout manner of prayer, was by holy Saint Dominicke first instituted, for the appeasing of God's wrath, & the obtaining of our Lady's intercession against most pernicious heresies with which France and Italy in his time was sore vexed. as also more largely is to be seen in the letters of Pius 5. in the 17. of sept. 1569. where he after diverse of his Predecessors confirmeth the same Society, and seriously commendeth it unto all devout Christians, as a sovereign and necessary remedy for all the common evils of our age. This feast of the Rosary is only to be observed such first Sunday of October (understanding that Sunday) which is in deed the first within the month, not that which is nearest unto the beginning of the month) where there is any chapel or Altar of this Society, after the manner of a high double feast, with the office of our Lady, according to the manner of her other feasts. Thus much I thought would be as well for thy comfort (gentle Reader) to know, as for the general benefit of CHRIST his Church in this miserable time to observe. OF OTHER MANner of saying the Beads. Cap. 6. NOw that I have briefly set down what necessarily belongeth to this devout Society: I will for the farther comfort of the persons of the same, show also unto them how they may in their beads find variety of other repast, & greater store of dainty dishes thereby to provoke their appetite, which in this kind of food can never exceed in gluttony. Yet will I first admonish them (as I have also touched before) that in no case they omit for any other kind of devotion in the beads, to say the whole Rosary in every week, but that being done, they may satisfy their devotions according as they shall find most comfort and delight. There is therefore an other kind of saying the beads which is called the corone of our B. LADY, very much frequented of devout people, The corone of our Lady. which consisteth of 6. Pater nosters and 63. Aves in remembrance of her most holy life which abounded with so many virtues that it may be as (S. Lib. 2. de virg. Ambrose saith) a pattern of all goodness to all sorts of men. And though there be no necessary cause thereof: yet have some so divided these ave Maries that in every one is recorded some several mystery of the life of Christ & our Lady, so that no principal point of either is omitted as we will afterward set down. This is of great fruit and comfort, but not for the simple although such also may very well and do every where rehearse this corone without special remembrance of so many divers mysteries. A third kind of beads or at the least of saying of the beads there is, The corone of our Lord. in which to the honour of our Saviour Christ are rehearsed 33 Pater nosters and as many ave Maries This is called the corone of our Lord in worship of his holy life which in this world continued 33 years. Some also use a corone of the five wounds of our Lord at every wound saying one Pater noster & five or ten ave Maries. Of the 5 wounds There is also an other kind of devotion which may be used either with the beads or without of saying 15 Pater nosters & Aves which devotion perhaps might grow of the imitation of those 15 Psalms, Of the 15. Pater's and Aves. which are commonly called gradual, which as some say were wont to be song on high days by the Levites on the fifteen stairs going up to the Temple, by which with singular devotion and more than ordinary grace and alacrity our Lady being 3 year old and carried to be presented in the Temple herself, ascended to offer herself to Almighty God not without great admiration of her devout Parents; or as some other say were made to signify certain degrees or steps of perfection in God's service, which did singularly shine in this Virgin. or else this custom of saying 15 Pater's and Aves might be first commended, for that according to the opinion of some devout Doctors, by revelation made unto some contemplative holy person, who saith every day 15 Pater's and Aves in one year shall make up the number of all the wounds which our Saviour received of his barbarous tormentors, counting with every stripe of his whipping, the cruel prickings of the sharp thorns wherewith he was crowned: so that one day in a year which is not leap year, Ludolphus de vita Christi. Par. 2. c. 52. the said number of 15 Pater's and Aves be doubled. Or finally the cause of this devotion might be for the respect of those 15 years which our Lady lived after her sons afcention in most special quiett and hope and continual visitation of Angels & comfort of the dilating the glorious name of her son by his Apostles and other Disciples, a thing no doubt worthy of no small consideration, when she did evidently see even in this life; fulfilled the prophesy long before made by herself, that all generations should call her blessed. This do I the rather set down in this place because set down in this place because that all my Countrymen should know, An Indulgene for any Christian what soever. that whatsoever faithful of Christ (yea although he be not of this Society of which in this place we entreat shall say fifteen Pater's and Aves for all those which are in mortal sin, shall for every time that they do so charitable a deed, obtain the remission of the third part of their sins. Which Indulgence hath been of long time granted and is so authentical that I will be a warrant to all my countrymen that it is no way counterfeited as it may be some Indulgences have been in time past. Finally every devout Christian may after these forms above mentioned, Other forms of saying the beads. religiously honour either the nive orders of holy Angels, by whom our life under God is protected in this world. Or the 12 glorious Apostles of our Saviour the first Pastors & founders of Christian faith. or the seven effusions of blood of our Lord. or the seven joys, or the seven sorrows which our B. Lady had in this life. Or offer up a proportionable devotion for whatsoever thing according to the custom of holy Church is observed in any mystical number. But because I have here made mention of the joys and sorrows of our B. Lady which are not altogether the same with those joyful & sorrowful mysteries of the holy Rosary: I will here briefly for every ones comfort set them down. The 7 joys of our B. Lady. 1 The Annunciation. 2 The visitation of S. Elizabeth. 3 The nativity of Christ. 4 The coming of the three Kings. 5 The Resurrection of our Saviour 6 The Ascension. 7 The coming of the holy Ghost The 7 sorrows of our Lady. 1 The circumcision, which in that our saviours blood was with such pain shed forth: was most sorrowful but in the imposition of his glorious name most comfortable. 2 The flying into Egypt. 3 The loss of our Saviour for three days. 4 The departure of our Saviour to his bitter Passion. 5 The meeting of our Saviour carrying his Cross. 6 His Crucifying and that which passed upon the Cross. 7 The beholding him dead upon the Cross, in her sacred lap, and at the Sepulchre. The seven effusions of Blood of our Saviour according to the doctrine of S. Bernard. lib. de Pass. Do. cap. 36. 1 The Circumcision. 2 The Prayer in the garden. Luc. 2 Luc. 22 3 The pulling of his beard when they mocked him in Caiphas house according to that of Esay the Prophet. c. 50. I gave my body to those which did strike, and my cheeks to those which pulled them. 4 The Whipping. joan. 19 Mar. 27. Mat. 27. joan. 19 5 The Crowning with thorns. 6 The Nailing to the Cross. 7 The peacing of his Side. THE MANNER OF DIstribution of the life of our Saviour and of our Lady for the corone of 63. Aves for those which shall desire to use the same, although the corone may be said without such particular memory Cap. 7. 1. Pater: THE first Pater noster to ask imitation of our Lady. 1. Aue. Of the Conception of our Lady. 2 Of her Nativity. 3 Of her Presentation. 4 Of her life in the Temple. 5 Of her Despousation and the vow that both she and S. joseph made of Virginity. 6 Of the Annunciation of the Angel. 7 Of the Conception and Incarnation of Christ. 8 Of the Visitation of S. Elizabeth 9 Of the suspicion of S. joseph. 10 Of our Lady's voyage to Bethlem. 2. Pater. To ask humility and true poverty of spirit. 1 Aue. Of the Nativity of Christ. 2 Of the shepherds coming unto him by the warning of the Angel. 3 Of the Circumcision. 4 Of the three Kings coming. 5 Of the Purification. 9 Of the flight into Egypt. 7 Of the finding of our Lord in the Temple. 8 Of our saviours Obedience & subjection from 12 years to 30. 9 Of his going forward in age, wisdom, and grace, before God and man. 10 Of his departure from his Mother to go to preach. 3. Pater. To ask the inspiration and light of the holy GHOST, for to know & follow the doctrine of Christ. 1 Aue. Of the Baptism of Christ. 2 Of his Fasting and tenntation in the wilderness. 3 Of S. JOHN'S showing of him saying Ecce agnus Dei that is behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world, whereby Christ did begin to gather Disciples 4 Of the turning water into wine and other miracles. 5 Of the Preaching of Christ. 6 Of the reproaches and injuries offered of the jews. 7 Of his Travails, iorneiss, and voyages. 8 Of his often watching & praying. 9 Of the washing of the Disciples feet. 10 Of the last Supper and institution of the B. Sacrament. 4 Pater. To ask patience in adversity. 1 Aue. Of the Prayer and sweat of Blood in the garden. 2 Of his taking by judas and the rest. 3 Of his carrying to Anna's house where he had a blow on the ear. 4 Of Caiphas house and the trou 5 Of his bringing to Pilate and wrongful accusations. 6 Of the mockery done unto him with a white garment in Herodes house. 7 Of his Scourging. 8 Of the Coronation with thorns 9 Of his showing to the multitude Ecce homo & their cries Crucifige. 10 His Condemnation and Barabas his liberation. 5 Pater. To ask true sorrow of our sins and compassion with Christ. 1 Aue. Of the carrying of the Cross. 2 Of our Lady's meeting of him. 3 Of the delivering of the Cross to Simon Cyrineus. 4 Of his Nailing to the Cross. 5 Of the lifting up of the Cross. 6 Of the gall and vinegar given him to drink. 7 Of his seven words and together of his death, crying Pater in manus tuas commendo Spiritum meum. 8 Of the piercing of his Side. 9 Of the laying him down from the Cross into his sorrowful Mother's lap. 10 Of his devout burial. 6. Pater. To ask of Christ a spiritual joy & peace together with him rising from the dead. 1. Aue. Of the Resurrection of Christ, 2 Of his Ascension. 3 Of the expectation of the holy ghost of all the Disciples with our Lady. 4 Of the coming of the holy ghost. 5 Of the dividing of the Apostles through the world. 6 Of the joy which our Lady had hearing the great works done by them. 7 Of her often visiting the holy places which our Savoiour had been in. 8 With what diligent devotion she prepared herself to her death drawing near. 9 Of her most holy death in the presence of all the Apostles than alive. 10 Of her solemn burial. 7. Pater. To ask a true despising of the world, and desire of heaven. 1. Aue. Of the raising again of her most pure body. 2 Of her assumption into Heaven in the arms of her dear Son. 3 Of her Exaltation and Coronation above all Angels and pure creatures. Last of all Pater noster to the B. Trinity giving thanks for our Lady such a notable gift bestowed on the world. There is no need for to spend any more time in these points than whilst at other times the Beads are said. But it is sufficient devoutly to remember at every ave Mary such mystery as is here set down: which also may be observed in the two Chapters following although for the better conceiving of the several points I thought good to set them down at large: or if at any time any would spend more time therein. ANOTHER ROSARY of the B. Virgin Mary much like unto the former but divided according to the acts of our Saviour jesus Christ, for the Rosary of 5. Pater's and 50 Aves, out of Ludovicus Bolsius. Cap. 8. The first part. PATER noster etc. ave Maria etc. O benign & sweet Mary, The beginning and ending of this petition is to be added in every one pacify our most clement Redeemer jesus, whom thou a most pure Virgin, upon the angels annunciation diddest conceive by the holy Ghost in the city of Nazareth and bear 9 months in thy most chaste womb. 'Cause that we may please thy most sweet son jesus Christ, and destrue to see him and thee in heaven. Amen. 2 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. who being conceived within thee thou, full of God, diddest go with speed unto thy cousin Elizabeth, and salute her, & humbly exhibit thy service unto her. 'Cause that we &c. 3 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom thou a most pure Virgin diddest bring forth in Bethlem, in a most vile stable, not only without all pain, but also with unspeakable joy, and being borne diddest presently adore him as true & very God with a devout mind. 'Cause that we &c. 4 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom thou didst foster with thy virginal milk being as yet a little crying child, & swathed in clouts diddest lay him in the manger upon hay & straw. Cause etc. 5 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom yet new borne the Angels in most joyful manner showed to the shepherds: and with cheerful voices giving laudes & praises unto him, song peace to men of good will. Cause. etc. 6 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom the shepherds speedily repairing to Bethlen found laid in a Manger, and adored with great joy & admiration. Cause etc. 7 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who the 8. day after his Nativity voutsafedto shed his most pure blood for us, and to be circumcised, and to be named jesus for our comfort. Cause etc. 8 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom the Sages coming from the East, devoutly sought, & being replenished with great joy, came by the direction of a Satrre into Bethlem: and there humbly adoring him, they devoutly offered unto him, Gould, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Cause etc. 9 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom, when the 40. day was come thou diddest according to the law present in the Temple, and being redeemed with the host of those which were of the poorer sort, diddest offer unto god the Father with a most grateful heart. Cause etc. 10 ave Maria etc. O benign etc., Whom thou like a most faithful mother, by the admonition of an Angel diddest carry into Egipte for fear of Herod, and at the last broughtest him back again into the city of Nazareth. Cause. The second part. 1 PATER noster etc. ave Maria etc. O benign & sweet Mary etc. Whom thou a Virgin mother diddest lose in Jerusalem when he was 12. years old, and seeking, and inquiring for him with an heavy heart, diddest find him with joy, three days after in the Temple. Cause etc. 2 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who being subject unto thee, thou didst diligently nourish with a motherly care, and nevertheless didst always exhibit an holy reverence unto him, as to the most high and mighty God. Cause that we &c. 3 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who, in the 30. year of his age, would humbly be Beptized by his servant JOHN in the River of jordan, whereas notwithstanding he being the most innocent Lamb of GOD, never contracted any spot of sin. Cause etc. 4 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who in the Desert 40. days and 40. nights, fasted without eating any thing, and so being the Lord of heaven and earth made his abode among the wild beasts. cause that we &c. 5 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who for our salvation refused not to be tempted of the Devil, and showed us the way to overcome Satan. Cause etc. 6 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who travailing by cities, castles and villages, preached diligently the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven, and willingly sustained for our sakes all toils and weariness of body. Cause etc. 7 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who often watched whole nights in prayer: & suffered for our sakes hunger, thirst, cold, heat, and diverse persecutions, with a most mild heart. Cause etc. 8 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who conversing amongst men, did mercifully secure all afflicted persons, and wrought very many miracles, and readily gave pardon unto Mary Magdalene, and other sinners that were truly penitent, and conversed familiarly with them. Cause etc. ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who being transfigured upon the Mount before three Disciples shined in fact like the Sun and majestically showed the excellency of his glorious body. Cause. 10 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who coming to Jerusalem to suffer for us, as a meek and humble King sat upon an Ass, and in the midst of those praises which the people song unto him, looking upon the city, wept. The third part. PATER noster etc. ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who, at his last supper humbly upon his knees washed the feet of his Disciples: and with unspeakable charity instituted the most excellent Sacrament of the Eucharist. 'Cause that we may please. etc. 2 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who going with his Disciples in to the garden of the Mount Olivet was stricken with a great sadness for our sakes, and praying a long space together, through the vehemency of th' anguishs and distresses that he was in, fell into a bloody sweat, that issued from all parts of his body. Cause etc. 3 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who went out to meet his enemies, and voluntarily offered himself unto them and refused not to take a kiss of judas that betrayed him. Cause etc. 4 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom, those wicked men apprehended unreverently, and as a male factor and a thief, most shamefully bound with hard and cruel bands. Cause etc. 5 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who being bound, was brought oprobriously unto the high Priest and at the hands of one of his servants received a most cruel and violent blow. Cause etc. 6 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who in the house of Caiphas was accused by false witnesses, and defiled with stinking spittle, and scornfully hoodwinked, and barbarously beaten with strokes and buffets, and most unworthily blasphemed. Cause etc. 7 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who being brought to pilate incontemptible manner, stood before him with a lowly and cheerful countenance, and humbly passed over with silence the false accusations of the jews. Cause. 8 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom, Herod despised being sent unto him, and wisely using silence before him: and put upon him as upon a fool a white and ridiculous garment. Cause. 9 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who in the judgement Hall was unseemly stripped of his clothes, & barbarously bound unto a Pillar, and rend and cut most cruelly with whips, & miserably begoared with his own blood. Cause. 10 ave Maria etc. O benign. Whom unjust persons for more reproach, clothed with a purple rob and crowned with sharp thorn, & adored in scornful manner grinning with their teeth and struck with a reed, and filthly spit upon & beat with cruel strokes. Cause. The fourth part. PATER noster etc. ave Maria etc. O benign. etc. Who bearing a crown of thorn and a purple garment, was brought by Pilate out of the judgement Hall and showed to the jews, and by them with a great & tumultuous cry, required to the death of the Cross. Cause etc. 2 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom Pilate unjustly adjudged to death & delivered over to the jews pleasure: and he then being by them presently loaden with the huge beam of the Cross did patiently bear with great pain and torment thisignominiouse Tree upon his torn shoulders, & being made the scorn of men, & the outcast of the people, meekly went forward to the Mount Calvary. Cause etc. 3 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who at the place of Calvary was made to drink of wine mingled with myrrh and bitter gall, and shamefully stripped of his clothes and cruelly bored through both hands & feet with nails, and so fastened upon the Cross. Cause. 4 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who being naked, wounded and had in contempt, did hang for us upon the tree of the Cross, and suffered most bitter pains, and shed his most precious blood. cause that we &c. 5 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who, when he did hang upon the Cross between two thieves, & was scorned and blasphemed of the jews; meekly showed patience, and more than that, prayed unto his Father for his blasphemous crucifiers. Cause etc. 6 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. who mercifully forgave the these all his sins being truly penitent, and most liberally promised him the joys of Paradise. Cause etc. 7 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who tenderly took compassion of thee, his most dearly beloved mother standing under the cross in bitter grief & sorrow, and commended thee to his Disciple S. john, and gave thee as a mother unto him and us all. Cause etc. 8 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who suffered his Passion without relief of any sensible consolation: in so much as to show the grievousness of his torments, he cried out with a loud voice that he was forsaken. Cause. 9 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who hanging upon the Cross all pale without blood, said that he was vehemently athirst, but they gave him to drink nought else but gall and vinegar in that extreme calamity. Cause etc. 10 ave Matia etc. O benign. Who being near death commended his spirit into the hands of his Father: and having now ended the work of our redemption like a good Shepherd of mere love gave his life for his sheep. Cause etc. The fifth part. PATER noster etc. ave Maria. O benign. etc. Who having tasted death for our sakes upon the Cross did presently of his great charity descend into Hell according to the soul, and mightily delivered from thence his elect. 'Cause that we &c. 2 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whose most holy Side was in thy presence opened with a spear, and loving Heart wounded from whence issued for our behoofs precious blood and the water of salvation. Cause etc. 3 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whom being taken down from the Cross thou diddest receive (as we devoutly believe) into thy bosom and lap, and diddest plentifully bathe with tears and lovingly embrace and kiss. Cause. 4 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Whose most holy Body joseph & Nichodemus with godly devotion, embalm with spices and wrapped in a Syndon and laid in the Sepulchre. Cause etc. 5 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who the third day coming forth like a conqueror out of the shut and sealed Sepulchre, with his own force rose from the dead, replenished with most desired joy of thee his beloved mother & the rest of his friends. Cause etc. 6 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who the forty day after his refurrectin ascended gloriously in to Heaven, and sitteth as a noble triumphant conqueror at the right hand of his Father. Cause etc. 7 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who sent the holy Ghost upon the Apostles & other of the faithful, and by him did marvelously comfort strengthen, lighten and in struck them. Cause. etc. 8 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who exalted thee his most dear mother being assumpted into heaven above the quires of Angels and placed thee there as the most Sovereign Queen and Empress. Cause etc. 9 ave Maria etc. O benign etc. Who in the end of the world is to come as judge in great Majesty, to render horrible punishments to the reprobate and eternal joys to the just. Cause etc. 10 ave Maria etc. o benign etc. Who is the most amiable & desired glory of the Saints and with the Father and the holy ghost liveth and reigneth God world without end. Cause etc. Laus Trinitati fulgidae, Patri, Nato, Paraclito, Laus Virgini Deiparae, Nunc, & per omni seculum. Amen. AN OTHER LIKE EXercise of the life & Passion of Christ, consisting of 5. Pater's and 50. Aves Cap. 9 A Prayer to the wound of the right foot. O Most loving & sweet jesus Christ, Pharetra divini amoris. unto thee be praise, honour, and glory, for the wound and grief of thy right foot. In this most holy wound, I do lay down and commend unto thee all may of ingratitude, infirmity, baseness, and want of mine: beseeching thee through thy infinite goodness, to destroy all these things in me & to cleanse & heal me: Also to take away from me, whatsoever is in me that displeaseth thee: and to power into me all things that do please thee: & that thou guard, direct, & keep me in thy grace, free from all sin to my lives end. Amen. Pater noster. 1. O my Lord jesus Christ, I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that hast created me, and dost hitherto conserve and keep me, sinning daily against thee, & although most unworthy, dost cherish me with benefits. Grant me I beseech the, that I may know thee my Creator, & with fear & reverence faithfully serve thee, perfectly obey the, & with my whole heart always study to please thee. ave Maria. 1 O my Lord jesus Christ, I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that hast fore-chosen a most noble Virgin to be thy mother, which being prefigurated before, and of holy parents conceived and borne without sin, thou hast replenished with virtues and all good things. Grant me grace I beseech thee, that I may perfectly know my sins, and mine own base condition, and with true contrition and an holy hatred to bewail them, and to detest and eschew whatsoever is displeasant in thy sight. ave Maria 2 O my Lord jesus Christ, I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, which hast inspired, that most amiable maid, the most honest and beautiful Virgin Mary, which was to be thy mother, to offer and dedicate herself unto thee to be thy temple, and to vow perpetual virginity. O Blessed jesus, grant me most perfit chastity both of mind and body, and most fervent devotion, simplicity, purity, and stableness of heart. ave Maria. 3 O my Lord jesus Christ, I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that wouldst have that most chaste Virgin Mary, to be espoused to JOSEPH a virgin, and both to be preserved immaculate in purity. O that I could obtain that grace & favour at thy hands, that I might overcome and contemn the world, with all the vices and concupiscences thereof, and always adhere & cleave unto thee, with a most burning and sincere love. ave Maria. 4 O my Lord jesus Christ, I adore thee, bless thee and give thee thanks, that hast vouchsafed to salute the most holy Virgin by an Angel, and to make her fruitful by the holy Ghost, and to be incarnate in her womb. O most sweet jesus, I humbly beseech thee to make my heart so free from all sin and vice, that it may be unto thee a perpetual habitation. ave Maria. 5. O my Lord jesus Christ, I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that hast vouchsafed to be carried nine months in the womb of a Virgin, and to be known and foretold by thy precursor not yet borne. I humbly beseech thee, so to wound my heart with thy most chaste love, that it may loath all worldly things, and without intermission feel and perceive thee the inhabit our, and Possessor thereof. ave Maria. 6 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, whom the immaculate Virgin brought forth whth-out pain, destitute of lodging in a strange place. O most sweet jesus, I humbly beseech thee always to replenish my heart with the grace of true and perfitt contrition, that I may deserve to be unto thee a child of eternal adoption. ave Maria. 7 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, who in poverty & cold being laid in a manger, art praised by Angels, and adored by shepherds. Grant that in thy service I never wax cold, or faint and relent in thy laud & praise. ave Maria. 8 O my Lord jesus Christ I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that hast vouchsafed to be circumcised and wounded, and for our comfort to be named jesus. I humbly beseech thee by the shedding of thy precious blood, that I may deserve thoroughly to be cleansed, and always to be preserved from all fault and offence. ave Maria. 9 O my Lord jesus Christ, I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that wert sought, adored and honoured with gifts by the three Sages. O most sweet jesus, give me grace always to resign and offer myself wholly unto thee, and that I may spend and employ all my strength, and all that whatsoever I am or can be at any time, in thy love, honour and pleasure. ave Maria. 10 A Prayer to the wound of the left foot. O MOST loving and sweet jesus, unto thee be praise, honour, and glory, for the wound and grief of thy left foot. In this wound I do bide all my negligences, trespasses and debts, beseeching thee to supply them, & to justify me, and to replenish and confirm me with thy eternal grace, in which I may grow and increase, and which I may never have the power to lose. Pater noster. 1. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that thou wouldst be offered in the Temple, and with the most pure Virgin thy mother be subject to the law. O most sweet jesus, give unto me most perfect humility, whereby I may detest all the glory of the world, forsake all honour, and devoutly submit myself, & become obedient to every man for thy sake. ave Maria. 1. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that in thy infancy with thy blessed mother didst suffer the persecution of Herod, together with the flight and banishment into Egypt. Grant that I may willingly and patiently bear all adversity, & faithfully cleave unto thee in all tribulation. ave Maria. 2. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that remaining in the Temple, being sought for by thy mother, after three days wert found again. O most sweet jesus I humbly beseech thee, that with my whole heart & with a zealous desire I may fervently thirst after thee, incessantly seek thee, and so happily find thee, that I may never lose thee again. ave Maria. 3 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that diddest live secretly with thy mother thirty years unknown, & wouldst be thought the son of a Carpenter. I humbly beseech thee, that thy grace may root out all arrogancy in me, and extinguish all pride, that I may not love to be seen, or to set forth myself, but to be unknown, & to be accounted base and vile. ave Maria. 4. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that for our sakes diddest vouchsafe to be baptized in jordan and by thy Father to be declared from Heaven. Grant that I, by continual tears may be cleansed from all sins and vices, that I may deserve always wholly to be drunk with the love of thee and desire of the life to come. ave Maria. 5 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that fasting in the Desert, didst vouchsafe to be tempted by the Devil. O most sweet jesus protect me with thy grace, and make me to escape all the deceits of the Devil, and in thy power to overcome all temptations. ave Maria. 6 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that for the health of fowls, wert wearied out with prayers and continual preaching. Grant me fervently to thirst thy honour and the health of souls, & for the same zealously to spend my body and all that I have. ave Maria. 7 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, which hast so honoured marriage with thy presence, and with thy first miracle, and diddest bountifully heal all those that were needy and infirm: Grant me an heart full of pity, compassion, and all kind of mercy, where by, I may afford the benefit and affect of a most perfect love & charity unto all men, and that especially unto my enemies. ave Maria. 8. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks for thy benign familiarity, which thou full of pity and mercy diddest exhibit unto Mary Magdalen, Zacheus, Matthew, & the woman taken in adultery, and other Penitents more. Grant me the grace of most profound humility, perfect meekness benignity and charity. ave Maria. 9 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that in the midst of many praises and much honour, didst weep upon Jerusalem. O most sweat jesus, power into me the zeal of perfect charity, that in all places I may detest and abhor, from all contempt of thee, and irreverence towards thee; and for every sin whatsoever, I may be sorry from the very bottom of my heart, and that I may have a very sensible feeling of the evils that happen unto any of my neighbours, as if they were my own. ave Maria. 10. A Prayer to the wound of the right hand. O MOST loving & sweet jesus, unto thee be praise, honour, and glory, for the wound and grief of thy right hand. In this wound I do hide and commend unto thee, all my actions & endeavours. And whatsoever by thy grace is wrought in me or by me, that thou mayest preserve, sanctify, & make perfect the same, to the honour & glory of thy holy name. Pater noster. 3 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that wert sold by one of thy own Disciples, unto the jews that did persecute thee & conspire thy death. O sweet jesus, grant me grace to take as well evil as good at thy hand: amidst them all to be thankful: for every of them in particular to love thee more and more: and to retain peace, tranquillity of heart, and charity with all men. ave Maria. 1. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that leaving thy mother at Jerusalem, diddest eat the Paschall with thy Disciples, & with exceeding humility wash their feet. I most humbly beseech thee that for thy love, I may willingly forsake all things, prefer thee before all things, in all things and above all things love thee, and gladly submit myself to every man's service for thy sake. ave Maria. 2. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that instituting the B. Sacrament of the Altar, didst deliver it unto thy Disciples, and leave it unto us. O most sweet jesus inflame my heart to the hunger of this venerable Sacrament, that with a most burning desire, and chaste affection, humility, reverence, and most sincere devotion, I may frequent it, when and so often as it shall stand with thy gracious favour. ave Maria. 3. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that being most desirous to suffer, and with all sad and fearful, diddest thrice in prayer resign thyself unto thy Father, and falling into a great agony, didst sweat blood. I humbly beseech thee, that in all adversity and tentation, I may always fly to thee for refuge, and put my trust and confidence in thee only: and forsaking myself, commit, offer, and resign me unto thee only. ave Maria. 4. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, who being taken by thy enemies, wert bound, blasphemed and wickedly abused. I humbly beseech thee make me free from all vices, and captive in thy love: that I may exceedingly wish and desire to be despised, and to suffer injuries and contumelies. ave Maria. 5. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that being brought to Annas, didst patiently bear the blow that his servant gave unto thee. Grant that I may love them thathate me, render good for evil, and plentifully afford unto all, the affect of sweetness and charity. ave Maria. 6. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that in the house of Caiphas diddest bear the false witness of those that did accuse thee, and mercifully respecting Peter when he denied thee thrice, didist recall him to the tears of Penance. O most merciful JESV, grant me grace perfectly to bewail my sins, ingratitude and negligences, and with all my heart study & endeavour to please thee. ave Maria. 7. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that being condemned, spitted upon, beaten, and blindfolded, didst also suffer very many other unworthy abuses. I humbly beseech thee that thy love may be so fervent in me, that I may hate to be had in estimation and desire, and be glad with all my heart, to be unknown, to be despised, and to suffer. ave Maria. 8. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that being unjustly accused before Pilate, with great humility diddest hold thy peace. O good jesus, bridle my tongue with a great and mighty fear of thee that I may abstain even from all idle speech, and that I may willingly & desirously offer myself to all manner of humble offices. ave Maria. 9 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that being despised by Herod wert also mocked by a ridiculous garment, and scorned amongst many reproaches and so brought back again unto Pilate O most sweet jesus, grant me grace to think well of all men, to judge or despise none to prefer all men before myself, and always to think of myself more basely. ave Maria. 10. A Prayer to the wound of the left hand. O MOST loving and sweet JESUS, for the wound and grief of thy left hand, I give the humble and hearty thanks: into this wound I do offer unto thee, and eftsoon commend, all the gifts, benefits, and graces, and whatsoever thou hast bestowed upon me, most miserable and ungrateful wretch: and I humbly beseech thy mercy by every of those drops of blood that issued from thence: that thou wilt preserve, confirm make perfect, and increase them all in me to the glory of thy name: that humility and charity may day by day increase in me according to thy will and pleasure. Pater noster. 4 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that for my sake diddest vouchsafe to be stripped of thy clothes, to be bound unto a Pillar, to be scourged all thy body over, to be wounded and begoared with blood: grant me now so patiently to suffer thy scourges and to bear them with such will and affection, that by thy pains and merits being fully purged, I may presently after my departure out of this life, deserve to be with thee in joy, where I may please thee, praise thee, and love thee for ever more. ave Maria. 1. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, which didst suffer a crown of thorn to be pressed upon thy head, and withal many scorns and mocks, and buffets, and spittings for my sake: sweet jesus imprint in my heart a continual memory of thy Passion, that may incessantly move my mind to compunction, wound & wholly swallow up my mind melting & consuming it in thy love. ave Maria. 2 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that notwithstanding thou wert from top to toe, full of miseries, wounds, and griefs, and so brought out and presented to the people, yet notwithstanding such was the envy of the jews, that they demanded to have thee crucified & Barrabas to be kept alive: O most sweet jesus, mortify and extinguish in me all pride and desire of glory, all envy and all manner of vices: and make me truly humble & meek of heart. O Passion most noble, of my Lord and Saviour, wound my soul, O precious wounds of my true lover ravish & make drunk my mind. ave Maria. 3. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that standing innocently for my sake before the tribunal seat, wert content to be condemned to death: and to be made a stolen to thy enemies, by this charity of thine, I beseech thee O my God to grant me grace, never to backbite, never to judge, condemn or despise my neighbour or ever to give ear or consent to others herein. ave Maria. 4. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, for all and singular thy griefs and sighs, when amongst many reproaches and stripes, bearing thy Cross, thou diddest in the presence of thy mother, fall under thy burden: grant unto me most meek jesus, to embrace with most fervent devotion, the Cross of perfitt denial, and mortification of myself, and to imitate the steps of thy virtues with most perfect charity. ave Maria. 5. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, whose members were all discovered, & griefs & wounds renewed by the stripping of thy clothes, I humbly beseech thee, that thou wilt cause my heart perfectly to be purged from all unprofitable thoughts: that with the continual presence of thy visitation, I may deserve every day to be renewed, & wholly to be absorpe with the most fervent love of thee. ave Maria. 6. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that wert cruelly stretched upon the Cross, and fastened with nails, not having any comeliness or beauty, but being as a leper, and one stricken by God. grant me that I may be nothing in my own sight, but that I may despise myself, and endeavour to greater and better things & employ all the forces of my soul & body, in thy love and pleasure. ave Maria. 7. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee, thanks, that being placed between two thieves, diddest patiently bear the blasphemies of those that did upbraid thee: and praying for thine enemies diddest promise Paradise to the penitent thief. Grant me grace most perfectly to mortify all vices in myself, & with a most burning desire continually to aspire unto thee the true Paradise. ave Maria. 8. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, for the grief where with thy heart was cloven, when thou diddest commend unto thy Disciple S. JOHN thy most faithful & compassionate mother: O most sweet jesus grant me, so to be affected and occupied in the reverence & love of her that I may deserve always to be protected cherished and governed by her, as by a most loving mother. ave Maria. 9 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that amidst the bitter torments of thy pains, diddest cry out that thou wert forsaken: at what time also, thou being then tormented with a most burning thirst, hadst not one drop of water given unto thee, but gall and vinegar. O most sweet jesus, cause that in all tentation & pressure, I may fly unto thee, thirst and hunger after thee, and loath all worldly things. ave Maria. 10. A Prayer to the heart of jesus. O MOST loving and sweet jesus: unto thee be praise, honour, and glory for the wound of thy heart: into this wound I do offer, commit, and resign unto thee my heart, all my powers, forces, ntents, and affections, beseeching thee by the effusion of the blood & water that ran from the, that thou thyself alone wilt possess & govern me, and with the most fervent fire of thy love, consume devour & unite me unto thee. Amen. Pater noster. 5. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, for thy most innocent & most painful death, that is, for the dolorous separation of thy most holy soul from thy most noble body; O my God, my Saviour, my hope and my crown, grant me perfectly to die to all vices & concupiscences, and to all inordinate love of myself, and that I may live to thee only, and unmovably cleave to thee. ave Maria. 1. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless theè, and give thee thanks, for that loving wound wherewith thy heart being pierced did yield unto us blood and water. wound I beseech thee my heart with the spear of thy love that I may neither think nor desire any other thing then thee my Lord God crucified for me, nothing may please me, nothing may affect me, but thou only my God, my joy and my life. ave Maria. 2. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, for the pitiful taking down of thy body from the Cross, and for the mournful lamentation of thy mother & thy friends. I humbly beseech thee that the memory of thy Passion may fill all my senses, and may so wholly ravish and possess me, that I may see no other thing, taste no other thing, know no other thing, then thee my Lord crucified and dead for my sake. ave Maria. 3 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that wouldst be wrapped in a Syndon and be buried in an other man's Sepulchre. I humbly beseech thee to bury my heart, senses, and all my forces in thee, and by thy love venite them unto thee, and make me as it were insensible and without feeling in all things, which stand not with thy liking. ave Maria. 4. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that diddest vouchsafe to descend into hell and to deliver the Fathers that were there in captivity. O most sweet jesus let the virtue and force of thy Passion and blood now also descend into purgatory and yield refreshing unto all the souls. ave Maria. 5. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that rising from death diddest appear glorious first unto thy mother, & then unto Mary Magdalene and the Apostles. O most sweet jesus grant me perfectly to die to all vices, passions, and disordered manners, to live unto thee, to please thee, and to taste and desire heavenly things only. ave Maria. 6 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that diddest ascend into heaven with the triumph of Angels & the company of the Fathers I humbly beseech thee that my mind may allays languish in thy love, loathe all worldly things and fervently hunger and thirst thee alone, and that nothing may delight me, nothing make me glad but thou o my Lord Cod. ave Maria. 7. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that hast given the holy ghost, & sent thy Disciples to convert the world: give me most pure simplicity of heart and perpetual stableness of mind: give me most fervent most faithful & constant charity that the holy ghost may fill govern & possess me to the end that he may make me worthy to be more and more replenished with the gifts of his grace. ave Maria. 8. O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that hast glorified thy Mother assumpted in body and soul and hast given her unto us most mighty and merciful: By her merits grant me thy grace and perseverance in all goodness that I may never relent in thy service, nor by indiscretion ever exceed. ave Maria. 9 O my Lord jesus Christ; I adore thee, bless thee, and give thee thanks, that art to come as judge and to give either punishment or reward. O most merciful jesus, grant me so to finish my whole life according to thy pleasure, that my soul departing out of the body may go immediately unto thee her Creator with great love towards thee where she may praise & bless thee for ever in thy glory with all thy Saints. Amen. ave Maria. 10. ANOTHER MANNER OF dividing the Rosary of 150. ave Maries, according to the mysteries of the life of our Saviour taken out of the Italian book of the Rosary. Cap. 10. Contemplations upon the first joyful Mysteries Of the Annunciation. Pater noster MISSUS est Angelus Gabriel a Deo in civitatem Galileae cui nomen Nazareth. Luc. 1. The Angel Gabriel was sent of God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth. ave Maria. Ad virginem desponsatam viro cui nomen erat joseph, Luc. 1. de domo david et nomen Virgins Maria. To a Virgin dispoused to a man whose name was joseph, of the house of David: and the Virgin's name was MARIE ave Maria. Et ingressus Angelus ad eam dixit ave gratia plena, dominus teeum, benedicta tu in mulieribus. Luc. 1. And the Angel being entered in, said unto her, Hail full of grace, our Lord is with thee: bless said art thou among women. ave Maria. Quae cum audisset turbata est in Sermone eius et cogitabat qualis esset ista Salutatio. Luc. 1. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying & thought what manner of Salutation this should be. ave Maria. Et ait Angelus ei ne time as Maria invenisti enim gratiam apud Deum. And the Angel said to her, Luc. 1 fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. ave Maria. Ecce concipies in utero et paries filium, et vocabis nomen eius jesum Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, Luc. 1 & shalt bear a son & thou shalt call his name jesus. ave Maria. Hic erit magnus & filius Altissimi vocabitur. He shall be great, Luc. 1 & shall be called the Son of the most High. ave Maria. Dabit illi Dominus Deus Sedem david patris eius & regnabit in domo jacob in aeternum et regni eius non erit finis. Luc. 1 Our Lord God shall give him the Seat of David his father: & he shall reign in the house of jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. ave Maria. Dixit autem Maria ad Angelum, quomodo fiet istud quoniam virum non cognosco. Luc. 1 And Mary said to the Angel, How shall this be done because I know not man? ave Maria. Et respondens Angelus dixit ei, Spiritus Sanctus superueniet in te, et virtus Altissimi obumbrabit tibi, ideoque quod nascetur ex te Sanctum, vocabitur filius Dei. Luc. 1 And the Angel answering, said to her, The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most high shall overshadow thee. And therefore also that which of thee shallbe borne holy, shall be called the son of God. ave Maria. Dixit autem Maria ad Angelum, ecce ancilla Domini fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. Luc. 1. And Mary said to the Angel, Behold the handmaid of our Lord be it done to me according to thy word. Contemplations upon the Second joyful mystery. Pater noster. EXURGENS Maria in diebus illis abijt in montana cum festi natione in civitatem juda. Luc. 1. And Mary rising up in those days, went unto the hill country with speed, into a city of juda. ave Maria. Luc. 1. Et intravit in domum Zachariae et salutavit Elizabeth. And she entered into the house of Zacharie, & saluted Elisabeth. ave Maria. Et factum est ut audivit salutationem Mariae Elizabeth. Luc. 1. And it came to pass: as Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary. ave Maria. Exultavit infans in utero eius. Luc. 1 The infant did leap in her womb. ave Maria. Et repleta est Spiritu Sancto Elizabeth et exclamavit voce magna et dixit. Luc. 1. And Elisabeth was replenished with the holy Ghost: and she cried out with a loud voice, & said. ave Maria. Benedicta tu inter mulieres et benedictus fructus ventris tui. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Luc. 1. ave Maria. Et unde hoc mihi ut veniat matter Domini mei ad me? Luc. 1 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord doth come to me. ave Maria. Ecce enim ut facta est vox salutationis tuae in auribus meis, exultavit in gaudio infans in utero meo. For behold as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, Luc. 1 the infant in my womb did leap for joy. ave Maria. Et beata quae credidisti quoniam perficientur ea quae dicta sunt tibi a Domino. And blessed art thou that believed, Luc. 1 because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by our Lord. ave Maria. Et ait Maria: Magnisicat anima mea Dominum & exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo. Luc. 1 And Mary said, my soul doth magnify our Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. ave Maria. Mansit autem Maria cum illa quasi mensibus tribus, & reversa est in domum suam. Luc. 1 And MARIE tarried with her about three months: and she returned into her house. ave Maria. Contemplations upon the third joyful mystery. Pater noster. EXIIT edictum a Caesare Augusto, Luc. 2 ut describeretur vniuer sus orbis. There came forth an edict from Cesar Augustus that the whole world should be enroled. ave Maria. Ascendit autem & joseph a Galileae de civitate Nazareth in Bethlem. Luc. 2 And joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Bethlem. ave Maria. profiteretur cum Maria desponsata sibi uxore pregnante. Luc. 2 To be enroled with MARIE his despoused wife that was with child. ave Maria. Factum est autem cum essent ibi, impleti sunt dies ut pareret, & peperit filium suum primogenitum. Luc. 2 And it came to pass, when they were there, her days were fully come that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first begotten son. ave Maria. Luc. 2 Et pannis eum involuit & reclinavit eum in presepio quia non erat eis locus in diversorio. And swaddled him in clothes, and laid him down in a manger: because there was not place for them in the Inn. ave Maria. Et Pastores erant in regione eadem vigilantes & custodientes vigilias noctis super gregem suum. Luc. 2 And there were in the same country sheapherdes watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. ave Maria. Luc. 2 ET Angelus Domini dixit illis, Ecce evangelizo vobis gaudium magnum, quia natus est vobis hody salvator, qui est Christus Dominus in civitate David. And the Angel of our Lord said to them. Behold I evan gelize to you great joy. Because this day is borne to you a SAVIOUR, which is Christ our Lord, in the city of David. ave Maria. Et subito factus est cum Angelo multitudo militiae coelestis laudantium Deum, Luc. 2. & dicentium. And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying. ave Maria. Gloria in altissimis Deo, Luc. 2. et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Glory in the highest to God: & in earth peace to men of good will. ave Maria. Luc. 2. Et venerunt festinantes pastors & invenerunt Mariam & joseph, et infantem positum in praesepio. Luc. 2. And the Sheapherds came with speed: And they found MARIE and joseph, and the Infant laid in the manger. ave Maria. Et reversi sunt Pastores glorificantes & laudantes Deum in omnibus quae audierant & viderant sicut dictum est ad illos. Luc. 2 And the Shepherds returned glorifying & praising God in all things that they had heard and seen, as it was said to them. Contemplations upon the fourth joyful mystery. Pater noster. POSTQVAM impleti sunt dies purgationis Mariae. Luc. 2 After the days were fully ended of the purification of MARY ave Maria. Tulerunt jesum in Jerusalem ut sisterent eum Domino. They carried jesus into Jerusalem, Luc. 2. to present him to our Lord. ave Maria. Et ecce homo erat in Jerusalem cui nomen Simeon, justus & timoratus expectans consolationem Israel. And behold there was a man in Jerusalem, Luc. 2. named Simeon, & this man was just and religious, expecting the consolation of Israel. ave Maria. Et responsum acceperat a Spiritu Sancto non visurum se mortem nisi prius videret Christum Domini. And he had received an answer of the Holy Ghost, Luc. 2. that he should not see death unless he saw first the Christ of our Lord. ave Maria. Et venit in spiritu in templum Simeon. Luc. 2. And Simeon came in spirit into the temple. ave Maria. Et cum inducerent puerum jesum parentes eius accepit eum Simeon in ulnas suas & benedixit De 'em & dixit. Luc. 2. And when his parents brought in the child jesus, Simeon took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said. ave Maria. Nune dimittis Domine servum tuum in pace. Luc. 2. Now thou dost dismiss thy servant O Lord, in peace. ave Maria. Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum. Luc. 2. Because mine eyes have seen, thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples. ave Maria. Et erant pater eius & matter mirantes super his quae dicebant ur de illo. Luc. 2. And his father & mother were marveling upon these things, which were spoken concerning him. ave Maria. Et erat Anna Prophetissa, & loquaebatur de illo omnibus qui expectabant redemptionem Israel. Luc. 2. And there was Anne a Prophe tisse, and she spoke of him to all that expected the redemption of Israel. ave Maria. Et ut perfecerunt omnia reversi sunt in civitatem suam Nazareth. Luc. 2. And after they had wholly done all things, they returned into their city Nazareth. Contemplations upon the fift joyful mystery. Pater noster. CUM Factus esset jesus annorum duodecem ascenderunt parentes eius Hierosolimam secundum consuetudinem diei festi. Luc. 2 When jesus was twelve years old, his parents went up into High rusalem according to the custom of the festival day. ave Maria. Consummatisque diebus cum redirent remansit puer jesus in Jerusalem, & non cognoverunt parentes eius. Luc. 2. And having ended the days, when they returned, the child JESUS remained in Jerusalem, and his parents knew it not. ave Maria. Existimantes autem illum esse in comitatu venerunt iter diei, & requirebant euminter cognotos & notos. Luc. 2. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a days journey, and sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. ave Maria. Et non invententes regressi sunt in Jerusalem requirentes cum. Luc. 2. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. ave Maria. Et post triduum invenerunt illum in templo sedent em in medio Doctorum audientem illos & interrogantem. Luc. 2. And after three days they found him in the temple sitting in the mids of the Doctors, hearing them, and ask them. ave Maria. Stupebant autem omnes qui eum audiebant super Prudentia et responsis eius. Luc. 2 And all were astonished that heard him, upon his wisdom and answers. ave Maria. Et dixit Mater jesu ad illum, fili quid fecistinohis sic? Luc. 2 And the mother of jesus said to him, Son why hast thou so done to us? ave Maria. Luc. 2. Ecce pater tuus & ego dolentes quaerebamus te. Behold thy father and I sorrowing did seek thee. ave Maria. Et ait ad illos, Luc. 2 quid est quod me quaerebatis? nesciebatis quia in his quae patris mei sunt oportet me esse. And he said to them, what is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about those things, which are my fathers? ave Maria. Et ipsi non intellexerunt verbum quod locutus est ad illos, Luc. 2 & descent dit cum illis & venit Nazareth, & erat subditus illis. And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth: and was subject to them. ave Maria. Et jesus proficiebat sapientia aetate & gratia apud Deum & homines. Luc. 2 And jesus proceeded in wisdom and age, and grace with God and men. Contemplations upon the first Sorrowful Mystery. Pater noster. joan. 18. EGRESSUS est jesus cum Discipulis suis trans torrentem Cedron, ubi erat hortus in quem introivit. jesus went forth with his Disciples, beyond the torrent Cedron where was a Garden, into the which he entered. ave Maria. Et cum pervenisset ad locum dixit illis, orate ne intretis in tentationem. Luc. 22. And when he was come to the place, he said to them, pray, lest ye enter into tentation. ave Maria. Spiritus quidem promptus est, caro autem infirma. Mat. 26. The spirit indeed is prompt, but the flesh weak. ave Maria. Et ipse awlsus est ab eis quantum iactus est lapidis & positis genibus orabat dicens: Luc. 22 Pater, si vis, transfer a me calicemistum. And he was pulled away from them a stones cast: and kneeling he prayed, saying, Father if thou wilt, transfer this chalice from me. ave Maria. Veruntamen non mea, sed tua vo luntas fiat. But yet not my will, Luc. 22. but thine be done. ave Maria. Iterum abijt & eundem sermonem dicens, Mat 2.6. fiat voluntas tua. He went again, and prayed, saying the self same word, thy will be done. ave Maria. Ft cum surrexisset ab oratione invenit Discipulos suos dormientes praetristitia. Luc. 22 And when he was risen up from prayer, he found his Disciples same for pensiveness. ave Maria. Et ait Petro, Simon dormis? non potuisti una hora vigilare mecum. Mar. 14. And he saith to Peter, Simon sleepest thou? couldst thou not watch one hour with me? ave Maria. Et factus in agonia prolixius orabat. Luc. 22. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. ave Maria. Et factus est sudor eius sicut gut tae sanguinis decurrentis in terram. Luc. 22. And his sweat became as drop pes of blood trickling downve 'pon the earth. ave Maria. Apparuit autem illi Angelus Domini de caelo confortans eum. Luc. 22. And there appeared to him an Angel from heaven, strengthening him. Contemplations upon the Second Sorrowful mystery. Pater noster. MINISTRI judeorum compraehenderunt jesum et liga verunt eum. joan. 18. The ministers of the jews apprehended jesus, & bound him. ave Maria. Et viri, Luc. 22 qui tenebant illum illudebant ei caedentes. And the men that held him, mocked him, beating him. ave Maria. Obtulistis mihi hunc hominem quasi avertentem populum. Luc. 22. You have presented unto me this man, as averting the people. ave Maria. Et ecce ego coram vobis interogans nullam causam invenio in homine isto, ex his in quibus eum accusatis. Luc. 23. And behold I examining him before you, have found no cause in this man of those things wherein you accuse him. ave Maria. Sed neque herod's, nam remisi vos ad illum et ecce nihil dignum morte actum est ei. Luc. 23. No, nor Herod neither. for I sent you to him, and behold, nothing worthy of death is done to him. ave Maria. Emendatum ergo illum dimittam. Luc. 23. I will chasten him therefore & dimisse him. ave Maria. Tunc ergo appraehendet Pilatus jesum & flagellavit. joan. 19 Then therefore Pilate took jesus and scourged him. ave Maria. Videns Pilatus quia nihil profici ret, accepta aqua lavit manus coram populo. Mat. 27. Pilate seeing that he nothing prevailed, taking water he washed his hands before the people. ave Maria. Et dixit innocens ego sum a sanguine justi huius. Mat. 27. And said I am innocent of the blood of this just man. ave Maria. Tunc dimisit illis Barrabam, Mat. 27 je sum autem flagellatum tradidit eis ut crucifigeretur. Then he released to them Barrabas, and having scourged jesus delivered him unto them for to be crucified. Contemplations upon the third sorrowful mystery. Pater noster. MILITES Praesidis susceperunt jesum in praetorium. Mat. 27. The Precedents soldiers took jesus into the Palace. ave Maria. Et congregaverunt ad eum universam cohortem. Mat. 27. And gathered together unto him the whole band. ave Maria. Et exeuntes eum chlamydem coccineam circundederunt ei. Mat. 17. And stripping him, put a scarlate cloak about him. ave Maria. Mat. 27. Et plectentes coronam de spinis imposuerunt super caput eius. And plaiting a crown of thorns, put it upon his head. ave Maria. Et posuerunt arundinem in dextra eius. Mat. 27. And put a reed in his right hand. ave Maria. Et expuentes in eum, Mat. 27. acceperunt arundinem & percutiebant caput eius. And spitting upon him, they took the reed, & smote his head ave Maria. Et genuflexo ante eum, Mat. 27. illudebant ei dicentes, ave Rex judeorum. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying, Hail King of the jews. ave Maria. Et caeperunt quidam conspuere eum, Mat. 27. & velare faciem eius, & colaphis eum caedere & dicere eí: Prophetiza. Mar. 14. And certain began to spit upon him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with buffetes, and to say unto him, Prophecy. ave Maria. Et ministri alapis eum caedebant And the servants gave him blows. Mar. 14. ave Maria. Exivit ergo jesus foras, portans coronam spineam, & purpureum vestimentum. joan. 19 jesus therefore went forth carrying the crown of thorns, and the purple vestiment. ave Maria. Et dixit eye Pilatus: joan. 19 Ecce homo And Pilate saith to them, Lo the man. Contemplations upon the fourth Sorrowful mystery. Pater noster. TUNC ergo Pilatus tradidit eis jesum ut crucifigeretur. joan. 19 Then therefore Pilate delivered jesus unto them for to be crucified. ave Maria. Susceperunt autem jesum, joan. 19 & eduxerunt eum. And they took jesus and led him forth. ave Maria. Et baiulans jesus sibi Crucem exivit. joan. 19 And jesus bearing his own Cross he went forth. ave Maria. Exeuntes autem invenerunt hominem Cyrenaeum nomine Simonen, Mat. 27. hunc angariaverunt ut tolleret cru cem eius. And going they found a man of Cyrene named SIMON: him they forced to take up his Cross. ave Maria. Sequebatur autem illum multa turba populi & mulierum, quae plangebant & lamentabantur eum. Luc. 23 And there followed him a great multitude of people, and of women which bewailed and lamented him. ave Maria. conversus autem ad illos jesus, dixit: Filiae Jerusalem, nolite flere super me. Luc. 23. But jesus turning to them, said Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not upon me. ave Maria. Sed super vos ipsas fleet, et super filios vestros. Luc. 23. But weep upon yourselves & upon your children. ave Maria. Quoniam ecce venient dies, in quibus dicent: Luc. 23 Beatae steriles et ventres qui non genuerunt & ubera, quae non lactaverunt. For behold the days shall come wherein they will say: Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that have not borne, and the paps that have not given suck. ave Maria. Si in viridi ligno hoc faciunt, Luc. 23 in arido quid fiet? If in the green wood they do these things, in the dry what shall be done? ave Maria. Ducebantur autem & alij duo nequam cum eo ut interficerentur. Luc. 23 And there were led also other two malefactors with him to be executed. ave Maria. Et venerunt in locum qui dicitur Golgotha quod est Caluariae locus. Mat. 27. And they came into the place that is called Golgotha, which is the place of Caluarie. Contemplations upon the sift Sorrowful mystery. Pater noster. POSTOVAM venerunt in locum qui vocatur Caluariae, ibi crucifixerunt eum. Luc. 23. And after they came to the place which is called Caluarie: there they crucified him. ave Maria. Tunc crucifixi sunt cum eo duo latrones, unus a dextres & unus a sinistris. Mat. 27. Then were crucified with him two thieves: one on the right hand, and one on the left. ave Maria. jesus autem dicebat, Pater dimit illis quia nesciunt quid faciunt. Luc. 23 And jesus said, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. ave Maria. Et dixit latroni jesus, Amen dico tibi, Luc. 23. hody mecum eris in Paradiso. And jesus said to the thief, Amen I say to thee: this day thou shalt be with me in Paradise. ave Maria. Et dixit matri suae Mulier ecce filius tuus. joan. 19 And he said to his mother: woman behold thy son. ave Maria. Deinde dicit diseipulo: Ecce matter tua. joan. 23. After that, he saith to the Disciple, Behold thy mother. ave Maria. Clamavit jesus voce magna, dicens: Deus meus, Deus meus ut quid dereliquisti me? Mat. 27. JESUS cried with a mighty voice, saying, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ave Maria. consummaretur scriptura dixit: Sitio. joan. 9 That the scripture might be fulfilled, he saith, I thirst. ave Maria. Cum ergo accepisset jesus acetum dixit: Consummatum est. JESUS therefore when he had taken the vinegar, said, joan. 19 It is consummate. ave Maria. Luc. 23 Et clamans voce magna jesus ait. Pater in manus tuas commendo spiritum meum. And jesus crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. ave Maria. jesus autem iterum clamans voce magna emisit spiritum. And jesus again crying with a mighty voice, Mat. 27. yielded up the ghost. Contemplations upon the first Glorious Mystery. Pater noster. MARIA Magdalena, Mar. 16. et Maria jocobi, & Salome emerunt aromata ut venientes ungerunt jesum. Marry Magdalene and Marie of james, and Salome bought spices, that coming they might anoint jesus. ave Maria. Et ecce terrae motus factus est magnus & prae timore exteriti sunt custodes & facti sunt velut mortui. Mat. 28. And behold there was made a great earthquake: And for fear, the watchmen were frighted, and became as dead. ave Maria. Angelus autem Domini descendit de coelo, Mat. 28. & revoluit lapidem & sedebat super eum. An Angel of our Lord descended from heaven: and rolled back the stone and sat upon it. ave Maria. Et Angelus dixit mulieribus: no light timere vos: jesum qui crucifix us est, quaeritis: non est hic: Mat. 28. surrexit enim, sicut dixit. And the Angel said to the women, fear not you, you seek jesus that was crucified: he is not here: for he is risen, as he said. ave Maria. Venite & videte locum ubi positus erat Dominus. Mat. 28. Come and see the place where our Lord was laid. ave Maria. Sed, ite, dicite discipulis eius, & Petro quia surrexit. But go, Mar. 16. tell his Disciples and Peter that he is risen. ave Maria. Ecce praecedet vos in Galileam, ibi eum videbitis sicut dixit vobis. Mar. 16. Behold he goeth before you in to Galilee: there you shall see him as he told you. ave Maria. Et exierunt cito de monumento cum timore & gaudio magno, Mat. 28. currentes nunciare Discipulis eius. And they went forth quickly out of the monument with fear and great joy running to tell his Disciples. ave Maria. Et ecce jesus occurrit illis, dicens Auete. Mat. 28. And behold jesus met them, saying, All bail. ave Maria. Illae autem accesserunt, & tenuerunt pedes eius & adoraverunt eum But they came near & took hold of his feet, and adored him. Mat. 28 ave Maria. Tunc ait illis jesus. Mat. 28. Nolite timere. Ite nunciate fratribus meis, ut eant in Galileam, ibi me videbunt. Then jesus said to them, fear not, go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, there they shall see me. Contemplations upon the second Glorious Mystery. Pater noster PREBVIT seipsum viwm post Passionem suam in multis argumentis. Act. 1 He showed himself alive after his passion in many arguments. ave Maria. Per dies quadraginta apparens Apostolis & loquens de regno Dei. Act. 1 For forty days appearing to his Apostles, and speaking of the kingdom of God. ave Maria. Igitur, qui convenerant interrogabant eum dicentes, Act. 1 Domine si in tempore hoc restitues regnum Israel? They therefore that were assembled, asked him, saying, Lord, whether at this time wilt thou restore the kingdom to Israëll. ave Maria. Dixit autem eyes. Non est vestrum nosce tempora vel momenta, Act. 1 quae Pater posuit in sua potestate. But he said to them: It is not for you to know times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power. ave Maria. Act. 1 Sed erit is mihi testes in Jerusalem, & omni judaea, & Samaria, & usque ad ultimum terrae. But you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all jewrie, and Samaria, and even to the utmost of the earth. ave Maria. Et cum haec dixisset videntibus illis, Act. 1 elevatus est & nubes suscepit eum ab oculis eorum. And when he had said these things, in their sight he was elevated: and a cloud received him out of their sight. ave Maria. Psa. 46 Ascendit Deus in iubilo, et Do minus in voce tubae. GOD ascended in exceeding joy, & our Lord in sound of trum pet. ave Maria. Act. 1. Cumque intuerentur in coelum euntem illum ecce duo viri astiterunt juxta illos in vestibus albis. And when they beheld him going into heaven, behold two men stood beside them in white garments. ave Maria. Et dixerunt Viri Galelaei quid statis aspicientes in coelum? Act. 1. And said, ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking into heaven? ave Maria. Hic jesus qui assumpt us est a vo bis in coelum, sic veniet quemadmodum vidistis eum euntem in coelum. Act. 1. This jesus which is assumpted from you into heaven, shall so come as you have seen him going into heaven. ave Maria. Luc. 24. Et factum est dum benediceret illis, recessit ab eyes & ferebatur in coelum. And it came to pass whiles he blessed them, he departed from them, and was carried into heaven. Contemplations upon the third Glorious Mystery. Peter noster. TUNC reversi sunt Hierosolimam, Act. 1. a monte qui vocatur Oliveti, qui est juxta Jerusalem Sahbathi habens iter. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount that is called Olivet, which is by Jerusalem, distant a Saboths' journey. ave Maria. Act. 1. Et cum introissent in caenaculun ascenderunt ubi manebant Petrus & joannes, jacobus & Andreas, Philippus & Thomas, Bartholomeus et Mathaeus, jacobus Alphaei & Simon Zelotes & judas jacobi. And when they were entered in, they went up into an upper chamber, where abode Peter & john, james and Andrew, Phillippe & Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, james of Alphaeus and Simon Zelotes, and Jude of james. ave Maria. Hi omnes erant perseverantes unamiter in oratione cum mulieribus & Maria matre jesu. Act. 1. All these were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women & Mary the mother of jesus. ave Maria. Et cum complerent ur dies Pentecostes, Act. 2. erant omnes pariter in eodem loco. And when the days of Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place. ave Maria. Act. 2. Et factus est repent de caelo sonus tanquam advenientis spiritus vehementis. And suddenly there was made a sound from heaven, as of a vehement wind coming. ave Maria. Act. 2. Et replevit totam domum ubi erat sedentes Apostoli. And it filled the whole house where the Apostles were sitting. ave Maria. Et apparuerunt illis dispertitae linguae, Act. 2. tanquam ignis. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire. ave Maria. Sedit que supra singulos eorum. Act. 2. And it sat upon every one of them. ave Maria. Et repleti sunt omnes Spiritu Sancto. And they were all replenished with the holy Ghost. Act. 2. ave Maria. Et caeperunt loqui varijs linguis prout Spiritus sanctus dabat eloqui illis. Act. 2. And they began to speak with diverse tongues, according as the holy ghost gave them to speak. ave Maria. Mar. 16. Illi autem profecti praedicaverunt ubique Domino cooperant & sermonen confirmante, sequentibus signis But they going forth preached every where: our Lord working withal, & confirming the word with signs that followed. Contemplations upon the fourth Glorious mystery. Pater noster. Cant. 2. SURGE propera amica mea, columba mea, formosa mea, & veni. Arise, make haste my love my dove, my beautiful and come. ave Maria. Cant. 2. I am enim hiems transijt, Imber abijt & recessit. For now the winter is past, the shower is gone, and ceased. ave Maria. ostend mihi faciem tuam, sonnet vox tua in auribus meis. Cant. 2. Show me thy face let thy voice sound in my ears. ave Maria. vox enim tua dulcis, & facies tua decora. Cant. 2. For thy voice is sweet, and thy face comely. ave Maria. Quae est ista, quae ascendit per desertum sicut virgula fumi ex aromatibus myrrhae, Cant. 3. & thuris, & universi pulueris pigmentarij? What is she, that ascended thorough the desert like to a streane of perfumed smoke, arising from odoriferous gums of Myrrh, and incense, & all manner of sweet powder of the perfumer. ave Maria. Quae est ista, Cant. 6. quae progreditur quasi aurora consurgens? King Solomon arose to meet with Bethsabe his mother, & he adored her, and did fit upon his Throne. ave Maria. Positusque est Thronus matri Regis quae sedit ad dexteram eius. 3. Reg. 2 And a Throne was placed for the mother of the King, who did sit at his right hand. ave Maria. Et dixit ei Rex: 3. Reg. 2 pete matter mea neque enim fas est ut auertam faciem tuam. And the King said to her: Demand O mother: for it is not law full that I disdain thy face. ave Maria. Tu gloria Jerusalem, judi 15. Tu laeti tia Israel, Tu honorificentia populi nostri. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem, thou art the joy of Israel, thou art the honour of our people. ave Maria. Esther. 2 Adamavit illam Rex plusquam omnes mulieres & posuit diademae regni in capite eius. The King loved her a 'bove all women, and put the diadem of his kingdom upon her head. ave Maria. Psal. 44. Astitit Regina a dextris eius in vestitu deaurato: circundata varietate. The Queen stood at his right hand in a Clothing of gold, embroidered with variety. ave Maria. Posuit in capite eius coronam de lapide precioso. Psa. 20. He put one her head a crown of precious stone, ave Maria. Corona aurea super mitram eius expressa signo Sanctitatis. Eccl. 45. What is she, that increasseth as the break or dawning of the day? ave Maria. Pulchra ut luna, electa ut Sol, Cant. 6 terribils ut castrorum acies ordinata Fair as the moon, pure as the soon, terrible as an army set in battle array. ave Maria. Tota pulchra es amica mea, Cant. 4. & macula non est in te veni de libano sponsa mea, veni de libano, veni: coronaberis. My love thou art altogether beautiful, and no spot is in thee, come from Libanus my spouse, come from Libanus, come thou shalt be crowned. ave Maria. Ascendam in palmam, Cant. 7. et appreda●●●●●ructus eius. I will go up into the date tree and I will take the fruits thereof. ave Maria. Psa. 72 Tenuisti manum dexteram meam: & in voluntate tua deduxistime, & cum gloria suscepistime. Thou hast sustained my right hand, and thou hast lead me according to thy will, and thou hast received me with glory. ave Maria. Assumpta est Maria in caelum gaudent Angeli laudantes benedicunt Dominum. Marie is assumpted into Heaven, the Angels rejoice, & praising they bless our Lord. Contemplations upon the fift glorious Mystery Pater noster. SURREXIT Rex Solomon in occursum Bethsabe matris, 3. Reg. 2 ado ravit que eam, & sedit super Thronum suum. A crown of gold upon her mitre, in which was engraved Sanctity to our Lord. ave Maria. Et gaudebit sponsus super sponsam & gaudebit super te deus tuus. Isa. 62. And the bridegroom shall rejoice at his spouse, and thy God shall rejoice at thee. ave Maria. Ornavi te ornamento, Eze. 16. & dedi armillas in manibus tuis & torquen circa collum tuum, & dedi inaurem super os tuum & circulos auribus tuis & coronam decoris in capite tuo. I have arrayed thee with an ornament, and I have put bracelets on the wrists of thy hands, and a chain about thy neck. And I have put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thy ears, and a most comely crown on thy head. ave Maria. Signum magnum apparuit in caelo: Mulier amictasole, Apo. 12 & luna sub pedibus eius & in capite eius corona stellarum duodecem. A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars AN EXPLICATION of the ave Mary Bell. THE Bell is wont thrice a day to be knoled to prayers: At Morning, Noon, & Night: that Christians might remember, if they can not oftener, at the least yet thrice a day, to serve God in prayer: At morning the beginning of the day, by referring all the future actions to God's glory: At noon the very mid course of the day, to refresh the wearied soul with a short prayer, as the body is relieved with meat: and at evening, by taking account of the soul of all her actions. And at these hours is the B. virgin Mary saluted, that through the excellent benefits at those hours bestowed, whereat she was present, she would vouchsafe to get us mercy of her dearly beloved son. For at the tolling in the morning, is renewed the memorial of Christ's Resurrection, who risen from death did then appear to his most B. mother: The tolling at noon, is in remembrance of Christ's passion, whereat the B. Virgin was present: And at night in remembrance of Christ's incarnation in her blessed womb. At the first toll. Angelus Domini nunciavit Mariae & concepit de Spiritu sancto. ave Maria. At the second toll. Ecce Ancilla Domini, fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. ave Maria. At the third toll. Et verbumcaro factum est, & habitavit in nobis. ave Maria. I desire the gentle Reader to amend these faults escaped. In the discourse of the Devotion of our Lady Page. 5. Line. 17. read. which by carnal propagation is derived from Adam. Pa. 8. l. 8 read: as well for the space. Pa. 11. L. 6 read: unspotted virginity. Pa 13. l. 13. read: was to be borne. Pa. 50. l. 22. read Presentation. TWENTY PROPOSITIons to prove the Catholic custom of saying the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin, out of Franciscus Costerus. Cap. 11. 1 THAT the custom of saying the ROSARY of the most B. Virgin Mary, by Christian Catholics of ancient times received, is not blasphemous, Diabolical or Superstitious as the Sectaries do fond and falsely give out, but holy, devout and religious; we do make plain demonstration in these brief Arguments following. In the Rosary there be 5 things the Name, the prayers, the Repetition of the prayers, the number of the same, & the Beads, wherewith we pray. All which are void of all superstition therefore the custom of saying the Rosary, is not superstitious. 2 The name of the Rosary, 1. The name of the Rosary. is a most sweet name: for as much as it signifieth no other thing then a certain spiritual garland made of certain mystical words, as it were Roses taken out of the Gospel, which we offer unto the Virgin of all virgins the mother of God. For garlands are ordinarily used for to adorn the heads of virgins. And as for Prayers, 2. The prayers of the Rosary. they are with out all controversy most holy. For of our Lord's prayer Christ himself is the author. And of the Angelical salutation the Angel Gabriel & Saint Elizabeth. Which the Catholic Church, to the intent that it might have a form of Prayer, also hath concluded, with this short petition used by ancient Fathers. Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us Sinners, now & in the hour of our death. Amen. 4 The repetition also of the Prayers, 3 The repetition of the same prayers. because it is much available to the stirring up and inflaming of the affect of him that prayeth, it cannot but be most religious. we read that the three children in the furnace, in lauding & praising almighty God, did in every verse repeat a certain half verse And that most religious Orator king David, in his psalms doth often repeat now one word now more words sometime a whole verse & surely in the psalm 118 which hath 176 verses & is daily read in the Church, he repeateth in a manner the same thing some what varying the words only. 5 Our Lord himself also in some places hath not obscurely required this repetition in him that prayeth. For the 11 of Saint Luke, when he taught his Disciples the manner how to pray he annexed forthwith a Parable of him that could by no means get three loaves of his friend but by often knocking at his gates. And in the 18 chapter when he had taught that his Servants ought always to pray, and not to cease he added an other parable of a widow, which because with oft ask she was tedious in the end made the judge to condescend to her request. 6 But thou wilt say perhaps that these parables do prove that perseverance in prayer is speceally necessary. I do not doubt of that But they prove also thus much, that by repetition it cometh to pass that we persever and do not cease. For if when we must pray, our lords prayer is to be said. Luc. 11. When ye pray (saith Christ) say Father hallowed be thy name, how can we persever in such short form of praying, except that we often repeat our lords prayer. 7 Again thou wilt say that our Lord in that very institution Mat. 6 did admonish that Those which did pray should not speak much where the greek word is Battologin proper unto those, that do vainly repeat one thing often. I answer, that Christ doth there reprehend only the vain babbling of the heathens, that did think God as well as men, would be delighted with eloquence and affected speeches. 8 A notable place for to clear this kind of repetition from all superstition, L. 4. divin. instit. c. 28 we find in Luctantius where the difference between superstitious persons and those that are religious or devout alleged by Tully: L. 2. de nat. deorum. (For that saith he, those pray to their Gods whole days together, these do it with moderation) he disproveth in these words. What reason is there (saith he) that to pray for the health of his children once, should be the part of a religious or devout man, and to do the same ten times should be an act of superstition? for if it be very good to do it once, how much more to do it oftener? If the first hour be good, therefore the whole day also. If one host or Sacrifice be well pleasing, more pleasing doubtless are more Sacrifices, because duties and services being multiplied, do rather merit then offend. For those servants do not seem unto us worthy of hatred that have been daily and hourly diligent in their service, but rather to be beloved. And again saith he This argument holdeth in the contrary. For if to pray and offer Sacrifice whole days be a fault: therefore to do it once, is also a fault. And why should the name of a fault be attributed unto that, which is as honest and just a thing as can be wished? For as Cicero saith, Religious men have their name a relegendo, that is because they often handle with diligence & as it were read again those things which do appertain to the worship of God: why therefore should they that do the same often in one day, lose the name of religious men? for as much as by the daily use and custom itself, they do more diligently read again those things wherewith God is honoured. Thus far Lactantius 9 By which speech it is evidently proved, that they are not only not superstitious, that do often repeat the same kind of prayers in the Rosary, but that it is better & more acceptable to God, rather often, then once to repeat the same: And beside, that there can be nothing more just and honest, than this kind of repetition. Finally, that those that pray in this manner of the Rosary, are properly Religious: as who do diligently by daily use & custom read over and ruminate those things that appertain to the worship of God. 10 There followeth the number of the prayers of the Rosary free also from the same touch of superstition. 4 The number of prayers. Esa. 6. Apoc. 4. For the Angels in Esay the Prophet and the Beasts in the apocalypse, which never rested neither day nor night do thrice repeat one word to the honour of God: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Saboth. Psa. 118. The Prophet David 7 times in the day pronounced praise unto Almighty God, whose example the Church following, hath distributed the diume office into 7 diurnal & nocturnal hours Christ praying in the garden repeated one and the same speech, Luc. 22 thrice. Thrice also did S. Paul request our Lord that the Angel of Satan might departed from him. 2. Cor. 12 And that S. Bartholemew did pray upon his knees an hundred times day & night Abbias his own scolar witnesseth. we read in Palladius and Socrates that S. Macarius one of the most ancient An chorits recited every day an hundred prayers unto almighty God: Paulus Aegiptius three hundred, and a certain virgin seven hundred. 11 Now if number be not void of a godly and mystical signification, as in deed it is not, neither in the number of the Rosary nor in the examples alleged: Esa. 11 See High rom. S. Amb. l. de spir. san. c. 20 Aug. l. 1 de ser. domi. in mont. c. 3. & l. 2 de doct. Chri. c. 7 (for the number of three signifieth the B. Trinity, and the number of seven betokeneth the giftes* of the holy ghost) then is there nothing in the number but that which may easily be proved. For we do repeat our Lord's prayer five times to put us in mind of the five wounds of Christ. And to every such prayer we do adjoin 10 ave Maries that we may remember the 10 commandments of God And those ave Maries we do repeat 50 times in the whole Rosary, Greg. ho 19 in Eze. & l. 1 mor. c 28 that by the intercession of the B. Virgin through the merits of our Lord's Passion we may attain full remission of sins which is signified in holy Scripture by the number of fifty being a number of jubiley as appeareth. Levit. 25. 12 Now there remaineth the Beads wherewith we pray, 5. The Beads. in which the simple may perhaps think that there is some kind of superstition, but in deed there is none at all. For although Christ's faithful people do use them now commendably, as a manifest badge or token of the Roman Religion: yet the use of them was for no other cause at the first brought into the Church (as holy Fathers make mention) then to the intent that by sensible touching, & view of the beads we should not easily be deceived in the finishing of the number of prayers. 13 It is recorded by ancient Historiographers. Palladius, Sozomenus, Cassiodorus, that the famous Anchorite Paulus of Libya the father of fine hundred Monks had wont to pay every day five hundred prayers as a tribute unto almighty God: And to the intent that he might not be deceived in the number, he cast a little stone into his bosom at the end of every prayer: Also that Saint Clare a most holy woman, did repeat certain Pater nosters unto our Lord and kept account of them by a heap of little stones, her acts recorded do testify. In sum of what antiquity the use of beads is, the ancient stones of sepulchres do well declare unto us. 14 Therefore to no other end, were beads (as it seemeth) used at the first then as Places and Images were by Orators of old, for to keep the remembrance of words & matter. Or as counters by Merchants for to count great sums of money or as by the Catholic Church the Crosses, and Images of Christ, and his Saints which serve to this end for to preserve the memory of the life of Christ and his Saints. 15 And that they have been reduced afterward to a certain number so to put folks in mind; and that the Pope's benediction is annexed with most ample Indulgences, and that sometime they are set out with medals or Crosses of silver, brass, or wood: these things have not as some do cavil, increased superstition, but Religion, 16 For as joshua the Captain of the holy host, Ios. 4 at what time the children of Israel passed over jordane dry footed, commanded that twelve great stones should be devoutly and religiously carried out of the channel of the River into the Tents to this end, that if any should ask of the posterity what mean these stones? the perpetual tumemory of there wonderful passage might be recorded: So have our ancestors devoutly & religiously annexed five beads in every Rosary that are greater than the rest, that the Heretics laughing thereat and ask what mean these five beads? what meaneth the whole Rosary? Answer may be made: that they are significations of the five wounds which Christ suffered for them and us. And that the Rosary is a certain sum or abridgement of the new Testament & Christian doctrine. 17 For they that have known the manifold use of the Rosary are not ignorant, that the number of beads therein contained do serve to renew the memory of all the mysteries of the life of Christ and of the blessed Virgin, and of the principal points of the Catholic religion, as of the B. Trinity, the Incarnation and Passion of Christ, the worship of God & his Saints, the ten commandements, justification and life everlasting. Which brief sum or abridgement is doubtless so much the more profitable amongst the common people: by how much farther the use thereof is extended then the use of books. For it may be read even of the unlearned, of the blind, of those that travail on horse back or in wagons or such like: finally in most dark & obscure places. 18 And the benediction of the POPE doth nothing else but with solemn words consecrate the beads, The benediction of the Pope. otherwise profane of themselves, to the devout and wholesome use of the faithful, as by ancient custom of the Church, Water, Salt, Chalices, Candles, Herbs, and the Churches themselves are by the benediction of a Priest consecrated to an holy use. For sanctified (saith the Apostle) is every creature by the word of god and prayer. 1. Tim. 4 The Indulgences annexed. 19 And that the Indulgences annexed to the benediction, are very profitable there is no doubt. for by these the faithful people being encouraged do in greater number, and with greater zeal and fervency pray unto Almighty God, for most weighty causes: For the increase of the Catho lick Church, for the concord of Christian Princes, for the rooting out of heresies. For these are the points that for the most part are mentioned in the form of all Indulgences. 20 And as for the Images of gold, silver, Crosses, and Medals. or wood annexed unto the beads; they have neither any mystical signification nor use: other than the very Images in Churches. that is, to put us in mind of the acts of Christ & his Saints, that in, or before them, we may reverence and call upon that which by them is represented unto us. A BRIEF EXPLIcation of our lords Prayer. Cap. 12 THe Preface of this Prayer, Franciscus Costerus. hath few words, full of mysteries. Father, is a name of love, signifying first of all, that he which goeth about to pray, must not be the enemy, but the friend, yea the child of Almighty God, having laid aside all will to sin hereafter, and being sorrowful, & penitent for his sins past. Secondly, that he must come to Almighty God, with great confidence, because that of a Father all things are to be expected. Our. thou dost not say mine, but our. which is a name common to all. for God is the Father of all, as well one as an other respecting all indifferently, as well poor as rich: Therefore with this Prayer must concur first charity towards neighbours, whereby thou mayest love all the children of God and wish well unto them. then Humility: that thou preferrest not thyself, before any other. which art in heaven. Here first is signified, that unto this prayer must be brought a mind lift up to heavenly things, & excluding earthly cogitations. Secondly, a great reverence of the whole man as well external as internal, because he is an heavenly not an earthly Father. Thirdly, that nothing is to be demanded of an heavenly Father, but heavenvly things. Here after do follow the 7 petitions whereof the 4 first, do pray for good things to be granted, the 3 later for evils to be removed. Hallowed be thy name. that is to say: I give thee thanks for thy benefits and I desire, that thy name, goodness & Majesty may be well known unto all men, praised of all men, and published in all places, and especially I beseech thee that I in all my actions & words may seek thy glory, & refer all that I have to thy honour, & the profit of my neighbours. 2 Thy Kingdom come. That is, I wish that thou O Lord, mayest reign all the world over, & that all dominion of the Devil being abandoned, thou mayest possess all the Kingdoms of the world: and especially that sin may not reign in my mortal body; but that thou mayest rule & govern all my powers and forces, & direct and bring me to the kingdom of heaven. 3 Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. that is: Grant I beseech thee grace unto thy people, that they may obey thy commandments: Furthermore in every of our acttions do thou make known unto us thy will. Finally myself, O Lord, I do resign wholly to thy will, so that thy name may be praised, and sanctified by me, & thou having excluded the kingdom of sin, mayest only and wholly reign in me: thou mayest do with me, and dispose of me, as it shall stand best with thy most holy will and pleasure. 4 Give us this day our daily bread. that is, nourish and feed my soul, and my body with convenient food: my soul with thy word: that I may always have a taste and feeling thereof, when it is by preaching, or prayer, or by any other means proposed unto me. Moreover with thy most sacred body also: unto the often and devoutreceaving whereof, I do desire to be moved, & stirred up and my body, with daily food & sustenance, and with things not superfluous, but necessary, not wrongfully gotten, but with due labour justice and equity. Here followeth the three evils which we desire to be removed. 5 And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. that is, the evils past: to wit, the sins whereby we have offended thee, by the Passion of thy Son do thou gratis & freely forgive: the venial & quotidian sins: by sorrow and the virtue of this Prayer, instituted by thyself: and the more grievous or mortal sins, by the Sacrament of penance: to which Sacrament that we may come devoutly, grant I beseech thee convenient time, grace, & devotion. And although I may seem to forgive my neighbours all offences from the very bottom of my heart: yet do thou also afford me thy special help, and assistance, that I may never bear in mind any offence whatsoever. 6 And lead us not into tentation. that is, drive away from us future evils, not suffering us at any time to consent unto sin, nor to give occasion, that we be forsaken by thee: And if by our default we chance at any time to fall, that our hearts be not hardened, but that they may presently rise from sin and be converted. 7 But deliver us from evil. Amen Turn away O Lord present evils from us, famine, war, pestilence, and other corporal calamities, as also prosperities, that are not behoveful for the health of the soul. Also all spiritual evils, unto which our concupiscence, which always maketh war against the spirit, is inclined: that from it, if not wholly yet in part we may be exempted. AN EXPOSITION of the Angelical Salutation. Cap. 13. NEXT after our Lord's prayer the angels Salutation is usually said, Francisous Costerus. for two causes: First certes that we may know that not by our own merit, are the petitions aforesaid either to be obtained, or expected, but by Christ jesus incarnate: who by this Salutation made by the voice of an Angel, invited the virgin his mother to give her consent to his incarnation. And secondly that we may learn that we have in heaven, a Patroness & advocate of our business unto the eternal King, unto whom we commit the care of our requests, and supplications put up unto Almighty God, that by her petitions, we may obtain and have our cause solicited for us. Hail. that is, be thou joyful, happy and secure. The B. Virgin being saluted, will for her meek and benign charity, return Salutation back again. Mary. her proper name, which signifieth Lady, and Star of the Sea. Full of grace. that is, adorned with the grace of God, & justice, and replenished with all manner of virtues in her soul, & in all the powers thereof. Our Lord is with thee. thy thoughts words, and works, are pleasing unto God. there is nothing in thee which may displease him. and therefore was God never absent from thee, & thou always art united unto God in heaven. Blessed art thou amongst all women, that is, thou above and beyond all other women art blessed first because thou art a mother & a Virgin: Then, because the mother of God: thirdly, because advanced to the highest dignity, that could be given unto the women kind: that is to say: to be Queen of heaven, and earth, to be the next unto Almighty God, and above all creatures. There is one only man that excelleth the, Christ King of the world both God and man. For two chief & principal offices & dignities there were to be bestowed: one unto a man, to be King of the world: an other unto a woman to be the Queen of the world: that, Christ hath: this, thou hast granted unto thee. And Blessed is the fruit of thy womb jesus. that is: thy Son is true and perfect man: the same is also the Son of God, & God above all things blessed for evermore, unto whom we own praise thanksgiving and benediction for infinite causes: And especially for this that he hath provided us thee his mother, as Lady Patroness & Advocate. Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners, now & in the hour of our death. Amen. worthily mayest thou ask: because as our Lady and mistress thou hast care of us: and it is not hard for thee to obtain: because he is thy son whom thou dost ask. And to thee we make our prayer, that by thee we may obtain all good things, by whom we have received the Auctor of all goodness. DIVERS OTHER devotions necessary or convenient for every Christian to use. Cap. 14. The manner of examining a man's conscience to be used every night lest God perhaps calling us out of this life, do find us unprepared 1 THE first is to give thanks to our Lord God, for the fits which he hath bestowed upon us, both generally, and especially of that day. 2 The second, to ask grace for to know our sins and to avoid them. 3 The third to take account of our soul orderly, by every hour since we rose, first of our thoughts, then of our words, with the same order, and also of our deeds. 4 The fourth, to demand pardon of our sins. 5 The fifth to purpose amendment with God's grace. and so to say a Pater noster. ave Credo Confiteor. Salue Regina & a Pater noster also to our guardian Angel: and especial Patrons with other prayers, according to every one's devotion. The Hymn of our Lady called (Salue Regina) which for the devout, & general use thereof in the whole Church is worthily to be learned even of the simpler sort. SAlue Regina, Mater miserecordiae: Vita, dulcedo, & spes nostra salve. Ad te clamamus, exules filii Euae. Ad te suspiramus gementes, & flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo advocata nostra, illos tuos miserecordes oculos ad nos convert; Et jesum benedictum, fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoe exilium ostend. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis virgo Maria. Verse. Ora pro nobis sancta Dei genetrix. Res. digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. CONFITEOR Deo omnipotenti, Beatae Mariae semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato joanni Baptistae, Sanctis Apostolis Petro & Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, & tibi Pater: quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, & opere, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelun, beatum joannem Baptistam, Sanctos Apostolos Petrum & Paulum, omnes Sanctos, & te Pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. The same in English. I Confess unto almighty God to Blessed Mary, always a virgin, to Blessed Michaiell Archangel, to Blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter & paul & to all the Saints * This is to be said only at Confession, and Mass. (And to you my ghostly Father) that I have grievously sinned in thought word, & deed. my fault, my fault my most great fault. * Here you must leave until you have done your Confession. as above Therefore I pray blessed Mary always a virgin, blessed Michaiel Archangel, blessed JOHN Baptist the holy Apostles Peter and Paul & all the Saints, (And you my ghostly Father) to pray for me unto out Lord God. The manner of commending ourselves to God in the morning. 1 FIrst making the sign of the Cross: to give thanks unto God for all his benefits, & particularly that he hath preserved us that night. 2 Secondly. To offer him our body and soul. 3 Thirdly. To demand of his divine majesty, that whatsoever we do that day following may be to his honour and glory. 4 Fourthly: to make a steadfast purpose to avoid that day all affection or occasion of that sin which we are most inclined unto. 5 Fifthly: to say our devotions, as before, adjoining some devout exercise or meditation if our state and leisure will permit. The manner of preparing ourselves unto Confession. 1 FIrst: to examine diligently our conscience as above, from the last Confession which we made. remembering the kinds & number of every sin, as much as we are able. 2 Secondly: to have an express actual and deep sorrow for all which is past. 3 Thirdly: to make an express and resolute purpose of amendment, & of avoiding at the least all mortal sins. 4 Fourthly: to confess all our sins wholly and sincerely, hiding nothing which is with in. 5 Fifthly: to fulfil the penance enjoined so soon as we conveniently may, if the ghostly Father have not appointed a certain time for the fulfilling thereof. The convenient disposition for receiving. 1 FIrst, to have made a sufficient Confession: and to go to the blessed Sacrament, without any conscience of mortal sin not confessed. 2 Secondly: to go with humble preparation, not only of devout prayers the same day, but of many other devotions and preparations the days before. 3 Thirdly: to come fasting at the least from the midnight before: and chaste even from lawful acts. 4 Fourthly: having with great attention and devotion once received: with devout meditations and prayers to accompany so great a guest, at the least for the space of a quarter of an hour before, any other never so necessary business, & after with convenient leisure to spend the day in devotions avoiding all manner of vanities & worldly behaviour. 5 Fifthly, to use the convenient composition of body as followeth. The composition of body in receiving. 1 Let the hands be held before the breast, not lifted so high that they may hinder the Priest. 2 Let the head be conveniently lifted up, and inclined unto neither side, that without difficulty the mouth may be reached. 3 Let the eyes be shut or bend downward: for it is unseemly at that time, either to look upon the Priest, or to turn the eyes other where. 4 Let the mouth be altogether quiett, without any reading or moving of lips, reasonably open, and not gaping. 5 Let the tongue touch the side of the lip (not to much put forth) that it may receive the host, & bring it into the mouth and that being reverently held so long that it be moistened, it may be let down into the body. For it is not to be chewed with the teeth, nor to be brought to the roof of the mouth, but to be swallowed (if it may be) before the ablution. 6 Let the whole body be erected and quiet without any motion. Sighines, blowings, growning, knocking of the breast, exclamations, vocal prayers, and other like things, which often times bring danger either of the fall of the host, or of the touching of the teeth, or lips in the time of receiving are to be omitted. 7 After the receiving of the holy host, let the head not indecently be cast down, but remain erected with the hands joined before the breast until the ablution, which every one ought to take. 8 Finally for the space of a quarter of an hour after receiving let spitting be avoided. which if it can not be: at the least it is decent to spit where it may not be trodden on. AN ADDITION OF diverse Indulgences granted to the Society of the Rosary Since the time of Pius. V whose Indulgences were last of all rehearsed in the first edition of this book: there have been by Greg. 13. and Sixtus. V diverse other Indulgences granted to this devout confraternity, which are hereafter set down for every ones comfort, out of the book of the ROSARY printed at Venice Anno. 1587. Gregory the 13. hath granted to every one of this confraternity, which being contrite & confessed, and having received shall visit every first Sunday in the month, and every festivity of our B. Lady the Altar of the Rosary in the Church of S. Dominicke at Cremona, there praying for the concord & union of Christian Princes, extirpation of heresies, & exaltation of our holy mother the Church: a plenary indulgence. The same hath granted to all faithful Christians that shall visit the Church of our Lady upon Minerva at ROME, on the first Sunday of October, praying for the intentions aforesaid: a plenary indulgence. He granteth also to every one of the confraternity which shall visit the altar of the Rosary in Pavia, for every day he shall do the same praying as above: 100 days. The like to those which are present at the ordinary Processions there. The like, to such as accompany the Banner of the holy Rosary when the Brethren are carried to burying; or are present at the anniverssaries for the Brethren deceased: or shall visit the sick Brethren, exhorting them to the receiving of the holy Sacraments of the Church. Also a plenary to all Christians that shall visit the aforesaid altar praying as above, on the third Sunday of April and the first Son day of October. He granteth a plenary to every Brother of the province of Rome that confesseth and receiveth in their Churches or Chapels every first Sunday in the month, praying as before. The same he giveth to every sickly Brother, so that he be confessed and have received, that cannot come to the aforesaid Churches: so that at home before some devout image he say the Rosary or corone. or .7. Psalms. he granteth a plenary to all the Brethren that shall visit the Chapel of the ROSARY, on the days of the feast of the mysteries thereof: & be present at the Procession of the first Sunday of every month so they have first confessed and received. Also he communicateth all the Indulgences already granted to any special places of this Confraternity, or hereafter to be granted, to all other places whatsoever, where the same Confraternity shall be. Which is to be noted. for this is the cause why here before were set down some indulgence, of special places. Sixtus. 5. Confirmeth and reneweth all that was granted by his Predecessors. and moreover he granteth to such Brethren as are in journey or on the sea, and shall say the whole Rosary: to those also which are sickly, or other wise lawfully hindered so that they cannot visit the Churches or chapels of the Rosary on those days in which are celebrated the feasts of the mysteries of the Rosary or be present at the Procession of every first sunday in the month: if they say the third part of the Rosary: so that they have a firm purpose of confessing and receiving when the Church hath appointed: a plenary indulgence. or any other indulgences granted or here after to be granted to those which personally are present at those days in the Churches or Chapels Thus much of the Indulgences granted to this Confraternity and although many undoubtedly may be left out: yet besides diverse plenary indulgences to be gotten at special days as hath been said by just account made many years a go it hath been found: that every Brother for saying the Rosary gaineth indulgences of seventy seven years & 240. days. So that it is verily thought that now it is very much increased. the virgin Mary with the infant Jesus OUR LADY'S LITANIES. Which for their devotion are worthy to be said even of those which understand them not: in the honour of the Blessed Virgin. LITANIAE DE D. VIRGINE IN AEDE Loretana dici solitae. In periculis & angustiis, in rebus dubiis Mariam cogita, Marian invoca, non recedat ab ore, non recedat a cord. Et ut impetres eius orationis suffragium, non deseras conversationis exemplum. KYrie eleison. Christ eleison. Kyrie eleison. Christ audi nos. Christ exaudi nos. Pater de caelis Deus, miserere nobis. Filiredemptor mundi Deus, miserere nobis. Spiritus sancte Deus, Miserere no bis. Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, Miserere nobis. Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis. Sancta Dei genitrix, ora pro no. Sancta Virgo Virginum, ora. Mater Christi, ora pro nobis. Mater divinae gratiae, ora pro no. Mater purissima, ora pro nobis. Mater castissima, ora pro nobis. Mater inviolata, ora pro nobis. Mater intemerata, ora pro nobis. Mater amabilis, ora pro nobis. Mater admirabilis, ora pro nobis. Mater Creatoris, ora pro nobis. Mater salvatoris, ora pro nobis Virgo prudentissima, ora pro. Virgo veneranda, ora pro nobis. Virgo predicanda, ora pro nobis. Virgo potens, ora pro nobis. Virg clemens, ora pro nobis. Virgo fidelis, ora pro nobis. Speculum justitiae, ora pro nobis. Sedes sapientiae, ora pro nobis. Causa nostrae letitiae, ora. Vas spirituale, ora pro nobis Vas honorabile, ora pro nobis. Vas ensign devotionis, ora. Rosa mystica, ora pro nobis. Turris Davidica, ora pro nobis. Turris eburnea, ora pro nobis. Domus aurea, ora pro nobis, Foederis arca, ora pro nobis. janua caeli, ora pro nobis. Stella Matutina, ora pro nobis. Salus infirmorum, ora pro nobis. Refugium peccatorum, ora. Consolatrix afflictorum, ora. Auxilium Christianorum, ora. Regina Angelorum, ora. Regina Patriarcharum, ora. Regina Prophetarum, ora. Regina Apostolorum, ora. Regina Martyrum, ora. Regina Confessorum, ora. Regina virginum, ora. Regina Sanctorum omnium, ora. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis Domine. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos Domine. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Vers. Post partum Virgo inviolata permansisti. Respon. Dei genetrix intercede pro nobis. Oratio. Gratiam tuam quaesumus Domine mentibus nostris infunde, ut qui Angelo nunciante Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per passionem cius & crucem, ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. OMnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui facis mirabilia magna solus, praetende super famulos tuos, & super congregationes illis commissas spiritum gratiae saluta ris, & ut in veritate tibi placeant, perpetuum rorem tuae benedictionis infunde. Per Dominum nostrum jesum Christum. Amen. defend, quaesumus Domine, beata Maria semper Virgine intercedente, istam ab omni adversitate familiam, & toto tibi cord prostratam, ab hostium propitius tuere clementer insidiis. Per Christum Dominum nostru. Amen. ALIAE LITANIAE DEIPARAE VIRGInis Mariae. KYrie eleison. Christ eleison. Kyrie eleison. Christ audi nos. Christ exaudi nos. Pater de caelis Deus, miscrere nobis. Fili redemptor mundi Deus, miserere nobis. Spiritus sancte Deus, Miserere no bis. Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, Miserere nobis. Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis Sancta Dei genitrix, ora Sancta virgo virginum, ora Die Lunae & iovis praeelectio. Monday & Thursday. Sancta Maria ab aeterno ordinata ora pro nobis Inter omnes praeelecta ora Patribus caelitus promissa ora Mysticis praefigurata miraculis Oraculis praenuciata propheticis ora pro nobis Desiderium collium eternorum ora Conceptio. Sancta Maria sine peccato concepta, ora. Serpentis caput conterens ora. Lucerna in extincta ora. Speculum sine macula, ora. Lilium inter spinas ora. Terra sacerdotalis immunis, ora. Nativitas. Sancta Maria regali progeny exorta ora pro nobis. Virga de radice jesse, ora. Virga Moysis, ora pro nobis. Stella jacob, ora pro nobis. Aurora consurgens, ora. Praesentatio in templo, & virtutes. Sancta Maria in Templo praesentata, ora pro nobis. Vniversas filias supergressa, ora. Scala jacob, ora pro nobis. Mulier fortis, ora pro nobis. Singulare virginitatis exemplar, ora pro nobis. Nardus odorifera, ora. Fide conspicua, ora pro nobis. Candelabrum aureum, ora. Altar thymiamatis, ora. Balzamum aromatizans, ora. Virgula fumi ex universis aromatibus, ora pro nobis. Desponsatio, Annunciatio, & Visitatio. Sancta Maria justo joseph desponsata, ora pro nobis. Mons Domini in vertice montium praeparatus, ora. Ab Angelo humiliter salutata, ora pro nobis. Gratia plena, ora pro nobis. Inter mulieres benedicta, ora. Sponsa Dei, ora pro nobis. Sancto spiritu obumbrata ora. Ancilla Trinitatis humillima, ora Mulier circumdans virum, ora. Paradidisus voluptatis, ora. Civitas Dei, ora pro nobis. Domus sapientiae, ora. Causa nostrae laetitiae, ora. Solium gloriae Dei, ora. Thronus Salomonis, ora. Templum Domini, ora. Sacrarium Spiritus sancti, ora. Sanctuarium Dei, ora. Tabernaculum Dei cum hominibus, ora pro nobis. Tabernaculum tui creatoris, ora. Tabernaculum foederis, ora. Arca testimonii, ora. Vas aureum caeleste manna continens, ora pro nobis. Quae Elizabeth cognatam visitasti, ora pro nobis. Die Martis & veneris partus Terra germinans salvatorem, Tuesday and Friday. ora. Lignum vitae, ora pro nobis. Virga florens Aaron, ora. Navis institoris de long portans panem, ora pro nobis. Mensa panis propositionis, ora. Botrus Cypri, ora pro nobis. Fons lucis, ora pro nobis. Puteus aquarum viventium. ora. Virginitas ante partum in partu & post partum Sancta Maria virgo perpetua, ora. Rubus ardens incombustus, ora. Maria vellus Gedeonis ora Mons de quo sine manibus scissus est lapis ora pro nobis. Porta Orientalis clausa ora Hortus conclusus ora pro nobis Fons signatus ora pro nobis Conuersatio cum Filio. Sancta Maria a Pastoribus & Magis inventa ora pro nobis Legi purificationis sponte subiecta, ora pro nobis. Nubes Dominilevis, ora. Egyptum cum Filio ingressa, ora. Ex Egypto reversa, ora. Cum Filio dulciter conversata, ora Quae Filium triduo quaesisti ora Quae Filium in templo invenisti. Deficiente in nuptiis vino Filium deprecata ora Quae stabas juxta crucem Filii ora Virgini joanni commendata ora Doloris gladio transfixa ora Filii resurrectione exhilerata ora In die Pentecostes Spiritu sancto repleta ora pro nobis Assumptio & Coronatio. Sancta Maria spiritualibus deliciis affluens ora pro nobis Super choros Angelorum exaltata Mater honorificata ora Mulier amicta Sole ora sub cuius pedibus luna ora Duodecem stellis coronata ora Regina coelorum ora Regina a dextris Filii astans ora In vestitu deaurato varietate circundata ora pro nobis Quam laudant astra matutina ora Cuius pluchritudine Sol & luna mirantur ora pro nobis Cuius vultum deprecantur omnes divites plebis ora Die Mercurii & Sabathi Praeconia. Wednesday and Saturday. Sancta Maria super omnes speciosa ora pro nobis Pulchra ut luna ora pro nobis Electa ut sol ora pro nobis Gloria Hierusalem ora Letitia Israel ora pro nobis Honorificentia populi nostri ora Orbis terrarum Margarita pretiosa. Cedrus in Libano exaltata ora Cypressus in monte Zion ora Palma in Cades ora Plantatio rosae in Hierico ora Terebinthus ramos honoris & gratiae extendens ora Cunctis generationibus beatissima predicata ora Intercessio Sancta Maria advocata nostra ora pro nobis Propitiatorium altissimi, ora. Propitiatorium universae terrae, ora. Dei & hominum mediatrix, ora. Per quam post Deum totus vivit orbis terrarum ora Vena vita ora pro nobis Aquae ductus caelestium gratiarum, ora pro nobis Fons perennis curationum ora Fons universam terram irrigans, ora pro nobis In qua omnis spes vitae & virtutis, Cuius spiritus super mel dulcis ora pro nobis Faws distillans ora pro nobis Arca Noësalutaris ora Civitas refugii ora pro nobis Vrbs fortitudinis ora pro nobis Castrorum acies ordinata ora Cunctas haereses sola interimens, ora pro nobis Clypeus omnibus in te sperantibus ora pro nobis Stella matutina ora pro nobis Porta coeli ora pro nobis Mater viventium ora pro nobis Mater misericordiae ora Mater timoris & agnitionis ora Mater sanctae spei ora pro nobis Mater pulchrae dilectionis ora Sancta Maria Domina Angelorum ora pro nobis Decus Patriarcharum ora Vaticinium Prophetarum ora Praeconium Apostolorum ora Confortatrix Martyrum ora Exemplar Confessorum ora Lumen Virginum ora Regina Sanctorum omnium ora Salus infirmorum ora Refugium peccatorum ora Consolatrix afflictorum ora Auxilium Christianorum ora A cunctis periculis, Libera nos mediatrix nostra. Ab omni peccato Libera nos A subitanea & improvisa morte Libera nos mediatrix nostra. Ab insidiis Diaboli Libera nos Ab ira & odio & omni mala voluntate Libera nos A spiritu fornicationis Libera A morte perpetua Libera Peraeternam praelectionem tuam, Libera nos mediatrix nostra. Per immaculatam conceptionem tuam Libera nos Per sanctam nativitatem tuam Libera nos mediatrix nostra. Per venerabilem presentationem tuam Libera nos Per mellifluum nomen tuum Libera nos mediatrix nostra. Per caelestem in terris conversationem tuam Libera nos Per purissimam desponsationem tuam Libera nos Per admirabilem annunciationem tuam Libera nos Per superuenientis in te Spiritus sancti obumbrationem Libera Per humilem visitationem tuam Libera nos. Per virgineum partum tuum Libera Per intemeratam virginatem tuam Libera nos Per mundissimam purificationem tuam Libera nos Per gladium doloris qui pertransiit animam tuam, Libera nos Per gaudia resurrectionis Filii tui, Libera nos Per superfluentem in die Pentecostes gratiae plenitudinem, Libera nos Per gloriosam assumptionem tuam, Libera nos Per admirabilem coronationem tuam Libera nos Per viscera misericordiae tuae. Li. Peccatores, Te rogamus audi nos. veram poenitentiam nobis im-impetrare digneris Te roga Ecclesiae sanctae cunctoque populo Christiano pacem & uni tatem impetrare digneris, Te rogamus audi nos. exercitum Catholicum conseruare digneris Te roga societates tibi peculiari obsequio devotas, conseruare & augere digneris, Te roga nosmetipsos in tuo sancto seruitio, confortare & conseruare digneris Te rogamus mentis & corporis integram puritatem nobis impetrare digneris Te rogamus fidei, spei, & charitatis augmentum nobis impetrare dig neris Te rogamus verae humilitatis omniumque virtutum presidia nobis impetrare digneris Te roga nos ab hoste protegere, & hora mortis suscipere digneris, Te rogamus audi nos omnibus fidelibus defunctis requiem aeternam impetrare digneris Te rogamus Mater Dei Te rogamus Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis Domine. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos Domine. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Ver. Ora pro nobis sancta Dei genitrix. Resp. digni efficiamur promisionibus Christi, Oratio. PIetate tua quaesumus Domine nostrorum solve vincula peccatorum, & intercedente beata Maria, cum omnibus Sanctis tuis, nos famulos tuos, benefactores atque loca nostra in omni sanctitate custodi, omnesque consanguinitate, affinitate atque familiaritate nobis coniunctos, a vitiis purga, virtutibus illustra, pacem & salutem nobis tribue, hostes visibiles & invisibiles remove, carnalia desideria repel, aerem salubrem & fertilitatem indulge, amicis & inimicis nostris charitatem largire, atque urbem N. cum omnibus in ea habitantibus, ab omni pest, infideliumque feritate & potentia illaesam conserua, & omnibus fidelibus vivis & defunctis, in terra viventium vitam & requiem aeternam concede; & Pontificem nostrum N. omnes Prelatos & cunctum populum Christianum, ab omni abversitate custodi, & benedictio tua sit super nos semper. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen AN EPISTLE CONSOLATORY: OF AN ANCIENT POPE. To the Catholics of ALBANIA sore aggrieved with the Persecution of the Heretics of those days. Newly translated into English. IHS' To OUR Well-beloved Children the Catholics of Albania, which now are in the Kingdom of Albania. CLEMENS PAPA. WELL-BELOVED children, we send you greeting, & our Apostolical Benediction: Yet be in very deed a long distance of land and sea disjoined from us: O Children of Albania: But in the unity of faith and in the bond of the charity of Christ, ye be so conjoined with us, and so near unto us; that we do no less than behold and always look upon you, as though you were here present with us, and do continually in our minds think upon you, yea we be so moved with every event of your affairs, that with you and in you we do rejoice, and together also with you, we bear your crosses. for in our heart we hold you, and in the Bowels of jesus Christ we be singularly rejoiced & our very spirit doth take comfort in our Lord, when as we do hear of your constancy in the Catholic faith, of your patience, of the fortitude of your christian courage, and of your glorious confession of the name of Christ. For you being by the singular goodness of God, strengthened with the grace and virtue of the holy Ghost have with most especial diligence and as it were a precious treasure (as it is indeed) safely and inviolably preserved, that sacred Depositum of the Catholic faith, which your Ancestors have from this holy Roman Church the mother & mistress of all the faithful, received, and as a matter of inheritance unto you delivered, & have not suffered yourselves by any inconveniences or miseries, nor yet by any of Satan his deceipts or enticements, and vain hope of worldly things, to be removed aside from that rock of faith, whereupon Christ our Lord hath found his Church, which is one, Catholic, Apostolic, Roman, out of which there neither is nor can be any salvation, whose union you do as members of the body of Christ conjoin unto the head with great praise and fruit of spiritual life retain and hold in continuance. These be the things that do fill our heart with joy and gladness: This is that which doth edify the Church of GOD, and which doth cause all Catholics to turn and fix their eyes upon you: who beholding your zeal and good works, do glorify the Father of mercies who is in Heaven. But like as in these things, which ye do so godly religiously and constantly perform for the glory of God & behoof of your own souls: we do together with you & with all good men rejoice and congratulate, so do we on the contrary part suffer together with you in your griefs, and in the tribulations which have come too too much upon you. For it hath been brought unto our understanding, that you are for the confession of the Catholic faith most grievously vexed at the hands of your own Brethren, who have forsake the God of their forefa-fathers', and have betaken themselves to the following of strange Gods, that is the profane novelties of errors and heresies: and not considering their own miserable estate do not only lie themselves in darkness, & in the shadow of death, but do also most cruelly assault and persecute such as be the children of light, their own brethren, who do firmly retain the ancient religion, which they have so many ages since been taught by the holy ROMAN Church; And do further, upon the instigation and exagitation of a certain fury never heard of before, use cruelty towards their own flesh, and butcher & tear asunder their own bowels. We have compassion of your (dear children) and with all affection of charity we do sorrow together with you for your calamities. But we: also rejoice with you and for you, in that ye be now the disciples of Christ, with him fastened upon the Cross, neither do we doubt, but that he who is present with his servants in tribulation, and descendeth with them into the ugly dungeons, and forsaketh them not in their bonds and fetters; even he, so rich and abundant in mercy doth visit you, doth recreate you, doth marvelously comfort you, that even as the passions of Christ do abound in you: so also by Christ your comforts may abound. And we also, who though without our own desert, and unworthy, do hold the place of Christ our Lord upon earth, when as we did hear that you were in this manner afflicted, resolved by our letters to comfort you, as our children singulerlye well beloved, of whose welfare and glory in our Lord we be especially careful. Be ye therefore of good courage, and as you have hitherto done, so stand ye in our Lord my dearest: steadfast & strong in faith, and rooted and founded in charity, & careful to preserve the unity of spirit in the bond of peace. This peace of CHRIST which surpasseth all understanding keep you (my children) that ye may be one heart and one spirit Your concord, your union, your conjunction of minds Satan trembleth at: That doth he and his ministers seek to overthrow. But all the drifts of enemies will fall to nothing, if ye persist and remain all of one mind with all humility and meekness, with patience supporting one an other in charity. And God is faithful, who will not permit you to be tempted above that which you are able: But will make with temptation issue, that ye may be able to sustain. Let your hearts therefore be comforted & be constant, and expect our Lord. For coming he will come, and will not linger, & his reward is with him, and he will comfort his servants, so that what ye have sown in tears, the same ye shall in joy and exultattion reap again. Be ye not therefore wearied fainting in your hearts, but laying away all weight and sin, that compasseth you, by patience run to the fight proposed unto you, looking on the author of faith and the consummator jesus: who will give you good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, in the day of eternity. He govern and keep you, and replenish you with the grace of the holy Ghost, and crown you upon the accomplishment of your lawful combat. Pray for us (dear children:) for many are the pastoral cares, which by night & day do vex & trouble us. Do ye also pray for the Catholic Church, that all contradictions and errors being destroyed, she may serve him with secure liberty. And we with all affection of fatherly charity do impart unto you our Apostolical Benediction. Given at Rome at Saint Marks, under the fisher's Ring, the 18. of September, the sixth year of our Popedom. DILECTIS FILIIS CAtholicis Albanensibus qui in Albaniae regno sunt Clemens Papa. DILECTI filii, salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem. Longo quidem terrarum marisque internallo a nobis disiuncti estis, O filii, Albaniae: sed in unitate fidei, & in vinculo charitatis Christi, ita nobiscum coniuncti estis, ita propinqui; ut vos tanquam presentes intueamur: & de vobis assidue cogitemus. quin etiam quovis rerum vestrarum eventu ita commovemur, ut vobiscum at que in vobis gaudeamus, & vobiscum etiam patiamur. Habemus enim vos in cord nostro, & in visceribus jesu Christi. Gaudio autem singulari afficimur, & exult at in Domino spiritus noster, quum audimus vestram in fide Catholica constantiam, vestram patientiam, vestram Christiani pectoris fortitudinem, & gloriosam confessionem nominis Christi. Vos enim singulari Deibenignitate Spiritus sancti gratia & virtute roborati, sacrum illud fidei Catholicae depositum, quod Maiores vestri ab hac sancta Romana ECCLESIA omnium fidelium matre & magistra acceperunt, & vobis haereditarium tradiderunt, summa diligentia, & veluti pretiosum thesaurum (ut vere est) integrum & inviolatum custodistis, neque ullis incommodis aut aerum nis, neque ullis Satanae dolis aut illecebris, & vana verum terrenarum spe vos dimoveri passi estis, ab hac fidei petra, supra quam Christus Dominus Ecclesiam suam fundavit; quae una est, Catholica, Apostolica, Romana; extra quam neque est, neque esse potest ulla salus; cuius unionem, ut membra corporis Christi suo capiti connexa, multa cum laud & spiritalis vitae fructu retinetis et conseruatis. Haec sunt quae cor nostrum laetitia complent, haec ecclesiam Dei edificant, & Catholicorum omnium oculos in vos convertunt, qui videntes zelum vestrum & opera vestra bona, glorificant patrem misericordiarum qui in coelis est. Sed quemadmodum in his quae propter Dei gloriam & animarum vestrarum salutem, pie religiose & constanter geritis; vobiscum, & cum bonis omnibus congaudemus; ita vobiscum dolori vestro compatimur, et tribulationibus quae invenerunt vos nimis: Allatum enim ad nos est, vos ob fidei Catholicae confessionem gravissime vexari a fratribus vestris, qui reliquerunt Deum patrum suorum, & secuti sunt Deos alienos, prophanas errorum atque heresum novitates: & miserabilem statum suum non agnoscentes, non solum jacent in tenebris, et umbra mortis: sed filios lucis, fratres suos, qui avitam religionem quam a Romana Ecclesia ante tot secula sunt edocti, firmiter retinent, acerbissime oppugnant & persequuntur, et inaudito quodam furore perciti atque agitati, in carnem suam saeviunt, et viscera sua dilaniant atque discerpunt. Compatimur filii et tòto charitatis affectu condolemus calamitatibus vestris. Sed gratulamur etiam vobis, quia nunc Christi discipuli estis, cum eo cruci confixi: neque dubitamus quin ipse, qui cum servis suis est in tribulatione, et descendit cum illis in tetros carceres, et in vinculis et compedibus non derelinquit eos: ipse, dives in misericordia vos visitat, vos recreat, vos mirabiliter consolatur, ut sicut abundant passiones Christi in vobis, ita & per Christum abundat consolatio vestra. Et nos quoque, qui licet immeriti & indigni Christi Domini locum in terris tenemus, cum vos adeo affligi audiremus; vos per literas nostras consolari voluimus, ut filios nostros singulariter dilectos, de quorum salute & gloria in Domino praecipue soliciti sumus. Confortamini igitur, at que, ut hactenus fecistis, sic state in Domino charissimi, firmi ac fortes in fide & in charitate radicati & fundati, & soliciti servare unitatem spiritus in vinculo pacis: hanc Christi pacem, quae exuperat omnem sensum custodite, filii; ut sitis cor unum & anima una. Vestram concordiam, vestram unionem, vestram animorum coniunctionem exhorret Satanas: hanc ille oppugnat, & ministri eius; sed corruent omnes inimicorum machinationes, siunanimes permanseritis, cum omni humilitate & mansuetudine, cum patientia, supportantes invicem in charitate. Fidelis autem Deus qui non permittet vos tentari supra id quod potestis, sed faciet cum tentatione proventam ut possitis sustinere. Confortetur igitur cor vestrum & viriliter agite, & sustinete Dominum, quia veniens veniet et non tardabit, & merces eius cum eo, & ipse consolabitur servos suos ut quae in lachrimis seminastis in exultatione & gaudio metatis. Itaque ne fatigemini, animis vestris deficientes, sed deponentes omne pondus, & circumstans peccatum, per patientiam currite ad propositum vobis certamen, aspicientes in authorem fidei & consummatorem jesum qui mensuram bonam, confertam, coagitatam, & super effluentem dabit vobis in die aeternitatis. Ipse vos regat, & custodiat, & gratia Spiritus sancti repleat, et legitime certantes coronet. Orate autem pro nobis (filii) quia multae sunt pastorales curae nostrae, quae nos dies noctesque angunt & solicitant. Orate & pro Ecclesia sancta Catholica ut destructis adversitatibus & erroribus universis secura illi serviunt libertate; & nos Apostolicam benedictionem nostram toto paternae charitatis affectu vobis impar timur. Datum Romae apud sanctum Marcum sub annulo Piscatoris, die 18. Septem. Pontificatus nostri: Anno. 6.