The rosary of our Lady. Otherwise called our Lady's PSALTER. With other godly exercises mentioned in the Preface. ANTVERPIAE, Apud joannem Keerbergium. ANNO M. D. C. the Virgin and Child flanked by adoring angels and saints THE PREFACE, Containing divers Annotations concerning the rosary of our Lady: and the other Exercises here following: With the causes of composing and printing the same, in this form; and certain commodities ensuing hereof. FOR so much (benign Catholic reader) as every thing is better understood, by the explication of his proper, or usual name, it is first of all to be noted, that the name of rosary (which properly signifieth the place where roses do grow, or be reserved) is here used for the form of prayer, which the renowned religious father S. Dominicke, about the year of our Lord 1200 (or as some think, a Religious Priest called Peter of Amiens in Picardy, above an hundred years before) instituted, of certain Pater nosters, Aves and Credes, together with certain principal Mysteries to be meditated, in honour of our blessed Lady, the virgin MARIE, framed by the number of five, like to a Rose, that hath five leaves: Whereof it is called the rosary OF OUR LADY. Which name of rosary is used sometimes largely, and sometimes strictly, Taken largely it containeth fifteen Decades or tens (that is to say, fifteen times one Pater noster with ten Aves) and three Credes; and hath fifteen Mysteries applied thereunto, that is, to every Decade one Mystery. And the same is also called OUR LADY'S PSALTER, because it hath so many Aves, or salutations of our Lady, as there be Psalms in the Psalter of David, which are an hundred and fifty. But strictly taken (as it is commonly meant, when one is appointed for penance, or for pardon, or for other like cause to say a rosary) it containeth only five Decades, to wit, five Pater nosters and fifty Aves, with one Crede. So that in the great rosary (or Lady Psalter) be contained three particular Rosaries. And these three are resembled to three sorts of Roses, white, read, and damask. For as these three colours do signify, joy, pain, and glory: so these three Rosaries do contain three sorts of Mysteries to be meditated, joyful, sorrowful and glorious. This form of praying, the first institutor of the rosary, did so accommodate to the use of all faithful persons, as it might be both a necessary help to unlearned people, and also a most profitable exercise to the most learned in the world: as well for the better avoiding of idle, and hurtful distractions in the often repetition of the same prayers, as also for the more fruitful elevating of the mind, meditating upon the chiefest Mysteries of our faith, which concern our Lord and redeemer his coming into this world, and his going our of the same, and the happy effects of both. For touching his coming into this world (which was so long and earnestly desired and expected) in the first rosary are to be meditated these five joyful Mysteries. First, how the Archangel Gabriel declared to the immaculate virgin MARIE, that she should conceive and bear the Son of God. Secondly, how the same sacred Virgin visited her cousin Elizabeth. Thirdly, the Nativity of our Lord, with his Circumcision, and adoration by the Sages. Fourthly, the Purification of the unspotted virgin mother, and Presentation of our Lord in the Temple. Fifthly, the finding of our Lord in the same Temple, when at the age of twelve years, he had been lost three days. Likewise in the second rosary, are to be meditated five sorrowful Mysteries pertaining to our saviours going forth of this world, by his most painful Passion, and death, which are these. First, his great agony, and pensive prayer in the garden. Secondly, his cruel whipping, with other many extreme and vile injuries. Thirdly, his crowning with thorns, and condemnation to death. Fourthly, his carrying of his own Cross. Fifthly, his crucifying, and death thereupon. Finally concerning the effects of his coming into this world, and of his going forth of it again, in the third rosary are to be meditated these five glorious Mysteries. First, the Resurrection of our Lord. Secondly, his Ascension into heaven. Thirdly, the coming of the Holy Ghost. Fourthly, the blessed death and Assumption of our Sovereign Lady in soul and body. And fifthly, her Coronation and singular dignity, above all other Saints and servants of God. Thus much in general is evident by the tradition, and continual practice of all Catholic nations, for the space of four or five hundred years at least: that is, since the time of S. Dominicke, or before. And of the same antiquity and authority is the use of Beads, which were invented for the better observing of the prescribed number of prayers, in saying the whole rosary. And considering, that no man can well meditate upon any Mystery, except he both particularly know, and perfectly remember, the special points thereof, we can nor doubt, but that Christian people vere both taught the particular points of all the above mentioned fifteen Mysteries, and also had some form or order prescribed, whereby they might the better remember the same points, every one in his place. Which instructions being, not commonly extant, and the use of Beads also inhibited, and made dangerous to Catholics, living amongst Heretics in this age; for remedy of both these defects, a certain Catholic Priest, and prisoner for the Catholic Religion, in the tower of London and there also deprived both of books and Beads, framed for himself a form of meditation in saying the rosary, by noting so many particular points in every one of the fifteen Mysteries, that each Mystery serving his own decade, every Pater noster, ave and Crede should have their competent and particular points allotted. Whereby as well the just number of prayers, may without beads be exactly observed, as also sufficient and apt matter be readily remembered, and the mind more elevated to God, and idle distractions better avoided. This private Exercise, albeit very unperfect (as not purposed for the print, but rudely writren, and given to a private friend) yet did so content and please some well disposed persons, that presently, without knowledge of the author, they caused it to be printed, and so made common to many. Whereby at last it came into the hands of one, that knew better the author's meaning. who finding many faults and defects in the edition, thought good to correct and a mend the same, and adorning it with Images to set it forth anew, as well to satisfy the good desires of such as first did print it, as also for the like profit to others, who either had it not, or understood not the use thereof before. And for all their sakes hath also added hereunto, the corone of the same most sacred virgin, first instituted by the aforesaid religious father S. Dominike, or by some of his followers, and lately reduced into the like form, by the same author, and now first printed with the like pictures. For the better understanding of the name, use, and fruit whereof, it is to be noted, that it is called the CORONE, or Crown of our Lady, because it containeth so many AVES, or salutations of the B. Virgin, as she is supposed to have lived years in this world, before she received her Crown in heaven, which are threescore and three. And it is divided into seven parts, Every part containing one Pater noster and ten Aves, saving the last, which hath one Pater noster and only three Aves, with a Crede in the end. In saying of which corone, certain particular points of the singular privileges, virtues, and dignities of the same B. virgin, grounded upon the testimony of hohe Scriptures, and ancient Fathers, are so accommodated to every Pater noster, ave, and Crede, in historical order, from before her Conception unto her most glorious Coronation, that as near as well may be observed, in the first part are proposed those things to be meditated, that belong to the preparation made for her coming, before she was borne. In the second, such as pertain to her birth and education. In the third, how she cooperated with the B. Trinity, in Christ's incarnation and nativity. In the fourth, her participation with him, both in joys and afflictions, most part of his life in this world. In the fifth her singular compassion in the time of his Passion, and death. In the sixth, the rest of her life, with her death and assumption. And in the seventh and last part, her most glorious Coronation, and exaltation above all Saints and Angels, next to her son above all created persons. And because Christ's Crown and glory is above all, here is added also an other godly exercise called the CORONE OF OUR LORD. Which albeit in dignity is first and chiefest, yet here it is placed in order of the time in which it was instituted, by a certain holy Eremite in monte Camaldulensi, in the year of our Lord 1515. allowed and privileged with indulgences by Leo the tenth, and others his successors. This Crown consisteth of thirty and three Pater nosters (according to the number of years, which our Saviour lived in this world) and four Aves with one Crede. And so is divided into four parts, each part containing ten Pater nosters, and one ave, saving the last which hath but three Pater nosters, and one ave, with the Crede in the end. And to these prayers are likewise applied certain Articles or points, of our saviours acts and sufferings, to be meditated in this order. In the first part, of his coming into this world. In the second, of his conversation amongst men for their salvation. In the third, of his going forth of the world, by his bitter Passion and death. And in the fourth part, of his most glorious victory and Exaltation. Finally here is also added an other brief rosary of fifteen Pater nosters, with so many Aves, and one Crede, in memory of seven principal sorrows and eight joys of our B. Lady. Which rosary who so ever saith daily, shall in the space of a year, recite so many Pater nosters, and Aves, as our Saviour sustained wounds for us in one day, as is said to be revealed to S. Brigit. And thus much might suffice for this Preface, touching the contents, and occasion of printing this little book, but that some may perhaps move a doubt or two against this manner of praying, which I thought necessary here to solve before I conclude. The first doubt is, upon what authority or godly example this numbering of prayers is grounded. To which I answer, That we have for this, not only the practice of the whole Church of later time, that is, of four or five hundred years (which is a sufficient warrant to all Catholics, for that so universal a practice of the whole Church, can not be erroneous (as S. Augustin Proveth in his exposition of the. 118. Psalm. v. 43. and very often against the Donatists) but also the confirmation of holy Scriptures, and examples of Christ himself, and of divers Saints even from the primitive Church to our time. As for example, we read in the 6. chap. of Isay, and in the 4. of the Apocalyps, that the Angels and other Saints, cease not day nor night to repeat continually one thing, saying: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Lord God of Hosts. Which form of praising God. the Church militant in the self same words observeth in the Canticle TE DBUM, and in the Preface of the daily Sacrifice. Likewise the Royal prophet David offered up his holy prayers, and praises to God seven times every day, as himself testifieth in the 118. Psalm. And the whole Church of Christ doth the same, in the seven Canonical hours. Also our B. Saviour in the garden of Gethsemani, the night before his death repeated the same prayer three times, as the evangelists do exactly note. And (in the 18. of S. Luke) he commandeth, that we continue and persevere in prayers. Which the vulerned (especially) can not do, but by often repeating the same prayers. S. Barthlemew the Apostle, agreeably to his Master's instructions, prayed every day an hundred times (as witnesseth Abdias) The same did St. Macha●us in Egypt, many years together (as Zozomenus recordeth lib. 6. cap. 29) And St Paul the Heremit recited every day three hundred prayers (as is written in his life). For observing of which number, he put so many little stones in his bosom and taking them forth one by one after every prayer, when all were so removed, he knew thereby that his task of prayers was accomplished. Even as Catholic people do now by their beads, and may do by observing the particular points of the Mysteries, set down in this book, and that without book (after some diligent practice) or by any other like means. another doubt is. How this manner of praying, with meditation, upon such Mysteries, as are not expressed by the words of the prayers, may help attention, or produce the fruit of prayer, and not rather hinder the same, by leading the mind of purpose into other cogitations, different from the proper and literal sense of the words? For solution hereof it is to be noted, that in vocal prayer there be three sorts of attention that may be observed, and three fruits which may be reaped (as the Angelical Doctor S. Thomas teacheth 2. 2. q. 83. a. 13.) One attention is to pronounce the words perfectly, and distinctly. An other is to attend to the sense of the same words, either literal or spiritual. The third attention is, to remembrer the cause why we pray, or the thing we pray for, which ought ever to be the glory of God, the salvation of our own and other souls, or some other good thing directed thereunto. And the first effect of prayer is, to merit: the second, to obtain that which is duly requested; and the third is a spiritual refection of the mind. So then I answer to the doubt proposed: that to all the three effects it is necessary, that we intent and purpose to have the first attention. but if afterwards of frailrie the mind be carried away, the fruit of that prayer is not therefore lost, or frustrate, but hath his effect, by virtue of the former intention and purpose. And the same is to be said of the second attention, if one (that understandeth the language, in which he prayeth) doth purpose to mark the sense of the words, and yet afterwards faileth to perform it. But between this second, and the first attention this is the difference, that albeit this second is profitable, yet it is not so necessary as the first, neither in the beginning nor in the rest of the prayer. For those that pray in a tongue they understand not, can not have this attention, and yet their prayer is profitable, and fruitful, by the universal judgement of all Doctors. The third attention, by which the mind is lifted up to God, and good spiritual desires and cogitations, is not only necessary in the beginning (like as the first attention is) but also most necessary of all the three, to be kept still without interruption, in respect of the third effect. And this the vulerned may also have, praying in an unknown tongue. And it sometimes so aboundeth, that the mind forgetteth all other things; as S. Thomas, and before him S. Hugo de Victore, and others do teach. And in this case it supplieth also the defects, which often happen in the other two attentions, as well in those vocal prayers which we are bound unto, by precept of the Church, or other obligation (so there be no notable defect in reciting the words) as in other prayers, which we are not bound to say. And finally this attention perfecteth, so much as can be in this transitory life, the spiritual repast of the faithful soul: which attention ceasing, necessarily the refection of the mind therewith also vanisheth, but yet the other two effects do not therefore cease, but remain still. For not with standing the mind be carried, by human frailty without voluntary consent, to think upon base and terrestrial things, yet the prayer may both merit increase of grace, and obtain the things that be asked. And much less is every evagation of mind in prayer to be reputed a sin, but that only which we either volunrarily admit or willingly desire, of some vain or hurtful thing. And so you see the manner of praying proposed in this book doth not hinder due attention, as the objection presupposeth, but greatly helpeth the same, and bringeth also other spiritual commodities. Of which some may be here briefly noted. For first, besides that the mind is hereby directed to the best and most necessary attention required in prayer, such also as be not so well instructed already, may by this form of saying the Rosaries and Corones here ensuing, learn many particular, and most necessary points of Christian doctrine: which being once known, can not but move a true Christian heart to some, more or less, cogitation and meditation of so great and singular benefits, bestowed upon us by Almighty God. And the more one shall meditate upon the same, the more also shall his knowledge be still increased. So knowledge and meditation do mutually help and increase each other, but one without the other availeth little. For as meditation without knowledge is erroneous: so knowledge without meditation is dry and fruitless. But both together will easily enkindle the soul with the love of God, and feed it with a spititual refection, and stir up and inflame the desire to all possible endeavour for the increase of God's glory, and health of their own and other men's souls. Likewise out of this variety, and copy of divine Mysteries and benefits, the well disposed may at all times and occasions, choose sufficient and fit points to meditate upon in all their prayers vocal or mental. And finally, by diligent viewing and beholding the pictures here placed, every one may better conceive and consider the Mysteries by them represented, and be perhaps more moved to devotion by sight thereof, then by only reading. If any therefore will use this exercise, no doubt but for reward of their pains, they shall reap hereby no small fruit and increase of piety. You at least (my dearly beloved in our Lord jesus Christ) who have not better means to further your devotions withal, use this help. And vouchsafe of your charity to commend all us, (who to do you good have bestowed labour and cost, in setting forth this little work) amongst your other dear friends, unto our B. Lord, and to his B. mother our Lady, to our proper Angels, and special Patrons, and the whole Court of heaven, in your sweet devotions. Amen. 25. of March. 1590. Your own all and ever in Christ, T. W. P. THE FIRST rosary OF OUR LADY'S PSALTER; resembled to a white Rose, containing five joyful Mysteries. In nomine Patris & filii ✚ & Spiritus Sancti. Amen. cross encircled by five roses WHat soever thou dost (o my soul) in word or in work, do all in the name of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and to the glory of God. For God forbidden I should glory, saving in the CROSS of our Lord JESUS CHRIST. 1. Mysterium gaudiosum. the annunciation and incarnation 1. PATER NOSTER The Annunciation, and Incarnation of Christ. THe most Blessed Trinity, one God Almighty, most just & most merciful, foreseing all makind fallen from most happy estate (wherein he was created) into infinite misery and calamity; As to have lost original justice, grace, virtues, and most excellent gifts, and qualities, by transgressing God's commandment: And contrariwise to have incurred, sin, death, and eternal damnation: And that he could not be restored to his former estate, by the work or virtue, of any man, or Angel, or any other pure creature: of his infinite love (which is most agreeable to his Divine goodness) decreed before all worlds, that the Son of God (the second Person of the same most Holy Trinity) should take man's nature, and being made man should pay our ransom by his death on the Cross. And so not only in general take away the sin of the world, but also in particular justify, sanctify, and bring all those, to whom this most sovereign means is rightly applied, to everlasting life, for which we were first created. 1. ave Maria. Our merciful Lord promised this MEDIATOR, immediately after the fall of Adam saying: that the seed of a woman should crusse in pieces, the serpent's head. 2. ave Maria. Our heavenly Father renewed the same promise to the holy Patriarch Abraham, saying: In thy seed all nations shallbe blessed. 3. ave Maria. Almighty God eftsoons iterated the same promise, to king David saying: of the fruit of thy joins, I will set upon thy seat. And establish his kingdom for evermore. 4. ave Maria. About 4000 years from the creation of the world, the Archangel Gabriel being sent from God, to the most pure virgin Marie, saluteth her: HAIL FULL OF GRACE, OUR LORD IS WITH THEE; BLESSED ART THOU AMONG WOMEN. 5. ave Maria. The most humble virgin is troubled with this speech, thinking with herself, what manner of salutation this may be! For she expected nothing less, then to hear herself so highly praised. 6. ave Maria. Fear not MARRY, sayeth the Angel: for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive, and bear a Son, and shalt call his name JESUS, 7. ave Maria. She inquiereth: How (or by what means) shall this be done, for I know not man? Having before this vowed perpetual virginity. 8. ave Maria. The Angel answereth: the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Hieghest shall overshadow thee. Therefore, that which of thee shallbe borne Holy shallbe called the Son of God. 9 ave Maria. Behold Elizabeth thy cousin, she also hath conceived a son, in her old age, and this month is the fixed to her that is called barren. For there shall not be any thing impossible with God. 10. ave Maria. The holy virgin answereth: Behold the handmaid of our Lord, be it done to me according to thy word. And immediately THE WORD IS MADE FLESH, and dwelleth with us; God and man in one Divine Person. 2. Mysterium gaudiosum. Mary visits St. Elizabeth 2. PATER NOSTER. Our blessed Lady visiteth St. Elizabeth. THE most humble virgin, who even now, received an embassage from heaven, by an Archangel sent from God: who by the same Archangel is denounced full of grace: who hath now conceived in her virginal womb, the Only Son of God, Christ our Lord, Redeemer of the world: who is now made the mother of God, and Queen of all creatures: by how much she is higher exalted, so much the more lowly she be haveth herself; judging it a dutiful office for herself, the younger, to visit her aged Cousin Elizabeth, now six months gone with child. Whereupon, neither pretending her own pre-eminent dignity, nor disdaining the mean estate of her cousin, nor terrified with the length or sharpness of the journey, nor hindered with what other impediment soever, which might stay her in this purpose, addressing herself to travel all on foot, goeth with speed into the hil-countrie, into a city of juda, called Hebron. Admire therefore (my soul) as well the humility as magnanimity of the virgin, mother of God. Who thought no office to base nor hard, for her to undertake that pertaineth to piety. 1. ave Maria. The blessed virgin coming to the city, goeth into Zacharies' house, saluteth her cousin Elizabeth, congratulating her conception of a Son, by God's special favour. 2. ave Maria. As Elizabeth heareth the salutation of the sacred virgin, the infant leapeth in her womb for joy. And is withal sanctified in his mother's womb. 3. ave Maria. And Elizabeth replenished also with the Holy Ghost, crieth out with a loud voice, saying: BLESSED ART THOU AMONG WOMEN, AND BLESSED IS THE FRVIT OF THY WOMB. 4. ave Maria. And further considering the worthiness of the humble virgin, and her own means, admiring saith: Whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord doth come unto me! 5. ave Maria. The virgin mother prophesieth, and praiseth God with a Canticle, saying: MY SOUL DOTH MAGNIFY OUR LORD. AND MY SPIRIT HATH REJOICED, IN GOD MY SAVIOUR. Au● Maria. Eliza●eths time being come to be delivered, she bareth a son, whereof her neighbours and kinsfolk hearing come and congratulate the same with her 7. ave Maria. The eight day the child is circumcised, many desiring to have him called Zacharie, after his father; his mother would have him called JOHN At last his father writeth, JOHN IS HIS NAME. 8. ave Maria. And forthwith Zacharies' mouth is opened (who had been ten months dumb, because he did not believe the Angel's words, that his wife should bear a son) and he prophesieth, saying: BLESSED BE OUR LORD GOD OF ISRAEL. 9 ave Maria. And all that hear these things admire in their hearts, saying: What an one, trow ye, shall this child be! For the hand of our Lord was with him. 10. ave Maria. Our B. Lady taking leave of her cousin, returneth towards Nazareth the next day after the circumcision of the child. as it seemeth, for the text saith; She tarried with Elizabeth about three months. And this day the Church celebrateth the Visitation of our Lady. 3. Mys terium gaudiosum. the Nativity 3. PATER NOSTER. The Nativitate of our Lord. AFter the holy virgin returned to Nazareth, from visiting her cousin, her husband joseph perceiving her to be with child, is much troubled in mind, and doubtful what to do. For on one side he feareth the law, if he conceal, that his wives conceiving is not by him: On the other side, he knoweth the virgin, his spouse, to be of so godly, chaste, pure, and immaculate life, that he dare not accuse her, nor bring her into any (be it never so small) suspicion. She in the mean time being most humble, and most modest, revealeth not, no not to her most dear husband, this so great a Mystery, wrought in her by the power of God. In fine joseph being just, and holy, to avoid perplexity, determineth secretly to leave her: But while he thus thinketh, behold an Angel of our Lord appeareth to him in sleep, saying: joseph son of David, Fear not to tarry with Marie thy wife. For that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son: And thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins. 1. ave Maria. By commandment of Caesar Augustus, that all should be enroled, every one in the place whence they were descended: joseph with his spouse goeth to Bethleem, a city of David, because they were of his house and family. 2. ave Maria. There by reason of their poverty, and great concourse of people, not finding row me in any Inn, they take a poor lodging (as they may) in a stable. 3. ave Maria. In this place our Lord and Saviour, King of all kings, the Son of God is borne, wrapped in clothes, and laid in a manger by an ox and an ass, and is warmed by their breaths. 4. ave Maria. Forth with an Angel appearing to Shepherds saith to them: Behold, this day is borne to you a SAVIOUR, which is Christ our lord in the city of David, and you shall find him swaddled in clothes, and laid in a manger. 5. ave Maria. And suddenly, there was with the Angel an heavenly army, praising God, and singing: GLORY IN THE HIGHEST TO GOD: and in earth peace to men of good wil 6. ave Maria. Then say the shepherds: Let us go to Bethlehem, and see this thing which God hath done, and showed to us. And going with speed, they find the child laid in a manger, and so returning glorify God. 7. ave Maria. The eight day the child is circumcised, and his name called IESvs: that is SAVIOUR, according as the Angel had before signified to the virgin mother, and to joseph his supposed father. 8. ave Maria. Three Sages (Kings or Princes) knowing by the apparition of a glorious star, that the king of jews (their expected MESSIAS) is borne, come from the Last to jerusalem, to adore him. 9 ave Maria. King Herod and all jerusalem with him are troubled, hearing these news: yet there the Sages learn of the high Priests, that Christ shonuld be borne in Bethlehem. 10. ave Maria. The Sages going towards Bethlehem see the star again, and it leadeth them even to the house, where they find the child, and adore him; every one offering three gifts; Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. 4. Mysterium gaudiosum. the presentation of Christ at the temple 4. PATER NOSTER. The Purification of our Lady, and Presentation of our Lord. KIng Herod expecteth the return of the Sages, whom he had willed, to seek diligently for the child, and when they should find him, to inform him thereof, that he also might go and adore the same new borne king (for so he pretended, meaning in deed to murder Christ in the cradle) but God warned the Sages by an Angel in their sleep, not to return to Herod; and so they teturne into their country by an other way. In the mean time, the immaculate virgin (needing no purification, nor being bound to that ceremony of the Law, yet willing to observe the custom of other women) prepareth for her journey, as also to make her oblation, according to, yea and above the same la, a of turtles and two pigeons; for albeit a of either of both sorts wou●d have sufficed for that purpose: yet she offereth of each sort a pair: And that not without Mystery, the turtles being solitary birds, signifying the secret sighs and cries of the servants of God: and the pigeons being sociable, signifying the public prayers of the whole Church. Both which she offereth now in heaven, as Patroness of al. 1. ave Maria. The virgin mother goeth up to jerusalem, carrying thither her son, with her oblation, joseph her husband, and supposed father of JESUS, accompaining and assisting her. 2. ave Maria. The sacred virgin presenteth her Son to God in the Temple, the fortieth day after his birth. 3. ave Maria. Simeon, a just and religious old man, had received an answer of the Holy Ghost, that he should not die, till he had first seen the ANOINTED of our Lord, that is, CHRIST the expected MESSIAS. 4. ave Maria. This holy old man Simeon (by the particular providence of God) is present in the Temple, when the child JESUS is brought thither by his parents to be presented. 5. ave Maria. The venerable old man seeing the child JESUS, taketh him by and by into his arms, and his heart full of joy rejoiceth in spirit. 6. ave Maria. So soon as he can speak for joy, he blesseth God, saying: NOW THOU DOST DIMISSE THY SERVANT, OH LORD, ACCORDING TO THY WORD, IN PEACE. BECAUSE MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THY SALVATION. 7. ave Maria. The parents admiring the things that are sproken concerning the child, Simeon blesseth them, and saith to the mother: Behold this child is set, unto the ruin, and unto the Resurrection, of many in Israel. 8. ave Maria. And he saith moreover to the mother; A sword shall pierce thine own soul; that is, grief and compassion of this thy sons Passion, shallbe to thee as death itself, or, as a sword passing through thy heart. 9 ave Maria. An ancient religious widow called Anne, who remained night and day in the Temple, serving God by fastings and prayers, doth also prophecy of this child, to all that expect the redemption of Israel. 10. ave Maria. After they have done all things according to the law, they return homewards in peace and safety, God not suffering Herod to suspect, that this is the child, whom he feareth, and seeketh to destroy. 5. Mysterium gaudiosum. Mary finds Jesus at the temple 5. PATER NOSTER The finding of our Saviour, when he had been three days lost. KIng Herod perceiving, that he is deluded by the Sages, is exceeding angry, and sending a troop of soldiers, murdereth all the men children, that are in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof; from two years old and under, To the number of fourteen thousand: who all, by special privilege receive crowns of Martyrdom. In the mean time joseph admonished by an Angel, taking the child and his mother, and parting the same night, fleeth into Aepypt: and so is fulfilled the prophecy of Esay: Our Lord ascendeth upon a light cloud (Christ being carried by his mother a virgin) and shall enter into Egypt: and the Idols of Egypt shallbe overthrown before his face, and the heart of Egypt shall languish; verified by the falling down of Idols, whilst Christ is in Egypt, which was about the space of six years. Then Herod dying, they return into the land of Israel. But hearing that Archelaus reigneth in lurie, for Herod his father, they fear to go thither; and joseph being so warned in slenepe, they repair into the quarters of Galilee, and dwell in Nazareth, whereof our Saviour is called JESUS of Nazareth. 1. ave Maria. JESUS being twelve years old, according to their custom at the solemn day of Pasch, he and his parents go up unto jerusalem, to keep there the Feast. 2. ave Maria. The days of the Feast being expired, the child JESUS remaineth in jerusalem, his parents returning homewards not knowing of his abode. 3. ave Maria. They supposing him to be in the company, go a days journey without him and at night they seek him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance, but find him not. 4. ave Maria. The next day they return very sorrowful and lamenting, towards jerusalem to seek him there. 5. ave Maria. After three days they find him in the Temple, sitting in the mids of the Doctors, hearing them and ask them questions. 6. ave Maria. All are astonished that hear the child speak, as well at his wisdom in demanding, as in his answers. 7. ave Maria. His mother saith to him: Son, why hast thou so done to us! Behold, thy father and I sorrowing did seek thee. 8. ave Maria. He saith to them: What is it that you sought me? did you not know that I must be about those things which are my father's affairs? 9 ave Maria. He than goeth down with them to Nazareth, and is subject to them; Dwelling there together the greatest part of his life in this world. 10. ave Maria. The virgin mother observeth and keepeth in her heart all the doings, and sayings of our Saviour; diligently meditating thereupon. Caepit IESVS facere et decere. Jesus preaching to a crowd CREDO IN DEUM PATREM. THe eternal Son of God, the increated wisdom of the Father, our Lord and Saviour, having taken upon him the form of a servant, esteemed vulgarly a carpenter, and a carpenters son and as altogether unlearned, in the thirtieth year of his age, bidding his mother farewell, being now to dwell no more in her family, goeth to john the Baptist, and is baptised of him in jordan. And thence he departeth presently into the desert, there fasteth (not eating nor drinking any thing at all) forty days and forty nights, then is tempted by the Devil, and vanquisheth him. Afterwards he manifesteth himself to the world; preacheth penance; calleth disciples; And by good life, heavenly doctrine and miracles, draweth unto him innumerable followers; He institeth the Sacrament of Baptism, for the Remission of sins (whereof johns Baptism was only a figure) teacheth the perfection of justice, namely of Alms deeds, Praying and Fasting. For which albeit the High Priests, Scribes, Pharisees, Saducees, Herodians, and the rest of the wicked, do divers ways persecute him, yet he nevertheless persevereth doing good to all; confuting their errors, reproving their sins, solving their malicious and captious questions; directing their calumniations, even the secret cogitations of their hearts; and to avoid their villainous purposes seeking to murder him, he flieth often from them, and that sometimes miraculously. Finally having in this manner conversed in the world, three years and something more (having also lately in his Transfiguration, showed to certain of his Apostles, some glimpse of his glory) at last he entereth into jerusalem riding upon an ass colt, his disciples and the people triumphing, spreading their garments, and strawing boughs of Palms and other trees in the way, receive him as their king, with joyful acclamations; the children also crying in the Temple: HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of our Lord! HOSANNA in the highest! O King of Israel! The second rosary of our Lady's Psalter: resembled to a red rose: containing five sorrowful Mysteries. In nomine Patris, & filii ✚ & Spiritus Sancti. Amen. Jesus crucified encircled by five roses GOD forbidden that I should glory, saving in the Cross of our Lord JESUS Christ: who humbled himself, made obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. 1. Mys terium dolorosum. Jesus prays in Gethsemane while his apostles sleep 1. PATER NOSTER. Our saviours Agony in the garden of Gethsemanie. Our Lord and Saviour the night before his passion, when he had eaten the Paschal lamb with his twelve Apostles, taking water and a towel washeth all their feet. And then exhorting them to humility, and purity of life, he suiteth and administereth the most blessed Sacrament, and Sacrifice of his own body and blood, in the forms of bread and wine. And withal instituting the Holy Sacrament of Orders, commandeth his Apostles (for themselves and successors) to do the same, that is, to consecrate and offer in Sacrifice, his body and blood (being, according to the order of Melchisedech, the Sacrifice of the new Testament) till he come again to judge the world. judas then goeth out. And our Lord instructeth, exhorteth and comforteth the rest, promiseth them the Holy Ghost, prayeth his Father for all the elect. And so goeth with the eleven Apostles into the garden of Gethsemani. which place judas also knew, for that our Lord used to go often thither with his disciples. 1. ave Maria. Our lord entering into the garden with his disciples, said to them: Sit you here, whilst I go yonder and pray. 2. ave Maria. JESUS taking Peter, james and john, a little further, beginning to wax sorrowful and sad, saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even to death: abide here, and watch with me. 3. ave Maria. And parting also from these three a stones cast, he prayeth saying: My FATHER if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. but yet not my will, but thine be done. 4. ave Maria. JESUS cometh to his disciples, and finding them asleep, saith to Peter: Even so? Simon sleepest thou? couldst thou not watch one hour with me? watch ye and pray, that ye enter not into tentation. 5. ave Maria. He goeth from them again, and prayeth as before: MY FATHER if it be possible, take this chalice from me. yet not as I will, but as thou wilt. 6. ave Maria. He cometh again and findeth them sleeping: for their eyes were very heavy, and they witted not what they should answer him. Neither saith he any thing to them 7. ave Maria. Leaving them he goeth again, and prayeth the third time, the self same prayer: MY FATHER, if it be possible, take this chalice from me. yet not my will, but thine be done. 8. ave Maria. And there appeareth to him (either all the three times, or at least the last time) an Angel from heaven, strengthening him. ● singular humility! the Lord of all is comforted by his servant, the Creator by his creature! 9 ave Maria. And whilst he prayeth long in agony, HIS SWEAT BECOME THAS DROPS OF BLOOD, trickling down upon the ground. 10. ave Maria. Coming the third time he saith: sleep ye now and take rest (shortly after) it sufficeth, the hour is come: behold, the Son of man shallbe betrayed into the hands of sinners; rise, let us go: behold, he that shall betray me is at hand. 2. Mysterium dolorosum. Jesus is scourged 2. PATER NOSTER. Our saviours apprehension, contumelious handling, and most cruel whipping. AS our Lord and Saviour was yet speaking behold the traitor judas Iscariote one of the twelve cometh, and with him a great troop with lanterns, torches, sword and other weapons, who all at the voice of JESUS saying: I AM HE, going backward fall to the ground, yet he suffereth them to rise again. And judas saluting his Master with a kiss (which was the sign to know him from his Apostles) they lay hands upon JESUS. Peter draweth his sword, and cutteth of the right ear of Malchus, one of the high Priests servants. Which our Saviour presently restoring, and healing, biddeth Peter put. up his sword into the scabbard; for that it is his Father's will, he shall now suffer for all mankind, otherwise he could have many legions of Angels to defend him, if that were more agreeable to God's goodness, and man's salvation. Then the disciples leaving their master, run all away. And so is the prophecy fulfilled: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep shallbe scattered. 1. ave Maria. JESUS being bound is first brought to Annas, then to Caiphas. By them both he is examined of his disciples, and of his doctrine, falsely accused, and strooken on the face by a servant. 2. ave Maria. Caiphas adjureth our Saviour to tell him, if he be Christ the Son of God; who answering that he is so, they judge him a blasphemer, and guilty of death; using him most spitefully and cruelly. 3. ave Maria. Most base fellows do spit in the face of Christ our Lord; they strike him with their fists, and covering his eyes beat him, and bid him read, who is it that striketh thee? 4. ave Maria. In the mean time Peter denieth our Lord thrice. but JESUS looking upon him, he goeth forth of the palace, and weary bitterly. The jews calling a council, condemn JESUS as guilty of death. 5. ave Maria. Early in the morning the chief of the jews, with their whole council deliver JESUS, prisoner to Ponce Pilate, Caesar's deputy. Then judas, seeing that JESUS is condemned to die, hangeth himself desperately. 6. ave Maria. Pilate ask what accusation they bring against him, they say: if he wer● not a malefactor, we would not deliver him unto thee. Pilate testifying his innocency, they will needs have him crucified. 7. ave Maria. Then they accuse him, of subverting their nation, of forbidding to pay tribute to Cesar, and of calling himself king. not answering at all to the first two (being frivolous) he confesseth, that he is a king, but his kingdom is not of this world. 8. ave Maria. Pilate perceiving that Christ is of Galilee, sendeth him to Herod, by whom he is demanded many curious questions, mocked as a fool, and sent back to Pilate. 9 ave Maria. Pilate biddeth the people choose of two only, either Barrabas or JESUS to be delivered; they choose Barrabas. he offereth them also JESUS, but they all cry; Away with him, and give us Barrabas. 10. ave Maria. Pilate (to mollify their stony hearts) causeth our B. Saviour to be so cruelly whipped, that from the head to the foot all his body is torn therewith, receiving (as is said to have been revealed to S. Brigitte) 5490 wounds in one day. 3. Mys terium dolorosum. Jesus is crowned with thorns 3. PATER NOSTER. The crowning of our Saviour with thorns, and his condemnation to be crucified. AFter that our Saviour is most cruelly whipped, the soldiers bring him into the court of the palace, where (as to a scornful stage play) the whole band coming together, they mock both him and the whole nation of the jews, in sulting upon their poor and miserable title of a King and Kingdom. They pull of again his own clothes, and put on his body (all imbrued with blood) a purple garment. Then plaiting a crown of horrible strong and sharp thorns, they put the same on his tender and most sacred head. And leaving nothing undone, that may serve either to scorn or torment him, they put a reed in his right hand, and so setting him in a high place, bowing their knee in derision salute him, saying; Hail KING OF THE JEWS. And withal most spitefully defile his most sacred face with their abominable spittle, beating him also with their fists, as the jews had done the night before. 1. ave Maria. They take the reed out of his hand, and there with beat the crown of thorns into his head; forcing thereby more sacred blood to burst out, and run over all his body. 2. ave Maria. Pilate supposing that the sight hereof should move the jews to so much pity as to spare his life, bringeth forth our Saviour thus arrayed, into the utter court. 3. ave Maria. So showing him, in his purple garment, with his crown of thorns on his head, a reed in his hand, all his body miserably torn, and imbrued with blood, saith to the jews, BEHOLD THE man.. 4. ave Maria. The high Priests and the people cry aloud, Crucify him, crucify Him, as if they said, Thou hast now well begun, hold on, crucify him: for this manner of whipping well beseemeth one that is to be crucified. 5. ave Maria. Pilate moved with this cruelty in anger saith, Take you him, and crucify him: for I find no cause to do it. They reply, that die he must, and he must be crucified. 6. ave Maria. The jews seeing Pilate for all their importunity not disposed to crucify Christ; they threaten him with his allegiance to Caesar, crying: If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar's friend. 7. ave Maria. Pilate hearing this new cry, bringeth forth JESUS, and sitteth again in the judgements seat resolving rather to put Christ to death, though he know him to be most innocent, then to hazard his credit with Caesar. 8. ave Maria. Yet once more he showeth JESUS to the jews, exprobrating and saying: Lo here your king. they cry, Away, away with him, crucify him, we have no king but Caesar. 9 ave Maria. Seeing all this nothing prevaileth, he washeth his hands, protesting before the people; I am innocent of the blood of this just man: look ye to it. the people cry: His blood be upon us, and upon our children. 10. ave Maria. So Pilate overcome with clamour of the people, and with fear of Caesar, giveth sentence, that JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS be nailed upon the cross, and there hang until he be dead 4. Mys cerium dolorosum. Jesus falls while carrying the cross 4. PATER NOSTER. Our Saviour carrieth his Cross towards Caluarie. THE soldiers lead our Saviour (now condemned to death) from the judgement seat into the court of the palace, where they call again together the whole band, and pulling of the purple rob, which sticked fast in his former wounds, they draw our more fresh blood, and put on him his own clothes, but leave the crown of thorns fast fixed in his head, both for his greater torment, and greater ignominy, lest perhaps he might appear like no king at all, or should lack a pillow, to rest his hèad on, hanging on the Cross. And having in the mean time prepared a most terrible heavy Cross, they lay the same upon his sore shoulders, to carry to the mount of Caluarie; tormenting him by the sight and weight of so huge a burden, before he come to be nailed thereon. And yet much heavier to him is the continual meditation of our sins, for which he suffereth all this, especially our ingratitude, in that we neither go about to imitate his example in taking up our crosses, and following him, not yet duly consider, what he hath done for us his miserable creatures and unworthy servants. 1. ave Maria. So JESUS going forth of the city, bewailing under the cross our sins, marketh the way as he passeth with his own blood, that whosoever will follow him, may not miss of the right path of his steps. 2. ave Maria. His most sacred mother, the immaculate virgin (carrying also her most heavy cross of compassion) meeteth our Saviour, whose sight and presence greatly increaseth his former sorrow and pain. 3. ave Maria. Our Lord being now weak of body and extreme weary after so great travel and loss of blood, falleth down groveling on the ground, under his Cross. 4. ave Maria. The cruel torments beat our sweet Saviour (lying on the ground as a meek lamb, or a poor worm, and not a man) and spurn him with their feet, thrusting and haling him forward. 5. ave Maria. Yet fearing he should die in the way, and so escape death on the Cross, they compel one Simon Cyrenean to carry the Cross of Christ, the rest of the way to Caluarie. 6. ave Maria. A great multitude of people follow JESUS: among which certain devour women bewail and lament him, knowing how unjustly he is tormented, who did hurt to none at all, and good to very many. 7. ave Maria. JESUS turning to them saith: Daughters of jerusalem weep not upon me, but weep upon yourselves, and upon your children. For the days shall come, when all jerusalem shallbe more miserable, then now ye think me to be. 8. ave Maria. A special devout woman, called Veronica, reacheth him a handkerchief, to wipe his face with all, being all imbrued with sweat and blood, and with filthy spittle of the abominable torments. 9 ave Maria. Our Lord giveth her the handkerchief again, not fowl (as might be expected) but all fair, and in it the most comfortable image of his own sweet visage expressed. 10. ave Maria. Our Saviour cometh to Caluarie: a place execrable, full of carcases and dead men's bones, in which none but notorious malefactors used to be crucified. Here many think, that Adam was buried. 5. Mysterium dolorosum. Jesus is crucified 5. PATER NOSTER. Our saviours crucifying, and death upon the Cross. COming to the top of mount Caluarie, in steed of such comfortable good wine as usually was given, to refresh and strengthen the hearts of them that were to die, they give unto our sweet Saviour (all wearied and afflicted) vinegar mingled with myrrh and gall, which when he had tasted, he would not drink. Then again they pull of all his clothes, with such fury and fierceness, as bringeth more blood out of the innumerable wounds of his sacred body, and so racking his arms and legs, with great violence to the length of the Cross, with many knocks of hammers they nail him fast thereunto, piercing through the most tender veins, sinews, flesh and bones, of both his hands, and both his feet, with great and rugh nails. And for more reproach and ignominy, they place our B. Saviour▪ between two thieves, as though he were the wickedest of them all, and put a title over his head, containing his name, his country, and the cause of his death, written in Hebrew Greeke and Latin, JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS. And so they set up the Cross, the foot falling into a hole made for that purpose. 1. ave Maria. Consider now my soul, and think with thyself, how all his holy body is miserarably shaken, and what floods of most precious blood, do run forth of those four great wounds. 2. ave Maria. What sorrow also it is to our Saviour to hear the Priests, Elders, Scribes and others, both of the greatest and vilest sort to blaspheme him, now hanging on the Cross, for their sakes, and for all mankind. 3. ave Maria. Meditate also his most perfect charity, who not only prayeth for all the world, but also particularly for those that now crucify him, and blaspheme him, saying: FATHER forgive THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO. 4. ave Maria. Likewise consider, and admire his exceeding mercy towards paenitents, so graciously granting to the penitent thief, more than he asketh, saying; THIS DAY THOU SHALT BE WITH ME IN PARADISE. 5. ave Maria. And much more mayst thou admire the depth of his love, towards all just persons, and namely towards his dear mother, and beloved disciple, whom he commendeth each to other, saying to her, BEHOLD THY SON, and to him, BEHOLD THY MOTHER. 6. ave Maria. Great darkness continuing three hours together, all are astonished. Christ as man offereth himself in Sacrifice to God: and that in extreme pains. which at last he expresseth saying: My GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME? 7. ave Maria. Our Lord afflicted with bodily dryness and most solicitous to save mankind, saith: I THIRST: his flesh in deed desiring to be refreshed with drink, and his spirit to be recreated with the salvation of souls. 8. ave Maria. They wrap a sponge full of vinegar, in hyssop, & offer it to his mouth. which out sweet Lord meekly taking, saith: IT IS CONSUMMATE. 9 ave Maria. Having therefore accomplished all according to God's ordinance for mankind, with strong and loud voice he sayeth: FATHER INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT. 10. ave Maria. And so preventing death, though he could have lived longer, bowing his head he giveth up the ghost: fulfilling that himself had said before, No man taketh my life away from me, but I yield it of myself. Erit sepulchrum eius gloriosum. Jesus is taken down from the cross CREDO IN DEUM. AT what time the Son of God died upon the Cross, for the redemption of mankind, it pleaseth also the same Divine power, intestimonie and confirmation of so wnderful a Mystery, to show sundry miraculous and strange events, apparent to the whole world. First, the Creator of heaven and earth, by the injury of his creatures, hanging on the Cross, the earth is all darkened at midday, so continuing three whole hours together, by eclipse of the sune, above all course of nature, over all the earth at once, and that in the fulmoone. After which, the author of life before nature compelleth, yieldeth up the ghost, at his own will, which no other living creature can do. Then the veil of the Temple is rend in two pieces, from the top even to the bottom. The earth doth quake. The rocks are torn in pieces. The graves are opened; and (after our Lord's resurrection) many bodies of the Saints, that had slept, do rise, and appear to many. The captain and soldiers, whose hearts were even now hardened with malice, going away confess openly, that in deed this man is the Son of God. And many of the most obstinate jews go also away repenting, and striking themselves on the breast. A soldier with a spear piercing his side incontinent there cometh forth blood and water. joseph of Aramathia, a noble Senator, who before, durst not profess himself a disciple of Christ, now goeth boldly to Pilate, and beggeth his body, and so taketh it from the cross. In which holy work an other principal man of the jew, called Nicodem' (who was want to resort to Christ by night, not daring so do in the day) joining himself, brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundredth pounds. To all which miraculous accidents, happening at the death of out Saviour, thou mayst justly add in thy meditation, the singular modesty, in vincible courage, most heroical fortitude, and unspeakable piety of the sacred virgin, his mother. Who seeing with her eyes, and feeling in her own heart all that passed, and was done and suffered by her only sweet son; yet admitteth nor committeth no act unseemly to her person, and most high perfection in all virtues but taking into her own arms the dead body of her former joy and life bewaileth the same, & delivering it again assisteth in burying thereof. And so the precious body embalmed with spices, and wrapped in fine linen, is buried in a new monument made in a rock, wherein none hath been laid before, and a great stone is rolled to the door, which also the jew by permission of Pilate, seal up, and set a guard of watch men, to keep the sepulchre, lest his disciples steal him away, & say, he is risen from death. The third Rosaire of our Lady's Psalter: resembled to a damask rose: containing five glorious Mysteries. In nomine Patris, & filii ✚ & Spiritus Sancti. Amen. the risen Christ encircled by five roses OUR Lord JESUS Christ was obedient unto death: even the death of the Cross. For the which God hath exalted ●im, and hath given him a name, which ●s above all names. 1. Mysterium gloriosum. Christ rises from the tomb 1. PATER NOSTER. The Resurrection of our Lord. THE most holy, and ever glorious soul of our Lord and Saviour, leaving his body dead on the Cross, goeth incontinent into the lake called Limbus Patrum by whose presence the souls of the Saints of the old Testament (hitherto kept in darkness) are replenished with most clear light, incomparable gladness and joy, receiving their long expected beatitude, which consisteth in the vision of God. And so our Saviour there performeth that which he promised the penitent thief saying: This day thou shall be with me in Paradise. The third day (shortly after midnight, as the ancient Fathers of the Church do think) the same most glorious soul returning into the body, both together making a perfect man, cometh forth of the grave without opening the same. And by and by an Angel descending from heaven, removeth the stone from the door of the monument, and sitteth thereon. Whereat the watchmen are frighted, and running into the city tell the High Priests that which had happened. Who assembling together with the Elders in council, give a great sum of money to ●●e soldiers, to say, that his disciples came ●y night and stole him away, when they ●vere a sleep. 1. ave Maria. In the mean time our glorious Saviour appeareth to his dear mother, before all others meriting this consolation. As all godly Christians may easily conceive, though the same (as needles) be not recorded in the written Gospel. 2. ave Maria. To holy Magdalem and other two, coming to anoint the body, an Angel testifieth, that he is risen: she runneth to tell the Apostles, and returneth with them: they departing again our Lord appeareth to her. 3. ave Maria. He appeareth again to holy Magdalene, and to the other two returning homewards, they adore him, and he biddeth them go tell his disciples, that they shall see him in Galilee. 4. ave Maria. The same day he appeareth to S. Peter, and confirmeth him in faith. Perhaps also to S. john, for his consolation. for he, after he saw the sepulchre, believed. joan. 20. 5. ave Maria. Likewise our Saviour appeareth to S james the just, called our Lord's brother as it is most like the same day. for it is said, the after the chalice of our Lord, he did neither eat nor drink, till he had seen him risen from death 6. ave Maria. The same day he appeareth to two disciples going towards Emaus, talking of him but not believing his Resurrection, till (having invited him as a stranger) they know him in breaking of bread. 7. ave Maria. Also the same evening our Lord appeareth to ten of the Apostles gathered together, the doors being shut. Only Thomas being absent will not believe the rest of the Apostles telling him, that they had seen our Lord. 8. ave Maria. The eight day our Lord appeareth again to the eleven Apostles, and saith to Thomas. Put here thy finger into the holes of my hands, and thy hand into my side, and be not incredulous, but faithful. Thomas answereth: MY LORD, AND MY God. 9 ave Maria. Again our lord appeareth to Peter, james, john, Thomas, Nathanael, and other two, at the sea of Tiberias. There he maketh Peter his Vicar general in earth, and chief Pastor of his Church; withal foretelling him that he shallbe crucified. 10. ave Maria. He appeareth again to the eleven in Galilee, where he commandeth them to preach the Gospel, and minister the Sacraments in all the world, promising to assist them by his Spirit, till the world's end. 2. Mysterium gloriosum. the Ascension of Christ 2. PATER NOSTER. The Ascension of our Lord. HOw often, and to what persons our Lord and Saviour appeared, between his Resurrection and Ascension, besides the apparitions here tofore mentioned, is unknown to all mortal creatures. Nevertheless we may not doubt, but he often appeared to his blessed mother, who for many causes, best of all others, deserved his most comfortable conversation. And it is also undoubtedly believed, that he appeared sometimes to his servants Enoch and Elias, as yet living in their mortal bodies, in the terrestrial paradise. And that he appeared often to his Apostles, and familiarly conversed with them, not only the Ancient Fathers, but also the holy Scriptures do testify, affirming that he showed himself alive to them, after his Passion in many arguments, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. to wit, of the Church, and of all functions and offices to be done therein. Amongst other things, he suiteth the rest of the seven Sacraments, not instituted before, and giveth full authority power and commission ●o his militant Church, for the bringing of ●oules into the Church triumphant▪ the souls delivered from Limbo, the mean while following him whither soever he goeth. 1. ave Maria. Finally, the fortieth day after his Resurrection, our lord appearing in Bethania unto his Apostles (lately returned from Galilee) commandeth them not to departed from jerusalem, till they be endued with power from above. 2. ave Maria. He saith moreover unto them, that they shallbe witnesses of his Passion, Resurrection, and Remission of sins, in jerusalem, and in all jury, and Samaria, and even to the ut most part of the earth. 3. ave Maria. In the mount Olivet our Lord now ready to ascend into heaven, for his last farewell in earth, lifting up his hands blesseth the whole Church, imparting his grace (as at divers other times he did) by an external sign. 4. ave Maria. Having thus bestowed his blessing, he ascendeth directly into heaven, a great number beholding him, until he being covered with the clouds, they lose sight of him. 5. ave Maria. And whilst they look still after him, if perhaps they may see him amid the clouds, behold two Angels (in shape of men) stand by them in white garments. 6. ave Maria. The Angels say unto them: Ye men of Galilee, what stand ye looking into heaven? This JESUS who is assumpted from you into heaven, shall so come as you have seen him going. 7. ave Maria. Then they all adoring him, go from mount Olivet into jerusalem, with great joy thanking our Lord, for his wondered benefits, bestowed and prepared for man's salvation. 8. ave Maria. And being come into the city, our B. Lady the mother of our Lord, with the Apostles and other faithful, in all almost an hundredth and twenty, going up into a chamber, with one mind persevere in prayer. 9 ave Maria. There S. Peter as chief Pastor of the whole company, publisheth an election to be made of an Apostle, to supply ludas to me. Which he doth not by any commandment of Christ expressly written, but by suggestion of God's spirit, agreeable to the Scriptures. 10. ave Maria. They appoint two, joseph and Mathias, and praying God to declare by directing of the lots, which of them he had chosen to the Apostle ship, the lot falleth upon Mathias, and he is numbered with the other eleven Apostles. 3. Mysterium gloriosum. the Holy Ghost comes to the Apostles and Mary 3. PATER NOSTER. The Coming of the Holy Ghost seeing the most holy virgin the mother of God, full of grace, the holy Apostles endued also with power and authority, and all the faithful being already just, did nevertheless persevere praying ten continual days, for the coming of the Holy Ghost, promised them by our Saviour: how much more ought we wretched sinners, most frail and weak vessels, to persevere in penance prayer and obsecration, that we may receive the Holy Ghost, either for remission of our sins if yet we remain in that state, or for increase of grace, if we be already restored into God's favour? And here, o my soul, thou oughtest to be so much more diligent in meditating this Mystery, because here thine own free consent, and cooperation is necessarily required to thy justification; whereas in thy creation, redemption, and vocation, thou didst, nor couldst nothing at all further nor hinder Gods work. But now except thou dost voluntarily accept of the grace offered thee, and cooperate therewith, thou shalt not only never attain eternal life, but also incur greater damnation, for so great benefits by thee neglected. 1. ave Maria. The tenth day after the Ascension, being the fiftieth from Easter, the third hour (from sune rising) suddenly cometh a sound from heaven, as of a vehement wind and filleth the whole house where they were praying. 2. ave Maria. And immediately there appear to them parted tongues, as it were of fire, which do light and rest upon every one of these 120. persons, so praying together. 3. ave Maria. And they are all replenished with the Holy Ghost receiving abundant increase of grace, with the seven gifts: of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and of the fear of our Lord. 4. ave Maria. This voice being heard the people flocking together of many nations and divers languages, every one heareth the Apostles speak in his own tongue, the great works of God. 5. ave Maria. Some deriding say, These men are full of new wine. But S. Peter confuteth this surmise, proving that JESUS, whom they had crucified, is risen, and ascended, and hath sent the Holy Ghost. And 5000. are converted and baptised. 6. ave Maria. The Apostles preach boldly Christ crucified, confirming their doctrine by Scriptures, and miracles, notwithstanding the jews command them, and that with threats, not to speak at all of JESUS. 7. ave Maria. Ananias and Sapphira for their sacrilege, at S. Peter's word fall down dead. Others are cured of diseases even by the shadow of S. Peter, who with others being cast in prison, are delivered by an Angel, and preach openly in the Temple. 8. ave Maria. They are all apprehended again and brought into the council, indicted for transgressing the commandment of the High Priests, but they answer, That God must be obeyed rather than men. Finally they are whipped, and thereof they rejoice. 9 ave Maria. S. Steven (with six others) is made Deacon, preacheth Christ, worketh miracles, confoundeth the adversaries, is accused of blasphemy, and stoned to death. But is crowned in heaven. And many, by his death and prayers, are converted. 10. ave Maria. The twelve Apostles make the Crede, and going into divers parts of the world preach the Gospel. Saul a notorious persecutor is converted, and made a chief Apostle. And so preacheth Christ converting many nations. 4. Mysterium gloriosum. Mary dies in bed 4. PATER NOSTER. The death and Assumption of our B. Lady. When the Apostles, according to their function, preach the Gospel of Christ, and travel in gaining souls (in divers and specially in these parts of the world; Peter first in lurie, then in Syria, Antioch and other places, finally in Italy: Andrew in Achaia, james the greater in Spain, john in Asia, Thomas in India, james the less in jerusalem, Philip in Phrygia, Bartholomew in Scythia, Matthew in Aethiopia, Simon in Persia, Thadaeus in Mesopotamia, Mathias in Palestina, Paul in most parts of the world) the whole Church flourishing in all kinds of virtue, above all others the most sacred virgin, the mother of God excelleth: who albe it so excellently endued with divine knowledge that she teacheth the Evangelists many things, concerning our saviours Incarnation, Nativity, education, and other like Mysteries, best known to her of all mortal persons; yet being a woman, and most humble of all creatures, she neither preacheth openly, nor converseth with many, but liveth in private state, in continual exercise of all virtues, leaving in the world by her whole life, a most perfect Rule and lively example, to all those that desire to tend towards perfection. 1. ave Maria. After our Lords A scension, his B. mother our Lady, being more fry, than ever before, from worldly cares, employeth herself wholly to devotion. S. john the Evangelist providing for her all necessaries temporal and spiritual. 2. ave Maria. After fifteen years more expectation, it is revealed to the sacred virgin, that she shall change her mortal life for life immortal, and so enjoy the everlasting fruition of her blessed son. 3. ave Maria. She humbly beseketh her son our Lord, that he will vouchsafe to grant her, the sight of his Apostles, before she part out of this transitory life. 4. ave Maria. All the Apostles at one instant are taken up into the air, and brought into lerusalem, to visit the B. virgin, except S. james already martyred, and Thomas who by God's special providence cometh somewhat later. 5. ave Maria. The Apostles and other Apostolical men being thus met together, the most holy soul of the sacred virgin, sweetly parting from the body ascendeth into heaven with a troop of glorious Angels. 6. ave Maria. Her sacred body (of which God took flesh) is most honourably buried in Gethsemani, with Apostolical and Angelical music, most heavenly melody. 7. ave Maria. The same Angelical quire remaineth three whole days at the sepulchre, singing Psalms Hymns and spiritual Canticles, praising God and the mother of God. 8. ave Maria. After three days the Angels cease singing, and Thomas the Apostle arriving, with most fervent devotion beseketh the rest of the Apostles, to grant him the sight of the most venerable and sacred body. 9 ave Maria. To satisfy his devote desire they open the sepulchre. Where finding only the linen, most sweet and fragrant, in which the holy body had been wrapped, the body itself can nowhere be found in earth. 10. ave Maria. Whereupon these so many and so excellent eye witnesses do assuredly dame, that he who took flesh of this immaculate body, hath assumpted the same into heaven, reunited to the soul in eternal glory. 5. Mysterium gloriosum. Mary is crowned in heaven by the Holy Trinity 5. PATER NOSTER. The Coronation of our B. Lady. THE Apostles are again restored to the places from whence they were brought: and by them and others the death and Assumption of the most immaculate virgin, mother of God, is denounced in all parts of the world. And so beginneth more and more to be fulfilled that prophecy of hers, saying: FROM HENCE FORTH ALL GENERATIONS SHALL CALL ME BLESSED. For even from her Assumption, the whole Church of Christ begun (as still it continueth) most solemnly to celebrate, not only the ascending of her most holy soul into heaven (as of other Saints) but also the resurrection assumption and glorification of her body in heaven, where she enjoying the perfect vision of God, in the highest degree, after her son of all creatures, is established Queen of heaven, and of all blessed Saints and Angels, adorned with so excellent a crown, as no earthly thing can express, though often prefigured by divers excellent things and persons, but all infinitely inferior to the thing itself. 1. ave Maria. She is crowned Queen of all holy Confessors, and holy Angels: for that she in this life keeping in Matrimonial state, Angelical purity, was blessed with fruit whereby mankind is redeemed. 2. ave Maria. She is crowned Q. of holy widows, and of Archangels: who being saluted by an Archangel, conceived the son of God; And afterward became an example and consolation of all faithful widows. 3. ave Maria. She is crowned Q. of virgins, and Angelical Principalities: who so far excelled all others in virginal purity, as a Queen excelleth her subjects in princely dignity. 4. ave Maria. She is crowned Q. of all Religious Orders, and of Angelical Potestats: because she renouncing the world, and by vow of virginity excluding the ordinary manner of conceiving, conceived by the Holy Ghost our Redeemer. 5. ave Maria. She is crowned Q. of Evangelists, and of Angelical Powers: for that she instructed even the Evangelists in divine Mysteries, and conceived and bore him, who only is the author and worker of all miracles. 6. ave Maria. She is crowned Q. of all holy Bishops and Postors, and of Angelical Dominations: because she (by giving her special assent to that the B. Trinity had decreed) brought into the world the bread of life, the true food of souls. 7. ave Maria. She is crowned Q. of patriarchs, and of the Angelical Thrones: for that she by an ineffable means conceived, and nine months bare in her womb, the Son of God, her own also proper son. 8. ave Maria. She is crowned Q. of all holy Prophets, and of the holy Cherubims: for that she more perfectly knew all divine Mysteries (being the mother of God) than any other mere creature whosoever. 9 ave Maria. She is crowned Q. of all Christ's Martyrs and Apostles, and of the burning Seraphims: for that she far excelled them (wherein they excel the rest of God's servants) in fervent charity. 10. ave Maria. She therefore, who excelled in grace all orders of men and Angels, doth also excel the same in most high degree of glory; and is placed and crowned, by her own most excellent son, the Queen of all creatures. Omne iudic●●m dedit Filio: quia Filius Hominis est. Christ presides over the Final Judgment CREDO IN DEUM. BE thankful (o my soul) to the most B. Trinity, one eternal God: who created thee after his own Image, to the end thou shouldest serve him, and thereby inherit his heavenly kingdom. who also to redeem thee, being through sin become the bond slave of the Devil, and guilty of eternal death, and damnation, sent his own only Son (the second Person of the same Holy Trinity) to take flesh of man and to be borne of a virgin, to live in poverty, labours, tribulations, and worldly miseries: and finally to suffer the most ignominious, and painful death of the Cross. who the third day rose again, for thy justification: the fortieth day following ascended into heaven, for thy glorification; And after ten days more, sent the Holy Ghost (the third Person of the same most B. Trinity) in visible signs to his Church (then beginning in jerusalem) to continue with the same Church, to the end of the world; that by his grace and operation, thou, and every soul, shouldest be made partaker of these so great benefits, so dearly purchased by our sweet Saviour. And in particular be thou most thankful, for that by this grace of the Holy Ghost (which thou by no means couldst deserve) thou art now a member of the Catholic Church; and thereby partaker of divers Sacraments, and other most holy Mysteries, and of all the prayers and merits of the faithful in this world, yea and of all the court of heaven. By which graces also thou hast been washed from thy sins, justified and sanctified. and that not once only but often, thy Redeemer not hitherto suffering thee to die in thy sins, as many others have done, but still offereth thee his grace and sweet pardon, ready to receive thee, when and how often soever thou dost truly convert, and sincerely wilt accept thereof; even at this instant, except thou thyself repel the same from thee. And finally, so thou persevere in his service to the end, he will give unto thee (my soul) shortly after death, and to my body for thy sake, in the general judgement day, when all flesh shall rise again, an inaestimable crown of glory, and life everlasting. AMEN. The corone of our B. Lady: With certain particular points to be meditated, in saying the same. In nomine Patris, & filii ✚ & Spiritus Sancti. Amen. Mary encircled by a crown of thorns BE mindful (o my soul) of the Passion of our Lord, and of the Compassion of our Lady, his mother. Suffer thou with them in this world, that thou mayst reign with them in glory. In sudore vultus tui, vesceris pane 〈◊〉 Adam and Eve labor after the Fall 1. PATER NOSTER. Certain singular Privilegies of the B. virgin Marie, before her Nativity. THE eternal wisdom of God ordaining before all worlds, that Christ our Lord should be borne of a virgin, die upon a cross, and thereby redeem mankind from the captivity of sin and damnation, into which we fell by the transgression of A danordayned withal, that there should be extant in the world, at the time designed, a certain virgin excelling all other creatures even the pure Angels, in grace and sanctity, who should be the mother of this our Redeemer. And by cooperating with him to our salvation, as old Eve had done with Adam to our fall and destruction, should do more then recompense the hurt of the former. For as Adam was the proper and principal cause, and Eve the next occasion of sin and death: so Christ is the only proper cause, and his mother the next occasion of grace and life. Whereupon saith sweet S. Bernard: Albeit by one man in deed and one woman, we were exceedingly damaged yet (God be thanked) by one man and one woman all losses are repaired. And that not without great increase of graces. For the benefit doth far exceed the loss. Our merciful Father giving us for a terrestrial Adam Christ our Redeemer; and for old Eve Gods own mother. 1. ave Maria. Our merciful Lord promiseth this singular virgin, strait after the fall of man, saying to the serpent: I will put enmity, between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed, but she shall bruise thy head in pieces. 2. ave Maria. The first woman being by sin the mother of death, yet is called EVA, that is, the mother of the living, in figure of this blessed virgin, ordained to be the Mother of life. 3. ave Maria. Likewise Sara, Rachael, Anne, Elizabeth and others, being long barren, but afterwards mothers of notable issue, are figures of this singular virgin the Mother of God. 4. ave Maria. The bush also of Moses, Aaron's road Gedeons' fleece, the ark of the covenant, the glass without spot, the garden in closed, and other shadows of the old Testament, do signify the same fruitfulness of this sacred virgin. 1. ave Maria. And for other singular virtues of all sorts, she is prefigured by Rebecca, Marie the sister of Moses, Deborah, jael, judith, Hester and other most noble persons, and things. 6. ave Maria. The Prophets do most clearly fortel this blessed virgin: A rod shall spring of the root of jesse: A virgin shall conceive and bear a son: A woman shall environ a man. And many the like. 7. ave Maria. This singular spouse of God is likewise described by Solomon: A lily amongst thorns: All beautiful: Fair as the moon: Chosen as the sun: The sea star. etc. 8. ave Maria. Of this marvelous virgin the Sybils (Phrophetisses of God among the Heathens) do thus sing: (was nigh: Now comes the virgin clear, the golden age dra-New Offspring doth appear, sent from the heavens high, Which is God's issue dear. 9 ave Maria. Anne the wife of joachim, after twenty years barrainnes, conceiveth by God's special favour this noble virgin, so often promised, prefigured, prophesied, and before all worlds elected the Mother of God. 10. ave Maria. And lest she should be at any time, the child of wrath, God's enemy, or slave of the devil, she is by singular privilege (as many piously think) preserved from all sin, and with the infusion of her soul replenished with grace. Qu●e est is●a qu● progreditur quasi aurora cousurg●s̄. Mary's nativity 2. PATER NOSTER. The Nativity of the B. virgin; and her life till she was espoused. LIke as the morning driving away the night's darkness, besides the light which it bringeth, for showeth a greater light to be at hand: even so after four thousand years darkness in the whole world, first shineth the most pure virgin void of all sin, and full of grace: plainly signifying by her singular virtues, the true light and fountain of all grace (which lightened her, and all that be lightened) to be very near at hand. For now is borne the singular spouse, ordained to be the mother of God, who was so long since promised to her noble Ancestors; prefigured by many miraculous Mysteries; for told by Prophetical oracles; the renowned virgin without spot, borne of the blessed seed of the patriarchs, of the excellent race of the Prophets; of the holy stock of Levi, and of the Royal blood of juda; every way adorned with all kind of generosity, and endued in the highest degree with most clear sanctity because she is to conceive, and bear the fountain and flower, the beginning and end of most holy and true Nobility. 1. ave Maria. This virgin is called MARIA, that is, The sea, Bitterness of the sea, Mistress and Lady of the sea, or Exalted. Whereby are noted diverse things happening unto her, joyful, sorrowful, and glorious. 2. ave Maria. Coming to the use of reason and thinking seriously of God, she dedicateth her whole life to his service, firmly purposing never to offend him more nor less, in thought, word, nor deed. 3. ave Maria. At the age of three years she is presented in the Temple: where (alacrity of mind supplying imbecility of body) she ascendeth the fifteen steps before the door without help of any. 4. ave Maria. From morning till nine a clock she is only occupied in Divine service: thence till noon in handy work. After meat (being very small) she employeth the rest of the day in reading sacred books. 5. ave Maria. Her whole life (as a most perfect rule of all perfection) shineth in all virtues: namely in humility, obedience, prudence, modesty, gravity: in singular faith, hope, charity, and contempt of the world. 6. ave Maria The virtue of virginity (hitherto unknown in the world) she doth singularly observe thereto binding herself for ever by religious vow: as also to poverty and obedience. 7. ave Maria. She is of all chaste persons most chaste, of all good the best, of all wise the wisest, of religious the most religious, amongst all she only attaineth the full perfection of Religious state. 8. ave Maria. She attaineth also to that special knowledge of God's counsel, amongst other Mysteries revealed unto her, that God shall be borne of a virgin, and by death upon the Cross shall redem mankind. 9 ave Maria. Whereupon she desireth above all, that she may once see this our Redeemer, and that she may be admitted to employ her humble service to that most noble virgin his mother. 10. ave Maria. Being by the Priests (her Superiors) espoused to joseph (a godly young man) she signifieth to him her vow of perpetual virginity. Whereof he alloweth so well, that he also voweth perpetual chastity. E●●it m●● magna qui potens est. the Wise Men present Mary and child with gifts 3. PATER NOSTER The Annunciation with other Mysteries to the Purification. ALL things being accomplished that should go before the coming of Messias, the most blessed Trinity sendeth an Ambassador Gabriel an Archangel, or (as some holy Doctors think) one of the high Seraphins, to the most gracious virgin Marie, as it may seem for three special causes. First, to signify unto her in the behalf of God almighty, the maker of heaven and earth, that she shall conceive and bear the Son of God, that is, the second Person of the same most holy Trinity, the long promised SAVIOUR of the world. Secondly to require, to the effectuating hereof, the consent of the same blessed virgin, without which the Divine goodness will not accomplish this most excellent work. Thirdly, that by Angelical testimony this great Mystery may be notified to the whole world, which is so joyful to Angels and men. For by this means Angels receive a Head, by whom the ruin of their fellows is to be repaired. And men enjoy a Redeemer, by whom all mankind is to be ransomed from captivity of sin, and of everlasting death. 1. ave Maria. The holy virgin being in contemplation the Angel unexpected saluteth her saying: Hail FULL OF GRACE, OUR LORD IS WITH thief: BLESSED ART THOU AMONG WOMEN. whereat she is troubled. 2. ave Maria. Fear not MARIE (saith the Angel) for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive and bear a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Hieghest. 3. ave Maria. She then demanding, by what means she shall conceive, seeing not by man, the Angel answereth: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Hi●ghest shall overshadow thee. 4. ave Maria. The B. Virgin answering again: Behold the handmaid of our Lord, be it done to me according to thy word: the Son of God i● the same instant made the Son of man, and the virgin is made the mother of God. 5. ave Maria. Presently she visiteth her cousin Elizabeth, at whose coming the Infant in Elizabeth's womb leapeth for joy of Christ's preseuce. And the mother admireth the great humility of the Mother of God. 6. ave Maria. The B. virgin, after three month, returning home, appeareth to be with child: joseph is therewith troubled, but an Angel telleth him, that she hath conceived by the Holy Ghost. 7. ave Maria. They go to Bethleem according to an Edict made by Caesar. There our Lord is borne, and laid in a manger; the Angel, sing, the shepherds visitie the Infant, and glorify God. 8. ave Maria. The eight day the child is circumcised, and his name called JESUS, a name that is above all names. For God in giving us. SAVIOUR, poureth as it were upon us all his own bountifulness. 9 ave Maria. Three Sages, seeing a strange and bright star appear, come from the East to jerusalem, seeking the king of the jews. And finding him in Bethleem, they offer unto him gold, myrrh, and frankincense. 10. ave Maria. The most pure virgin (not obliged thereto) observeth the ceremony of Purification, presenteth her son in the Temple. Where Simeon joyfully receiveth him into his arms. Yet fortelleth the mother of sorrows to come. Virgula ex ar●matibus murrhae et thurts. Mary and Joseph rest during flight from Herod 4. PATER NOSTER. The most special tribulations and comforts of our Lady, from her Purification to the Passion of our Lord. HErod seeking to kill our Saviour in his infancy, joseph warned in sleep by an Angel to fly into Egypt with the child and his mother, presently parteth away the same night. In which banishment for their sustenance, something the holy virgin gaineth by spinning and sowing, something joseph getteth by his carpenters art, the rest they receive of alms, so much as sufficeth for their state of poverty, which they profess. For having meat and clothes in very mean sort, they require no more. And as well in Egypt, as after and before, in this happy family always remaineth, with singular peace, a most holy contention. For that every person humbling themselves, will needs be much inferior to the other two. JESUS being in deed Lord of heaven and earth, yet liveth subject to his mother, and supposed father. the B. virgin nourishing and tending her own son, yet honoureth him, as he is also the Son of God; and obeyeth joseph as her head and Lord. joseph helpeth and directeth them both in temporal affairs; yet with all humble and due reverence honoureth the Son as Lord and king; and the mother as Lady and Queen of men and Angels. 1. ave Maria. Herod being dead, joseph returneth with the child and his mother into the Land of Israel: but fearing ARchelaus his son and successor in judea, they dwell in Nazareth in Galilee. 2. ave Maria. JESUS being twelve years old remaineth in jerusalem unknown to his parents. Who seeking him at night amongst their kinsfolk, and not finding him, return the next day, and seek him in jerusalem. 3. ave Maria. After three days they find him in the Temple sitting amongst the Doctors, hearing them and ask questions. To his mother he answereth, that he must be about his Father's business. 4. ave Maria. The thirtieth year of his age he taketh leave of his mother, as no more to dwell with her. About this time joseph dieth. And so the mother virgin and widow dwelleth with her cosines. 5. ave Maria. Our Lord is baptised of john, fasteth forty days: Then calleth disciples, and preacheth the kingdom of God; And at his mother's instance turneth water into wine at a Marriage. 6. ave Maria. She most devoutly heareth her son Divine Sermons: often seethe his Miracles: diligently observeth the divers affections of men, and continually meditateth upon al. 7. ave Maria. A certain woman, bursting out in mids of the troop, in praise of Christ and of his mother, sayeth: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck. 8. ave Maria. Whereunto our Lord joineth greater praise, saying: Yea blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. As much to say: as my mother is more blessed for hearing me, then for hearing me. 9 ave Maria. Seeing many thousands follow and admire her son, and others busy to destroy him, she remaineth still in one state, knowing far greater matters are yet to come. 10. ave Maria. Whilst others receive our Lord with triumph into jerusalem, as their King, only his dear mother meditateth upon his Passion, which he is to suffer within few daves after. Tuam ●p●●●● animam pertransibit gladius. Mary observes Jesus on the cross 5. PATER NOSTER. The Compassion of our Lady: at our Lord's Passion and death. What a sacred ftorehouse of all virtues the B. virgin is, doth abundantly appear in her whole life, but most specially in the time of her son our Lord his Passion and death. Where above all other virtues, her fervent charity (Queen of all the rest) doth most excel: which neither the obstinate rancour of the high Priests, Scribes, Pharisees and other deadly enemies, nor the most wicked treason of judas, nor the extreme ingratitude of the jews his own people, nor the raging fury of most bloody executioners, nor any other malice could aniewhit diminish, but in deed contrariwise infinitely increased the same. For how much further she seethe sinners run in wickedness to their everlasting ruin, so much the more she thirsteth after their repentance and salvation. And therefore seeing her own death sufficeth not to redeem mankind (for whom she is most willing to yield her life) she spareth not her own son (as our heavenvly Father spareth him not, nor he himself) but most freely offereth him to suffer all that the exact justice of God requireth for the redemption of the whole world. 1. ave Maria. Our Lord praying in the garden, his B. mother also praying at home seethe in spirit (and after heareth by his disciples dispersed) that her son is taken, and brought bond to Annas, and to Caiphas. 2. ave Maria. She seethe also in spirit (and in the morning heareth) that he is falsely accused, vilely and most cruelly handled, beaten, mocked, spit upon, and by the jewish council judged guilty of death. 3. ave Maria. In the morning she understandeth, that he is delivered unto Pilate, by him sent to Herod, there derided and sent back; Then most cruelly whipped: Crowned with thorns, and condemned to the Cross. 4. ave Maria. Then going forth (with S. john and others) she meeteth her son all imbrued with his own blood, crowned with thorns, and carrying his own Cross upon his sore shoulders. 5. ave Maria. She seethe her sweet son fall down under his Cross. Which then an other is compelled to carry, lest he should die in the way before he be crucified. 6. ave Maria. She seethe her son, and Lord (being nailed through both hands and both fee●● to the Cross) hoist up on height, and from thence his most sacred blood streaming down even to the ground. 7. ave Maria. Then she heareth him meekly pray for those that do blaspheme and crucify him: Also promise paradise to the penitent thief: And commend herself and his beloved disciple, each to other. 8. ave Maria. Again she heareth him complain, that he is destitute of all temporal comforth: oppressed with thirst: affirm that all is consummate: and commend his spirit into the hands 〈◊〉 his Father. 9 ave Maria. another great wound she seethe made ●n her sons side with a lance, from whence issueth his last blood, and wa●er withal. Neither doth she yet departed ●●om the Cross. 10. ave Maria. She taketh the dead body into her ar●es. Which when she hath a little beholden, and washed with tears, it is taken ●●om her again, buried, shut up, and guarded that none may take it away. Conseruat omnia verba haec conferens in cord suo. the risen Christ visits Mary in her chamber 6. PATER NOSTER. The acts of our Lady from Christ's Resurrection to her own death and Assumption. THE wondered Mystery of Christ's most sacred Passion being accomplished; some busy in this sort, some in that sort, as they were very diversly affected; and almost all either doubting, or altogether despairing of our Lord's Resurrection; only the most faithful virgin mother firmly believeth, and assuredly expecteth her sons Resurrection the third day. Whereupon she retiring to her chamber, after that she hath awhile meditated upon the sacred wounds of her dear son and Lord, and other torments by him suffered, she turneth her cogitations from that tragical act, to think what he now doth where he is. And so as well in the sepulche she adoreth him as God, knowing that his humane flesh, albeit without soul, yet is continually united to his Godhead, by which it was assumpted: as also in Limbo, where his soul by his excellent brightness driving away the wont darkness, triumpheth over death, loseth the captivity of the old fathers, and by his most glorious presence maketh that place, which hitherto was a prison, to be to them as heaven or paradise. 1. ave Maria. The third day, our Lord rising from death appeareth first of all to his dear mother: who being nearest unto him, both by nature and grace, best deserved that privilege. 2. ave Maria. She often enjoyeth his conversation till his Ascension; and then of all others is also most joyful for his exaltation; most assuredly believing and hoping in him and above all desiring his glory. 3. ave Maria. On Whitsunday all the faithful are replenished with the Holy Ghost, but she most abundantly; who by how much she was more full of grace before, is so much more capable of increase thereof. 4. ave Maria. The rest of her life being most free from all worldly cares, and altogether attending to God's service, she passeth with the devoutest Christians. 5. ave Maria. When the time drew near that she should go to her son, he first voutchsafeth her the sight of all his Apostles then living, except S. Thomas, who by special providence cometh after her death. 6. ave Maria. The Apostles, and other Apostolical persons, attending about her, and Angels singing praises of God, and of his mother, she most sweetly yieldeth her ghost. 7. ave Maria. The Apostles lay the holy body with all solemitie, in an honourable tomb in Gethsemani. Where quires of Angels do sing three days together. 8. ave Maria. After three days, the Angels cease singing, and Thomas the Apostle cometh, who requesteth most instantly his fellow Apostles, that he may see and reverence the sacred body. 9 ave Maria. They willing to do him this favour open the tomb, but find nothing, save only the linen, wherein the body had e'en wrapped, and those yielding a most sweet savour. 10. ave Maria. Whereby these so notable eye witness do undoubtedly judge, that our ●ord, who took flesh of this body, ●ath raised, and already glorified, and assumpted the same into heaven. Eta ergo ADVOCATA nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos convert. Mary seated in glory in heaven PATER NOSTER. The Coronation of the glorious virgin the mother of God. SEeing the glory of every Saint in heaven is so great, as no tongue can express, nor the mind of man understand (for neither eye hath seen, nor care hath beard, neither hath it ascended into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love him) how much less can the glory of the mother of God (exalted above all the quires of Angels) be uttered or conceived by any mortal man? But shall we therefore be silent and say nothing at all thereof? shall we also cease to think and meditate thereof, because it so far surmounteth both our sense and understanding? No, in no wise can we ●e so excused; but so much the more we are bound to rejoice, and as we can ●seing we can not as we would) utter forth the praises of the mother of mercy, mother of grace, mother of life, mother of glory, mother of God, now ●eigning Queen of heaven, whom also ●l generations (of the faithful in earth) do call ●lessed, devoutly serve, religiously honour, every where preach, magnify; and humbly beseek to obtain for us all things behooful for our salvation. 1. ave Maria. She is crowned Queen of all holy Confessors, widows, and Virgins; And of the Orders of Angels, Archangels, and Principalities. 2. ave Maria. She is crowned Queen of all holy Religious persons, Pastors, and Bishops; And of the Angelical Potestates, Powers, and Dommations. 3. ave Maria. She is crowned Queen of all holy patriarchs, Prophets, Martyrs and Apostles; And of the Thrones, Cherubims, and Seraphims: And of all created persons. Credo in Deum. BE thankful therefore (o my soul) to the most blessed Trinity, who for thee and for all mankind, hath not only sent the Son of God JESUS CHRIST, a new and heavenly Adam, to redeem the world from the thraldom into which we fell through the old terestrial Adam: but also whereas our old mother Eve was in a sort, the cause or occasion of our ruin, (by suggesting to Adam that sin, which was our universal destruction) hath bestowed upon us a new and most blessed woman, the immaculate virgin MARIE, who in like sort, is a means of our salvation, by cooperating with our Saviour, in divers Mysteries of our Redemption, and by continual intercession for us to her Son, much more profiting us, by each of these ways, than the other woman did us harm. And to thee (ō most sacred virgin) what thanks shall I render, for thy exceeding great benignity and goodness towards me, and the whole world? Or with what praises shall I (a poor wrech) extol thee? whose incomparable excellency (as a shadow may resemble a body, or a figure signify a truth) was long before thy birth, represented by the brightness of the sea star; by the beauty of the moon; the clearness of the sune; the bush burning and not consuming; Aaron's rod; Gedeons' wool-fleece; the looking glass without blemish, the fountain of the gardens; the welspting of living water; the garden iwironed; the lily of the valley; the palm tree in Cades; the rose in jerico; the beautiful Olive; the high Cedar in Libanus; the Cypress tree in Zion; the tower of David; the throne of Solomon; the city of God; the gate of heaven, and by many the like: And by all the renowned women from the beginning of the world; but by none of all these, no nor by all together, can be sufficiently expressed thy singular graces, gifts, virtues, privilegies, and dignities, who art all fair, never touched with any spot. who always remaining a virgin, hast conceived him in thy womb, whom the heavens could not comprehend. Who art the singular spouse of the Father of heaven, the mother of the Son of God, and above all mere creatures, full of the Holy Ghost, the inaestimable gem of the celestial and terrestrial world. which we thy Catholic clients, every where most assuredly believing, and sincerely professing, do admire thy singular grace, and congratulate thy most praeeminent glory. To thee we repair, craving in all our necessities thy prerogative intercession, because next to thy son, thou art our advocate, our hope, our refuge, our comforth, our help, our supreme Lady and Queen, mother of all good, mother of Christ, mother of God. we therefore most humbly beseech thy celestial Majesty, vouchsafe to entreat thy son for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death, that we may be made worthy of his promises, through the same Christ our Lord thy Son, who with the Father and Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God world without end. Amen. The corone of our Lord. With particular points to be meditated, in saying the same. In nomine Patris & filii ✚ & Spiritus Sancti. Amen. depiction of the risen Christ THE B. Trinity decreed before all worlds, that the Son of God should be borne of a virgin, by death on the cross redeem mankind, and judge the whole world. The coming of our Saviour into this world. 1. Pater noster. The Archangel Gabriel sent from God saluteth the B. virgin MARIE, and imparteth to her, that she shall conceive the Son of God. whereunto she consenting, CHRIST IS INCARNATE, God made man. 2. Pater noster. The B. virgin visiting her cousin Elizabeth, the Infant in Elizabeth's women be is sanctified, and leapeth for joy of our saviours presence. 3. Pater noster. Our SAVIOUR is borne in Bethleem, wrapped in clothes and laid in a manger. Angels declare his birth to poor shepherds, and sing: Glory to God in the highest. 4. Pater noster. The shepherds presently do visit this child in Bethleem: and finding all as the Angel had told them, they return glorifying God. 5. Pater noster. The eight day following the child is circumcised, and his name called JESUS, that is, SAAIOUR. for he shall save his people from their sins. 6. Pater noster. Three Sages, called Gaspar Melchior and Balthasar, coming from the East adore him: each one fotering three gifts, gold frankincense and myrrh. 7. Pater noster. Our Lord is presented in the Temple. His mother offereth a pair of turtles, and two pigeons. Simeon joyfully taketh the child into his arms. He and holy Anne do prophecy. 8. Pater noster. Herod seeking to kill our Saviour in his cradle, joseph warned by an Angel flieth with the child and his mother into Egypt. 9 Pater noster. Herod killeth all the male-childrens, under two years old, in and near Bethleem. They are all Martyrs. And the Devils fly out of the Idols in Egypt. 10. Pater noster. Herod being dead joseph with the child and his mother return from Egypt, and dwell in Nazareth of Galilee, not daring to go into jury, for fear of Archelaus Herod's son. 1. ave Maria. The virgin mother cooperateth with the B. Trinity, and our Saviour, in all these Mysteries; meditating upon the same. Our saviours conversation in this world. 1. Pater noster. Our Lord at the age of twelve years, remaining in jerusalem, unknown to his parents, after three days is found in the Temple sitting amongst the Doctors. 2. Pater noster. His mother demanding why he stayed behind them, he answereth, that he must be occupied in his Father's affairs. And so returning to Nazareth, liveth subject to them. 3. Pater noster. In the thirtieth year of his age, he is baptized by john Baptist. The Holy Ghost descending upon him, a voice declareth: This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased. 4. Pater noster. In the desert, he fasteth forty days and forty nights, is tempted and vanquisheth the Devil: Instructing us, as well by example as by word, how to fight with the spiritual enemy. 5. Pater noster. Then he calleth disciples, preacheth the kingdom of heaven to be at hand, and to be obtained paenance, and by perfect works of justice. 6. Pater noster. He confirmeth his doctrine by miracles, Scriptures, reasons, testimony of good men, and by his own so perfect life, that none can charge him with any sin. 7. Pater noster. He often foretelleth, that he shall be betrayed in jerusalem, delivered to the Gentiles, mocked, whipped, spit upon, crucified, and the third day shall rise again. 8. Pater noster. That none be scandalised with his Passion, he fortelleth of the glory to come; And before three of his Apostles is transfigured, showing them a glimpse of his glory. 9 Pater noster. He often detecteth the calumniations, of his enemies, convinceth their errors, reproveth their sins, and sometimes delivereth himself miraculously out of their hands. 10. Pater noster. He rideth into jerusalem, is received with great triumph, and saluted king of Israel. And driveth buyers and sellers out of the Temple. 2. ave Maria. The B. virgin is partaker with her son in joy and tribularion; most diligently heareth his divine word, and of all others most faithfully keepeth the same. Our saviours passing forth of this world. 1. Pater noster. Our Saviour eateth the Paschal lamb with his twelve Apostles, washeth their feet, and suiteth the B Sacrament and Sacrifice of his own body and blood. 2. Pater noster. He prayeth in the garden, that the cup of his Passion may be taken from him; yet submitteth his will to his Father's will, sweateth blood, is comforted by an Angel, and betrayed by judas. 3. Pater noster. He is brought bound to Annas, and Caiphas; scornfully and cruelly handled, falsely accused, thrice denied by Peter, and condemned by the jews council as guilty of death. 4. Pater noster. In the morning he is delivered to Pilate, by him found innocent; yet sent to Herod, by him also judged innocent, but mocked as a fool, and sent back to P●late. 5. Pater noster. The jews with great clamour require, that Barrabas be delivered, and JESUS crucified. Pilate to appease their fury, causeth our B. Saviour to be most cruelly whipped. where he receiveth 5490. stripes. 6. Pater noster. They put on him a scarlet rob, a crown of thorns, and a reed in his hand, saluting him as King. Pilate so showeth him saying: ECCE HOMO. the jews cry, Crucify him, Crucify him. 7. Pater noster. Pilate washeth his hands, protesting that he is innocent; the people cry, his blood be upon us, and upon our children, & Pilate fearing to offend Caesar judgeth Christ to be crucified. 8. Pater noster. Taking away the scarlet rob, but leaving the crown on his head, they cause him to carry his own cross; he falleth undet it, but lest he die in the way, they force an other to carry it. 9 Pater noster. Our Saviour crucified between two thieves, destitute of all temporal comforth, in extreme pain showeth exceeding patience, and infinite charity towards all, friends and foes. 10. Pater noster. After three hours (all things being now consummate) he yieldeth the ghost. His soul presently triumpheth in limbo: in the evening his body is honourably buried 3. ave Maria. His constant mother above all others suffereth with him: the sword of sorrow often piercing her heart and afflicting her with the pains of death. The glory of our Lord after his Passion. 1. Pater noster. The third day our Lord riseth gloriously from death, delivering out of limbo all the Saints of the old Testament; appeareth first to his mother, then to others: disposeth many things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 2. Pater noster. The fortieth day he ascendeth into heaven, sitteth on the right hand of his Father, our singular and proper Advocate, by whom we have many intermediators, and intercessors. 3. Pater noster. Upon Whitsunday he sendeth the Holy Ghost in visible signs: By whom he gathereth, governeth, sanctifieth, conserveth, and glorifieth his Church continually to the end of the world. Credo in Deum. OUR Lord JESUS CHRIST, who before all worlds was ordained to be the Redeemer of mankind: Who at the time appointed was borne of the virgin MARIE, in great humility and poverty: who sustained most great labours, calling all men to penance, inviting all by example and word to grace, desirous to save all: who after infinite travalies, reproaches and torments, at last suffered the most ignominious, and most bitter death upon the Cross: who finally is gloriously risen from death, ascended into heaven, from thence sent the Holy Ghost: who continually conserveth, and sanctifieth his Church in earth: The self same Lord and Redeemer will come again in great power, and Majesty, judge of all, Angels and men: And will render to every one (according as they shall deserve well or evil) everlasting pain, or everlasting glory AMEN. A brief rosary of fifteen Pater nosters and Aves with one Crede: in memory of eight joys and seven sorrows of the most B. Virgin MARIE. In nomine Patris & filii ✚ & Spiritus Sancti. Blessed be the most holy, and indivisible Trinity, now and ever world without end. Amen. 1. Pater. Aue. The first joy. The Annunciation and Conception of Christ, whereby God is made man, and the B. virgin the mother of God. 2. Pater. Aue. The second joy. The B. Virgin visiting S. Elizabeth, the infant in Elizabeth's womb, both the mothers, Zacharias, their kins' folk, and neighbours do all rejoice. 3. Pater. Aue. The third joy Our Saviour is borne, the Angels sing the shepherds visit the Infant, the Sages adore him. 4. Pater. Aue. The fourth joy. Presenting her son in the Temple, Simeon joyfully taketh the child into his arms: he and holy Anne do prophecy. 5. Pater. Aue. The first sorrow. joseph with the child and his mother fly into Egypt, parting away by night. 6. Pater. Aue. The second sorrow. Our Saviour being twelve years old, is lost three days, his parents seeking him with great grief. 7. Pater. Aue. The third sorrow. In the thirtieth year of his age, our Lord taketh leave of his mother, as no longer to dwell in her family, joseph also dieth. 8. Pater. Aue. The fourth sorrow. The B. Virgin heareth that her son is taken; cruelly handled, whipped, crowned with thorns, and condemned to be crucified. 9 Pater. Aue. The fith sorrow. The afflicted mother meeteth her son carrying his Cross, and seethe him fall down under it. 10. Pater. Aue. The sixth sorrow. She seethe her son crucified between two thieves, and after extreme pains, to yield the ghost. 11. Pater. Aue. The seventh sorrow. She taketh his body in her arms, And it is taken from her again and buried. 12. Pater. Aue. The fifth joy. Our Saviour rising from death, first of all appeareth to his dear mother. 13. Pater. Aue. The sixth joy. The blessed mother rejoiceth above all others, for her sons Ascension, and exaltation in heaven. 14. Pater. Aue. The seventh joy. She also rejoiceth most for the coming of the Holy Ghost, and is therewith most abundantly replemshed. 15. Pater. Aue. The eight joy. The glorious mother of God, is both in soul and body assumpted into heaven, and exalted above all the orders of Angels. OUR Lord JESUS CHRIST, in whom there could never be any sin, And the most blessed virgin his mother, being always preserved from all spot or blemish thereof, suffered extreme pains; and so entered in to their glory, leaving unto us example to follow their steps. How much more than are we (most miserable creatures, being loadden with sins, compassed about with infirmities, and subject to all dangerous temptations) bond to sustain necessary chastisements, and sweet corrections, rejoicing in hope, patiented in tritribulation, instant in prayer, not to be wearied in our minds, nor faint under the rod of our heavenly Father's discipline, that we may at last reign with them, be glorified with them, and made heirs of God, fellow heirs of Christ our Saviour, and our most blessed Lady his mother, of eternal joy and glory, which no man can take away from us. Which he grant unto us, who with his own blood purchased the same for us, by the intercession of his most sweet mother, and of all his glorious Saints. AMEN. LITANIES GATHERED OUT OF THE CORONE OF OUR LORD. KYrie eleyson. Christ eleyson. Kyrie eleyson. Christ audi nos. Chiste exaudi nos. 1 Ab Angelo Gabriele annunciate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 2 Baptistam tuum in utero sanctificans, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 3 Ex virgine nate, & ab Angelis agnite, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 4 A Pastoribus in praesepio visitate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 5 Circuncise, & nomine JESV appellate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 6 A Magis (Gentium primitijs) adorate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 7 Presentate, & in Simeonis ulnas suscepte, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 8 In Aegypto cum parentibus exulans, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 9 Simulachra Aegyptiorum destruens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 10 Archelaum fugiens, Nazareth inhabitans. CHRIST Miserere nobis. Virgo benedicta his omnibus cooperata, ora pro nobis. 1 Triduo amiss, & inter Doctores invent, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 2 In Patris negotijs semper occupate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 3 A joanne in jordane baptizate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 4 In deser to ieiunans, & tentatorem vincens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 5 Exemplo & verbo legem Dei docens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 6 Miraculorum & sermon is virtute potens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 7 De Passione tua, & Resurrectione praemonens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 8 In monte coram Apostolis transfigurate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 9 Ab inimicorum fraud & furore te liberans, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 10 jerosolymam cum triumpho ingrediens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. Virgo sacratissima actionum filii tui particeps, ora pro nobi●. 1 Sacramentorum & Sacrificij Institutor, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 2 Patris voluntati tuam submittens, & sanguinem sudans. CHRIST Miserere nobis. 3 A concilio judeorum falsò condemnate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 4 Pilato tradite, & ab Herode irrise, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 5 Barabbe postposite, & dirissime flagellate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 6 Spinis coronate, coccino indute, & illuse, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 7 Pilati sententia ad mortem Crucis damnate, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 8 Crucem tuam baiulans, & sub illa corruens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 9 Cruci affix, & omni solatio destitute, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 10 Sponte tua pro vita mundi moriens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. Virgo afflictissima, plus omnibus Filio tuo compassa, ora pro nobis 1 Tertia die a morte gloriose resurgens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 2 In coelum Ascendens, & ad dexteram Patris sedens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. 3 Spiritu Sancto de caelis misso Ecclesiam tuam regens, CHRIST Miserere nobis. Virgo gloriosa anima & corpore in coelos assump ta, ora pro nobis. ℣. Oportuit pati Christum. ℟. Et ita intrare in gloriam suam. Oremus. Christ omnipotens, qui ab aeterno Filius Dei existens, humanum genus in tempore Nascendo laetificasti; Patiendo & Moriendo a peccati captivitate redemisti; Resurgendo ab inferis liberasti; Ascendendo in caelos adduxisti; praesta quaesumus: ut qui summis hisce beneficijs laeti gaudemus; venientem quoque te judicem securi videamus, & gloriosum Remuneratorem habeamus. Qui vivis & regnas, cum Deo Patre, in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. AMEN. LITANIES GATHERED OUT OF THE CORONE OF OUR lady. KYrie eleyson. Christ eleyson. Kyrie eleyson. Pater de caelis Deus, tua te orante praeelecta virgine, Miserere nobis. 1 Ad serpentem conterendum foemina promissa, Ora pro nobis. 2 Mater viventium in Eva nominata, Ora pro nobis. 3 Per faeminas supra naturam fertiles figurata, Ora pro nobis. 4 Per res multas mirabiles praesignificata, Ora pro nobis. 5 Per omnes clarissimas mulieres praenotata, Ora pro nobis. 6 Oraculis Propheticis praenunciata, Ora pro nobis. 7 Singularis Dei Sponsa à Salomone descripta, Ora pro nobis. 8 A Sybillis (divino spiritu afflatis) decantata, Ora pro nobis. 9 joachimo & Annae divinitùs data filia, Ora pro nobis. 10 Singulari privilegio à peccatis praeseruata, Ora pro nobis. Fili Redemptor mundi Deus, tua te orante pia Matre virgine, Miserere nobis. 1 Virgo virginum MARIA dicta, Ora pro nobis. 2 Gratiam ut nunquam peccares consecuta, Ora pro nobis. 3 Triennis in templo praesentata, Ora pro nobis. 4 Divinis & pijs operibus semper intenta, Ora pro nobis. 5 Virtutibus omnibus plenissimè exornata, Ora pro nobis. 6 Religiosae virginitatis cultrix prima, Ora pro nobis. 7 Perfectum vitae statum plenè adepta, Ora pro nobis. 8 filii Deiex virgine nascituri praescia, Ora pro nobis. 9 Futurae Dei Matri ancillandi studiosa, Ora pro nobis. 10 josepho nupta, virgo semper permansura, Ora pro nobis. Spiritus, Sancte Deus, tua te ornate singulari sponsa, Miserere nobis. 1 Ab Angelo salutata gratia plena, Ora pro nobis. 2 Quod Deum conciperes ab Angelo edocta, Ora pro nobis. 3 In Matrem electa ancilla Dei professa, Ora pro nobis. 4 Dato consensu statim Mater Dei facta, Ora pro nobis. 5 In cuius voce exultat in utero Baptisa, Ora pro nobis. 6 De tua prole, anxio viro, tu quoque anxia, Ora pro nobis. 7 De Christo nato gaudens Mater alma, Ora pro nobis. 8 De JESV circunciso Mater afflicta, Ora pro nobis. 9 Adorantibus Filium Magis Mater laeta, Ora pro nobis. 10 Filium presentans de doloribus praemonita, Ora pro nobis. Sancta Trinitas unus Deus tua te orante excellentissima persona creata, Miserere nobis. 1 Post exilium in Aegypto Galilaeae incola, Ora pro nobis. 2 De Filio amisso Mater dolorosa, Ora pro nobis. 3 De illo invento Mater consolata, Ora pro nobis. 4 Simul existens Mater, Virgo, Vidua, Ora pro nobis. 5 Aquam in vinum vertendi Filio causa, Ora pro nobis. 6 Factorum & verborum filii obseruantissima, Ora pro nobis. 7 Propter insignissimum Filium Mater laudata, Ora pro nobis. 8 Quia Deum audisti, quam quia genuisti, magis beata, Ora pro nobis. 9 In adversis & secundis aequabilissima, Ora pro nobis. 10 Filio Rege salutato, Passioni attenta, Ora pro nobis. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, tua te oxante Matre tecum in Cruce patiente, Miserere nobis. 1 Ob Filium inimicis traditum Mater maestissima, Ora pro nobis. 2 Ob Filium vilissimè tractatum Mater tristissima. Ora pro nobis. 3 Ob Filium flagellatum, & spinis coronatum, Mater afflictissima, Ora pro nobis. 4 Filio crucem portanti pia Mater obuia, Ora pro nobis. 5 Filium sub Cruce corruentem Mater contemplata, Ora pro nobis. 6 Filio crucifixo, Mater cord transfixa, Ora pro nobis. 7 Mater per Filium discipulo commendata, Ora pro nobis. 8 Mater, moriente Filio, dolores mortis passa, Ora pro nobis. 9 Mater filii latus videns aperiri lancea, Ora pro nobis. 10 Mater exangue filii corpus in ulnas amplexa, Ora pro nobis. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, tua te orante Matre gloriosa, Miserere nobis, 1 A Resurgente Filio Mater prima visitata, Ora pro nobis. 2 Ascendente Filio plus omnibus gavisa, Ora pro nobis. 3 Spiritus Sancti gratia super omnes repletissima, Ora pro nobis. 4 Mundi curis libera divinis intentissima, Ora pro nobis. 5 Apostolorun concursu moriens honorata, Ora pro nobis. 6 Super omnes Angelos scandens Filio proxima, Ora pro nobis. 7 Sepulta Gethsemani coelesti cum Psalmodia, Ora pro nobis. 8 Thomas veneretur, in tumulo quaesita, Ora pro nobis. 9 Apostolis quaerentibus nullibi inventa, Ora pro nobis. 10 Corporis quoque gloria in coelis potita, Ora pro nobis. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, ipsa te orante caelorum Regina, Miserere nobis. 1 Angelorum Archangelorum, & Principatuum Regina, Ora pro nobis. 2 Potestatum, Virtutum, & Dominationum Regina, Ora pro nobis. 3 Thronorun, Cherubim & Seraphim omniumque Sanctorum Regina, Ora pro nobis. ℣. In omni tribulatione & angustia nostra: ℟. Succurrat nobis pijssima Virgo Maria. Oremus. INterueniat pro nobis quaesumus Domine JESV Christ, nunc & in horamortis nostrae apud tuam clementiam B. Virgo Maria Mater tua, Domina nostra, cuius sacratissimam animam, in tua Passione, doloris gladius pertransivit. Ettu ô Domina nostra, coelorum Regina & Imperatrix gloriosissima, in tuam benedictam fidem atque singularem tutelam, & in sinum misericordiae tuae nossuscipe. Tibi hody, & quotidie, & in hora exitus nostri, animas nostras, corpora nostra, fortunas nostras, totam vitam nostram & vitae finem commendamus: ut per tuam sanctissimam intercessionem, & per tua merita, omnia nostra dirigantur & disponantur, cogitationes, verba, & opera, secundum tuam, tuique filii voluntatem. Per eundem Dominum nostrum JESUM Christum Filium tuum: Qui cum Patre, & Spiritu Sancto vivit & regnat Deus, in saecula saeculorum. AMEN. The doleful state of our B. Lady, under the Cross of her Son. STabat mater dolorosa, juxta Crucem lachrymosa, Dum pendebat Filius. Cuius animam gementem Contristantem & dolentem, Pertransivit gladius. O quam tristis & afflicta, Fuit illa benedicta Mater unigeniti! Quae maerebat & dolebat Et tremebat, cum videbat, Nati poenas inclyti. Quis est homo qui non fleret, Christi Matrem si videret, In tanto supplicio? Quis non posset contristari, Piam Matrem contemplari, Dolentem cum Filio! Pro peccatis suae gentis, Vidit JESUM in tormentis, Et flagellis subditum. Vidit suum dulcem natum Morientem, desolatum, Dum emisit spiritum. Eia Mater fons amoris, Me sentire vim doloris Fac, ut tecum lugeam. Fac ut ardeat cor meum In amando Christum Deum, sibi complaceam. Sancta mater istud agas, Crucifixi fige plagas Cordi meo valide. Tui Nati vulnerati, Tam dignati pro me pati, Poenas mecum divide. Fac me vere tecum flere, Crucifixo condolere, Donec ego vixero. juxta Crucem tecum stare, Te libenter sociare In planctu desidero. Virgo virginum plaeclara, Mihi iam non sis amara, Fac me tecum plangere. Fac ut portem Christi mortem, Passionis eius sortem, Et plagas recolere. Fac me plagis vulnerari, Cruce hac inebriari, Ob amorem filii. Inflammatus & accensus, Per te virgo sim defensus, In die judicij. Fac me Cruce custodiri, Morte Christi praemuniri, Confoveri gratia. Quando corpus morietur, Fac ut animae donetur Paradisi gloria. Amen. ℣. Tuam ipsius animam pertransivit gladius. ℟. revelentur ex multis cordibus cogitationes. Oremus. INterueniat pro nobis quesumus Domine JESV Christ, nunc & in hora mortis nostre, apud tuam clementiam beata virgo Maria mater tua, cuius sacratissimam animam in hora tue Passionis, doloris gladius pettranfivit: per te JESV Christ salvator mundi: Qui cum Patre & Spiritu Sancto vivis & regnas in saecula saeculorum. AMEN. THE APPROBATION. Libellum himc, à viro Anglo, docto & pio perlegendum ●●rauimus; eiusque judicio probatum, imprimendum duximus. 25. januarij. 1599 Mathias Archiepus Mechliniensis.