THE BOOK OF THE HOLY SOCIETY COMMONLY CALLED OF TWELVE Containing the Lytanies, and Prayers, which are to be said by those who are of that Society. To obtain of God the grace to dye well. Lately translated out of the French language for the benefit of English Catholics by N. N. a Catholic gentleman. Orate pro 〈…〉 Printed at Dovay BY LAURENCE KELL●●● 〈◊〉. Saluos nos fac Domine Deus noster, Et congrega nos ●●nationibus: confite amur nomini sancto tuo, Et gloriemur in lau●de tua. Psal. 105. THE TRANSLATOR TO THE DEVOUT READERS. AS it is most certain, that we shall all of us die once; so is it no ●esse certain that after our death we shall receive a doom of an irrevocable sentence of at●ernall life, or eternal death, accordingly a● we shall be found worthy or unworthy at tha● hour: And therefore i● concerneth us very near● so to provide ourselves whilst time permitteth that at the last hour we may be found in such case, as is most befitting for that end, which w● all aim at●, which is happy life without end. This considerati●● hath from my very childhood taken such deep impression in my hart, that although to satisfy my curiosity, I have travailed over the greatest part of Europe, yet in my travails I had always this end set before mine eyes, to observe where ever I might ●earne, what course was best to be undertaken for a man to secure himself (as far as the instability of this mutable world will permit) of a good and happy end. I saw from the beginning there was no better security could be had in this world of dying well, then to live well: And for this reason considering that saying of S. Bernard. In Religione homo vivit purius etc. In Religion a man liveth more purely, falleth more rarely, riseth more speedily, walketh more warily, receyveth the dew of gods grace more frequently, repofeth more securely, dyeth more confidently, is purged from his sins more quickly, and rewarded with glory more abundantly; For this reason, I say, I could have been well content to have embraced a religious course of life; but I either found indeed the constitution of my body too weak, or at least the cowardelinesse of my mind made me flatter myself with that conceit, which diverted my thoughts from so high an enterprise. Att the length coming homeward through France, by the providence of God, and the care of my good Angel, as I presume, I met with a friend who bestowed on me one of these little books, set forth in the French language; which, after I had well perused, and pondered, gave me such content, and joy by cause it suited so well with my wishes, and presented me so plain, and easy a way to what I principally aimed at, that I procured myself to be admitted into the holy Association or Confraternitye, which is herein described. Afterwards coming into England and there discovering my treasure gotten in France, I was follicited by some of my friends, whose requests were commands unto me, to translate the said book into hour language. I did so: and it began by little and little to grow into that general liking of so many, that it seemed too to laborious to transscribe so many copies. For which reason I gave my consent it should be printed, that so satisfaction might be given to all. And lo here the book: which if it redound to the spiritual benefit of your souls, I beseech you let me have some part of your prayers; and that is all the recompense I desire of you, either for my labour, or good will. Your fellow partner in your afflictions for gods cause. N. N. a Catholic gentleman. The author's instruction to the Reader that is, or desireth to be of this society. NO truth is more approved than that which doth both teach and assure us that every living man must once die, to live again there in heaven with the S●● and blessed Souls, or in hell with the damned & wretched ghosts, since this is the last sentence from which there is no appeal; never to be revewed again, pronounced by the mouth of god our soweraigne judge. And truth itself by the apostle in these terms; It is decreed that all men must once dye and after that comes judgement. For which cause the most important and serious business that a Christian man can have in this world is to learn to dye well: For this is the Science of Sciences. And thereto ought we to apply that saying in the gospel so much praised by our saviour to S. Mary Magdalene. But one thing only is necessary. Whereupon S. john doth esteem, and call those only blessed amongst mortal men who die in our lord: that is to say in his grace; Blessed are the dead who, die in our Lord. Now since it is so that either from a good, or evil death, the eternal and chief felicity is derived, or else everlasting and dreadful misery, if there be any thing, dear reader, which thou oughst to have in singular recommendation whilst thou dost reside in this valley of tears, it is to search and know the means which thou must use and practise to render the passage out of this mortal life, as much as in thee lieth, most easy and assured. And to this end I have been willing to say down for thee, at the end of these prayers, some wholesome lessons for thy instruction, how thou oughst to behave thyself both in sickness and in health, to the end thou mayst more happily finish thy days and life. Of which lessons the principal, and most assured (next to a good life) is to have recourse as you shall hear hereafter in fit place to the perfections, and merits of the Saints, and above all of the most holy, and ever glorious mother of god. In which I shall declare unto thee (beloved reader) certain devout and religious persons being well instructed, cast themselves one day, being inspired from god, upon that consideration that our good mother the church doth call the blessed virgin, mother of God; the Gate of heaven, and door of paradise: & that she doth daily sing unto her; Marry mother of grace, mother of mercy, defend ●s from our adversary and receive us at the hour of death. But this was performed with so serious attention, and so much fervour of devotion; that from that time they resolved to address themselves always with reverence to her, and to implore her aid and special assistance that they might more duly dispose themselves for that difficult, and dangerous passage of death. For these considerations they did agree together to say every day the Lytanyes of our Lady of Loretto to the honour & glory of her name, one for another; as also the prayers of the most glorious Patriarches S. joseph, S. Augustin●, S. Barbara, to whom they particarly devoted themselues that by they intercession they might be assisted in these their endeavours. And forasmuch as no man can fully possess that high vetrue of Charity without having a particular care of the welfare and safety of his neighbour; to provide also that their small number in times to come might increase in this devotion, and to augment the effectual merit of their prayers by a laudable and holy multiplication, they did advice amongst themselves and determine, that each one of them should associate to theyre company twelve devout persons, and that those twelve if they would, when the occasion should be offered might likewise each one of them associate other twelve, and they also every one of them twelve others, and so consequently from one to another all those, who should from time to time be added by any one, that had been formerly admitted, should have the same power, which those had who did admit them. And hence it doth proceed, devout reader, that this Company is very fitly named at this time the holy society of twelve, Whereunto since that time so many are united in France, Italy, Germany Spain; yea even as fare as the Indieses, that they are accounted at this present of either sex, men and women, more than three, or four hundred thousand of the society, But whereas almost infinite persons men and women cannot (not being able to read) say the foresaid litanies it hath been thought by some of the principal most zealous, and affectionate to the said holy association, that in stead of them those ●hat are admitted, which cannot read, say their ●eads; and for the psalm De profundis, which those who are more learned aught to say for such souls as are departed of the said holy Company, shall say 3. Pater Noster, and 3. Aue Maria. Now to the end that those, who are admitted, may not err in the number of those, who they are to admit into the said holy association; 〈◊〉 were good, as soon as they shall be receive to register and write th● down in some sma●● book; or else, which we●● better, and wherein ther● is more merit, every on● of them shall provide twelve of these littl● books to give them gratis to each one of thos● whom they shall admitt● so shall he know by the finishing and distribution of his books that the number of those whom he may admit is complete and ended. Another means more certain and suitable to the condition of secular persons, especially women, is, to entreat him that shall admit them, if he be à priest, or religious man, to accept and take the charge upon him to associate for them such people as he shall judge in points of religion to be most capable giving him the twelve books, which they have prepared for that purpose; nor ought those priests or religious men refuse this commission, and act of charity; but rather ought to seek and demand it. Yea they ought not to admit but very few, or scarce any secular men at all, especially women; without this condition, to wit that they shall not receive any one without the knowledge of their Confessor; considering that great profit will redound from thence to the holy association, which otherwise by degrees might be filled with a great number of libertins, and debaushed persons without devotion, which in the end would bring dishonour to the society. By which means the saying of the prophet Esay should be verified; Thou hast multiplied the nation, but hast not increased their joy. Moreover this holy and flourishing Company, with those prayers which are exercised therein hath been received, and allowed by many grave and renowned people, afwell of the chief of the clergy as of the seculars. By famous and learned preachers and by good, and holy religious men, who have been admitted from diverse orders both austere and reformed. By whom all Christendom, perceiving the fruit and profit which must needs arise to the church of god from this laudable and holy society, doth labour to have it approved, authorised, and enriched by the holy apostolic seat with the treasures of the said church obtaining for it plenary indulgences in form of a jubilee, which those of the company shall gain twice in their life, that is to say, then when they shall enter into the said holy Society, and at the article of death, and other plenary indulgences likewise, with the delivery of a soul from purgatory, to be applied by manner of suffrage to such souls, as are departed in the said holy society, which they may gain as well upon all the feasts of our blessed Lady, as of the foresaid blessed S. joseph, S. Francis, S. Augustin, and S. Barbara, with this condition, that those who are of the society do confess themselves to allowed Confessors, and communicate upon the said feasts. And that they may be made partakers of so many good prayers, which are continually offered up by so devout souls, and in so many parts of the Christian world, it is requisite before they enter into this holy society to have àfirmed to live & die therein and withal to observe as they shall be able, all that which shall be here. after set down although there be no obligation or tye of conscience, other than that which every Christian hath to live well, and serve god, and to love their neighbour. WHAT IS TO BE DONNE BY THOSE WHO DESIRE TO BE ADMITTED INTO THIS SOCIETY? FIrst of all he that will enter into the said holy Company must cause himself to be received and admitted by one who hath been formerly received, who shall make his reception so much more grateful and meritorious before god, as he himself shall be more recommendable in devotion, holiness of life, and profession; which point is so important, and of that consideration, that those who demand to be admitted, aught to use all means possible, that it may be done by some religious, or secular churchman, who hath the reputation to be a man of good life, or by some such other who as much as human frailty will admit, is irreprehensible in his life and conversation. Secondly he must every day without fail say the litanies, which are set down in their place: the Anthem; Sub tuum praesidium: the prayers and other usual devotions that do follow, & the psalm De profundis: and such as cannot read, their beads with 3. Pater noster, and 3. Aue Maria; as hath been formerly mentioned. Thirdly; He must say the said litanies with the prayers for all those of the society, as every one of them do say them for him; & he must bear them in memory as much as he can, & chiefly him, by whom he was admitted, in all the rest of his prayers and orisons; if he be à priest, in all his masses; if a religious man, or woman, in all their meditations, disciplines, fastings, watchings, and such like exercises of mortification; and that he love them, honour, and assist them aswell corporally, as spiritually, according to his power, and the need that they shall have. Fourthly; He must say the foresaid prayers to obtain of god, by the intercession and favour of our blessed Lady, and of the foresaid Saints, the grace to dye well, and that with as much devotion and attention as possibly he can, endeavouring with all his power, by his good life, to make himself meritorious of that grace: For as saint Augustin saith he can hardly dye ill, who hath lived well, & he can scarcely dye well, who hath lived ill. And it is, as a secret judgement of god, noted by the same S. Augustin in his sermon of innocents': It is just o Lord that he who whilst he lived was forget full of thee, at his death should forget himself: that is, his own salvation, the sacraments, restitution & c? and dye like a beast. To conclude those of the company are exhorted, and entreated in our lord jesus Christ to bear in memory and carefully to practise these five points which follow. The first that as soon as they can they should free themselves from mortal fins, if either they do believe, or doubt that they are touched with any; flying by all means possible those occasions which they know do cause so great a misery; and that where they are able to hinder it, they do not suffer that any offend god in their presence, or in any other place where they have power to hinder. The second point that they both confesle and communicate if they can, beside those days which are apppointed , as we have showed, every month. The 3. that they hear every day mass, if they can do it without prejudice to that whereunto they are obliged; and that they pray for the catholic church, and for our holy father the pope, for the king and state, and for the king's assue; for the peace and unity of Christian princes, for the extirpation of heresies, for those that are in mortal sin, for such as are afflicted & in temptation, for those that are in the agony of death, and for their enemies. The 4. that they endeavour to discharge themselves faithfully, and with conscience of such duties, and obligations as belong to their charge, & vocation whereto they are called. The 5. that every night they make, as they are able, an examination of their conscience, and either say before or after it, the prayer which is used to obtain a true contrition for their sins, which doth begin: My lord jesus; with the next following prayer to our blessed lady; which examination may be reduced for such as either know not how, or cannot employ themselves longer therein to two points. The one to give god thanks for all the graces, & benefits, which we have received at his hands, chiefly that he hath that day preserved us from mortal sin, & sudden death, and infinite dangers aswell spiritual as corporal, which have that very day fallen upon so many others better, and more conformable to the divine goodness than we. The other is to fift and search out into what, and how many offences we have fallen, or pexmitted or caused others to fall; then to demand pardon for them, and to propose unto ourselves to confess, and amend them. OF THE GREAT BLESSINGS WHICH THOSE WHO ARE OF THIS HOLY SOCIETY DO RECEIVE. IF thou be in sinful estate of life, those who are of the company through out the whole world by their prayers and merits dispose thee, to leave such manner of life, to acknowledge thy sin, and that thou mayst not dye in it. 2. If thou be in state of grace, they pray to god to conserve thee therein, & to augment and confirm it unto thee. 3. Thou dost participate of the infinite good works of so many good Christians as are admitted to this society. 4. They help thee by their prayers to obtain the excellent gift of final perseverance, and other virtues, which are necessary, as charity, patience, chastity, devotion etc. 5. They aid thee also to obtain of god that he would vouchsafe to keep thee from sudden, or at least from vnprouided death: And from falling into mortal sin: and in case thou do commit any, that he would so powerfully in spire thee with his grace that thou mayst presently rise from it again. And also that he would assist thee against thy enemies at the hour of thy death. 6. The sacred virgin mother of this holy company, and the glorious patrons thereof, Saint joseph; S. Francis; S. Augustin; and S. Barbara, whom thou hast so often called upon for these ends, and so many thousands as are of this society which daily pray for thee, will assist thee particularly in this dangerous passage. 7. By these means thou shalt receive great consolation, & shalt be freed from great apprehensions, which perplex many. 8. After thy death if thou have any guilt to be purged, they will assist thee that thou mayst be speedily delivered from that cleansing and correcting fire, as S. Augustin calleth it upon the sixth psalm. 9 In a word thou shalt receive a thousand other blessings, which are all comprised and fare more in the communion of Saints; and in that which S. james saith: The daily prayer of the just man is of great force. Then consider, dear brother, if the prayer of one just man be of so great value, how much more meritorious and available will the continual prayers of five or six hundred thousand servants of god be; who do daily increase, and apply themselves to this exercise of prayer through the whole world, according to the rule and order of this holy company, to solicit thy requests & affairs with god; and that especially which is the most principal of them all, to make a happy end, and to dye in the faith of the church, with the benefit of the sacraments, & in the grace of god. Yea even then when thou dost walk, sleep, eat, and peradventure offend god, a great number of people fall down upon their knees, and lift up their hands to heaven, beseeching god to preserve thee from mortal sin, and from a sinful death, and his anger, & fearful judgement. Therefore, devout reader, procure this blessing for thy soul whilst thou hast time, and despise not this fair occasion which is so easy for thee, and without any obligation at all. Think with thyself seriously what thou wilt wish that thou hadst done for thyself, when thou shalt be laid upon thy bed waiting for the last stroke of death; and pray to god that he will give thee grace to find that in thyself at that hour, & then let him dispose of thee according to his holy will for the rest. THE litanies OF OUR LADY OF LORETTO WHICH THOSE OF THE COMPANY DOE DAILYE SAYE. KYrie eleison, Christ eleison, Kyrie eleison, Christ audi nos, Christ exaudi nos. Pater de coelis Deus, miserere nobis. Fili redemptor mundi Deus, miserere nobis. Spiritus sancte Deus, miserere nobis. Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, miserere nobis. Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis. Sancta Dei genitrix, ora. S. Virgo Virginum, ora. Mater Christi, ora. Mater diuinç gratiae, ora. Mater purissima, ora. Mater castissima, ora. Mater inviolata, ora. Mater intemerata, ora. Mater amabilis, ora. Mater admirabilis, ora. Mater Creatoris, ora. Mater Saluatoris, ora. Virgo prudentissima, ora. Virgo veneranda, ora. Virgo praedicanda, ora. Virgo potens, ora. Virgo clemens, ora. Virgo fidelis, ora. Speculum iustitiae, ora. Sedes sapientiae, ora. Causa nostrae laetitiae, ora. Vas spirituale, ora. Vas honorabile, ora. Vas insigne devotionis, ora. Rosa mystica, ora. Turris Davidica, ora. Turris eburnea, ora. Domus aurea, ora. Foederis arca, ora. janua Coeli, ora. Stella matutina, ora. Salus infirmorum, ora. Refugium peccatorum, ora. Consolatio afflictorum, ora. Regina angelorum, ora. Regina patriarcharum, ora. Regina prophetarum, ora. Regina apostolorum, ora. Regina martyrum, ora. Regina confessorum, ora. Regina virginum, ora. Regina Sanctorum omnium, ora. Mater Dei, ora. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis Domine. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos Domine. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccara mundi, miserere nobis. Sub tuum praesidium confugimus sancta Dei genitrix nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessiratibus, sed à periculis cunctis libera nos sèmpèr Virgo gloriosa & benedicta Domina nostra, mediatrix nostra, tuo filio nos reconcilia, tuo filio nos commenda, tuo filio nos in hora mortis praesenta: sancta Maria succurre miseris, iwa pusillanimes, re. foue flebiles, ora pro populo, interueni pro clero, intercede pro devoto foemineo senu; sentiant omnes tuum jwamen, quicumque celebrant tuam sanctam commemoraetionem. Vers: Ora pro nobis peccatoribus sancta Mariae mater Dei. Resp: Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae. Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte joseph. Resp. Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae. Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte Augustine. Resp. Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae. Vers: Ora pro nobis beate Francisce. Resp. Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae. Vers. Ora pro nobis sancta Barbara. Resp. Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae. Vers. Memento Domine Congregationis tuę. Resp. Quam possedisti ab initio. Vers. A subitanea & improvisa morte. Resp. Libera nos Domine. Vers. Ab insidijs Diaboli. Resp. Libera nos Domine. Vers. A poenis inferni. Resp. Libera nos Domine. Vers. Saluos fac seruos tuos. Resp. Deus meus sperantes in te. Vers. Domine exaudi orationem meam. Resp. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. Oremus. GRatiam tuam quaesumus Domine. mentibus nostris infunde, ut qui angelo nunciante Christ● filij tui incarnationem cognovimus, per passionem eius & crucem, ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Defende quaesumus Domine beata Maria semper Virgine intercedente, istam ab omni adner, sitate familiam, & toto corde titi prostraram ab hostium propi●ius tuere clementer insidijs. Sanctissimae genitricis tuae sponsi quaesumus Domine meritis adiwemur, ut quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet eius nobis intercessione donetur. Adesto supplicationibus nost●is omnipotens Deus, & quibus fiduciam sperandae pietatis indulges intercedente beato Augustino confessore ●uo, atque pontifice consuetae misericordiae tribue benignus effectum. Deus qui Ecclesiam tuam beati Francisci meritis foetu nouę prolis amphficas: tribue nobis ex eius imitatione terrena despicere, & coelestium donorum seniper participatione gaudere. Intercessio quaesumus Domine beatae Barbarae Virginis, & Martyris tuae ab omni adversitate nos protegat, ut per eius inte ruen tum gloriosum, sacrosanctum coiporis Domini nostri sacramentum, ante diem exitus nostri per veram poenitentiam, & puram confessionem percipere mereamur. Da nobis quaesumus Domine persevetantem in voluntate tua famulatum, vi in diebus nostris. & merito, & numero populus tibi seruiens augeatur. Praetende Domine famulis, & famulabus tuis dexteram coelestis auxilij, ut te toto corde perquirant & quae digne postulant consequi mereantur. Actiones nostras quaesumus Domine aspirando praeveni, & adiwando prosequere, ut cuncta nostra oratio, & operatio, atque bene vivendi insticutio, à te semper incipiat, & per te coepta finiatur: Qui in trinitate perfecta vivis & regnas Deus, in secula seculorum. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO ARE DEPARTED OF THE HOLY COMPANY. DE profundis clamavi ad te Domine: Domine exaudi vocem meam. Fiant aures tuae intendentes: in vocem deprecationis meae. Si iniquitates obseruaveris Domine: Domine quis sustinebit? Quia apud te propitiatio est: & propter legem tuam sustinui te Domine. Sustinuit anima mea in verbo eius: speravit anima mea in Domino. A custodia matutina usque ad noctem: speret Israël in Domino. Quia apud Dominum misericordia: & copiosa apud eum redemptio. Et ipse redimet Israel: ex omnibus iniquitatibus eius. Vers: Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine. Resp. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Vers. A porta inferi. Resp: Erue Domine animas eorum. Vers: Requiescant in pace. Resp: Amen. Vers: Domine exaudi orationem meam. Resp. Et. clamor meus ad te veniat. Oremus. DEus veniae largitor, & humanae salutis amator, quaesumus clementiam man ut nostrae associationis fideles, qui ex hocseculo transierunt, beata Ma●ia semper virgine intercedente, cum omnibus sanctis tuis ad perpetuae beatitudinis consortium pervenire concedas: Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. ANTHEM OF THE HOLY VIRGIN AND MARTYR S. BARBARA. Gaude beata Barbara, Summa pollens doctrina, Angeli mysterio. Gaude virgo Deo grata, Quae Baptistam es imitata, In vitae stadio. Gaude cum te visitavit, Christus vita, & curavit Plagas actu proptio. Gaude quia meruisti, Impetrare quod petisti, Da●te Dei filio. Gaude, namque es elevata, Et in coelum es delata, Nobili mattyrio. Te laudantem familiam, Trahe post te ad gloriam, Finito exilio. Vers. Ora pro nobis sanctissima Virgo Barbara. Resp. digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Oremus. INtercessio quaesumus Domine beatae Barbarę Virginis, & martyris tuae ab omni adversitate nos protegat, ut per eius interuentum gloriosum sacro-sanctum corporis Domini nostri jesu Christi sacramentum ante diem exitus nostri per veram pęnitentiam & puram confessionem; atque etiam extremam unctionem percipere mereamur: per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum Amen. AN ADVERTISEMENT TOUCHING THE FORESAID ANTHEM AND PRAYER. YOu shall know that amongst the holy patrons of this blessed f●aternitye S. Barbara is rightly placed, forasmuch as she hath that gift and grace from god to preserve from sudden, and vnprouided death all such as do demand it of god in her name. As it doth appear in the acts of her noble martyrdom which you shall sinned in the lines of Saints witten by the reverend father Rybadeneyra: with a notable example of one, who falling dow●● from the top of a house that was on fire, and being buried, or rather overwhelmed with the ruins of the house, and flaming brands, was in due time succoured by the said Saint, who appeared unto him and promised him that he should not dye before he had received the Sacraments; and for that end thee had obtained of god a respite for him till the ne●t day: which s●e fell out, and he made a most happy end; because for a great space of time he had be●● deuou● to the foresaid Saint. A PRAYER TO JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED. O Lord jesus Christ, my most merciful saviour, I beseech thee by that great bitterness, which thou didst suffer on the cross for me wretched sinner; especially at that hour when thy most sanctified soul did departed from thy blessed body, that it would please thee to have pity on my soul, and to use mercy thereto when it shall departed out of this life, and that thou wouldst by the merits of thy most precious blood take it with thee into eternal life. Amen. ADVERTISEMENT. Caesarius a religious man doth report, that a great servant of god being accoustomed to say the foresaid prayer as often as he passed by the holy Crucifix, did merit after his death to go out of this world directly into paradise, without suffering the pains of purgatory. AN ACT OF CONTRITION, WITH ALL THE PARTS THEREOF IN FORM OF A PRAYER. MY lord jesus Christ, true god, & true man, for as much as thou art accomplished with all perfection, and because I do acknowledge thee for my soweraigne bilsse, I do love thee with all my hart and above all things I am infinitely sorry that I have so ungratefully offended thee. Wherefore I do first of all resolve never to offend thee more. Secondly to fly from all the occasions of sin. Thirdly to make a sincere confession, and to perform such penance, as shall be enjoined to me: and for a more full, & worthy satisfaction, I do offer unto thee thy own merits, with those of the blessed virgin thy mother, and of all those whom thou hast elected, joining therewith both my body and foul, my temptations, sorrows, and afflictions, and my whole life. Beseeching thee also that thou wouldst pardon, and give me thy grace, whereby I may amend my life; and that I may continue therein even till my death. Amen. A PRAYER TO OUR BLESSED LADY TO COMMEND OUR SELVES TO HER SPECIALL PROTECTION AND SAFEGARD. O Domina mea sancta Maria ego infaelix peccator me in tuam benedictam fidem ac singularem custodiam, & in sinum misericordiae tuae hodiè & quotidiè, & in hora exitus mei, animam meam & corpus meum tibi commendo; omnem spem meam, & consolationem meam, omnes angustias, & miserias meas, vitam, & finem vitae meae tibi comitto; te hodie matrem, & apud Deum aduocatam meam prae omnibus eligo, & pręopto; tu quę pijssima es mater misericordiae, noli me propter nimia peccata mea reijcere: sed pertuam sanctissimam intercessionem, & per tua gloriosa merita, omnia mea dirigantur & disponantur opera, secundum tuam, tuique filij voluntatem. Amen. AN OTHER PRAYER TO IMPLORE THE AID OF OUR BLESSED LADY IN TIME OF TRIBULATION, AND IN HORROR OF DEATH. O Most chaste, and merciful virgin, and mother holy Mary, stretch forth I beseech thee, the hand of thy help and succour to me a miserable and wretched sinner in all those travails, and necessities which may happen unto me at any time or place; but principally in this tribulation and affliction which doth oppress me at this present, so that I may not only bear it patiently, and for the love of god, but also with courage, and cheerfully and that by his grace and special assistance I may gain force and constancy in all my other crosses and adversities, which may fall upon me, aswell from the hand of my god, as of men. O mother of mercy and advocate of sinners be pleased also to be my gracious defendresse at that time when my soul shall part from my body; for at that time more than any other shall I have need of thy succour and aid. For alas if I consider the weight of my sins, and the number of offences which I have committed and do daily commit in the presence of the divine goodness, I fear to be confounded & overcome by the devil, who will never cease to present them before my eyes endeavouring to deceive me by his false illusions. I therefore most humbly beseech thee, the true distributor of gods holy graces) that thou wouldst obtain of my lord, thy dear and only son, true god, and true man, that as he hath vouchsafed to come and take human flesh in thy chaste womb, not by any human but Divine power, that so he might save mankind from eternal damnation; so likewise it would please him to give me the force and understanding at that last hour truly to repent myself of my sins, and to have nothing in my thoughts but him alone. Which I ask by thy intercession not for myself alone, but also for all those who are of this holy society whereof thou art the principal lady & mistress so that by thy merits & intercession we may all so well serve thy most sweet son in our life, that acknowledging him at our death by recieuing all the sacraments and his holy grace, we may merit one day in heaven to enjoy and possess without end, the clear vision of the blessed. Amen. AN OTHER PRAYER TO OUR LADY. O Most merciful virgin mary, most worthy mother of god, assured refuge of sinners, comforter of the afflicted, I unworthy sinner have recourse to thee with great confidence, beseeching thee for that great joy, which thou didst feel in thy hart, when thou didst see thy only dear son rise from death to life, that it would please thee to comfort my soul: and more expressly I beseech the for a special grace, by the bowels of thy infinite pity, that in the last passage of my life when I shall appear trembling defore the awful tribunal of thy dear beloved son my saviour jesus Christ, to give a strict account of my whole life, that thou wouldst vouchsafe to assist and prorect me, to the end that by thy favourable intercession (most gracious mother) I may escape that terrible sentence of eternal death, & be found, or made worthy to enjoy with thee that life which never shall have end. Amen. PROTESTATIONS FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK AND DESIRE TO DYE IN THE GRACE OF GOD. I. N. miferable sinner do protest here in the presence of the holy Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy ghost, of jesus Christ crucified for my sins, of the glorious virgin mary our advocate, of S. Michael the archangel, and of all the angels, and saints in paradise, especially my angel gardien and of my patron S. N. and other Saints my aduocats and intercessors, and of all ye my parents and friends that are here present, whom I desire to be witnesses of what I shall speak. I do then first of all protest that I do take in good part my death, & with all willingness of mind; and that I do willingly suffer the griefs and afflictions of this disease for the love, & glory of the divine majesty; yea even the pains of purgatory for such time as it shall please our lord for the remission of my sins & the punishment due unto them. 2. I protest that I will dye as I have lived in the true faith of the holy Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman church; and, I do believe and hold inviolably whatsoever it doth believe, and propose unto me to be believed, with all the articles of the Creed which I will now repeat; Credo in Deum &c: and therewithal I do reprove condemn, and detest all the ancient and modern heresies, principally that of the Caluinists and Protestants of our times. 3. I do protest that I do entirely trust in the infinite bounty and mercy of my god and saviour, the which doth infinitely exceed all my sins, how great or grievous soever they be. And therefore I do hope to be saved, not by my merits, but by the merits of the precious blood, of the passion, and death of jesus Christ, the only true saviour of my soul. 4. I protest that I do pardon with all my hart all those, who have at any time offended me wishing them all happiness & prosperity in our Lord beseeching their pardon for every occasion or subject that I may have given them to offend me. 5. I do protest that from the bottom of my hart, and with all profound humility I do ask pardon of all those whom I may at any time have scandalised by my ill example, or in any other sort whatsoever offended in word, or deed either in body, goods, or fame; offering myself with all readiness to give them all manner of satisfaction, as fare, as I shall be able. 6. I do protest, being humbly prostrated before the diume majesty, that from the bottom of my hart I do ask pardon and for givenes for all my sins and offences which I have committed against him, against my neighbour, & myself: being chiefly grieved, and troubled in my soul that I have transgressed his will, considering his infinite goodness and merit, and in regard of the exceeding and notorious favours, which it hath pleased him to bestow upon me; much offended with myself, that I have not had that grief, sorrow and contrition, which I ought, and should desire to have, and that I have not peradventure confessed myself as I ought, and am obliged to do; for which I am heartily sorry, and do propose to myself for the time to come in better manner than I have hitherto done, to serve god faithfully, for ever remitting myself to his divine providence, and perpetual goodness. 7. I do protest that I give thankes with the utmost power and forces of my hart to my lord my god, for all the benefits already received, and which I do hope to receive from his divine majesty, which are infinite. I do also thank all those who in any manner whatsoever have either done, or desired any benefit, service, or good office, either for my soul or body; and more expressly and particularly those who have either given or offered me any occasion to merit. 8. I protest that I do offer to my lord and god all the satisfactions, merits, sorrows, with the blood which hath been shed by my saviour jesus Christ his son, the merits of the blessed virgin Mary, of all the Saints, & servants of god, who shall live here till the end of the world, for the remission and satisfaction of all my sins, and for a perpetual thanksgiving, and fit acknowledgement of the infinite benefits, & graces received of his divine majesty. 9 I protest that I do most humbly beseech the sacred virgin mary, my angel gardien, my patron, and the saints to whom I have special devotion, with all the angels, and Saints of paradise that they would aid and assist me at my last point of life and obtain for me by their intercessions, and merits everlasting repose in their blessed company. Marry mother of grace mother of mercy protect us from our enemy, & receive us at the hour of death. All the saints of heaven make intercession for me. 10. I protest that if so be that our Lord permit that I should be tempted by the devil with any temptation whatsoever either against faith, hope, or charity towards god, or neighbour, or against aught that I have now said, that I will not hearken, answer, or consent thereto, or believe his false persuasions, and if so be that by his craft and deceits, or by the violence of my malady and pain I should hap to consent to any sin, I do now beseech my good god that such consent of mine may be void & of none effect; and this I ask for the value and merit of the precious blood of my Lord & Saviour jesus Christ. Finally I protest that I do recommend at this present my poor soul to the sacred wounds of the feet, hands, and side of my sweet and merciful saviour jesus Christ, the which I do kiss and embrace with all my hart, in the which I will live and dye. Betwixt the arms of my redeemer I will live, and I desire to dye: Into thy hands o lord I commend my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me my lord god of truth, god of my hart, and my portion for ever. I beseech all those who are present at my hour of death, & when I shall not be able to speak any more that they would aid, & succour me with their prayers offering up to the eternal father my agony, sweat, & sufferings in the union of the agony, sweats, and sufferings, of the blood, pains, and passions of my well beloved jesus Christ for the remission of my sins. When thou shalt have ended these protestations, the which thou mayst recite many times, if thou think good, thou shalt say with great reverence, devotion, and attention the two prayers; the one to jesus Christ Crucified, the other to the B. Virgin; by which is demanded grace to make a happy passage from this life to the next: which prayers are placed above pag. 65 and pag. 78. OTHER DIRECTIONS VERY PIOUS AND PROFITABLE. 1. After the foresaid protestations and prayers it is requisite that the assistants with an intelligible voice should say the litanies of our lady, or those of the saints, and that the sick party should endeavour to answer at least by hart, if he cannot by mouth, to the end that he may more surely obtain the grace which is desired. Then shall he kiss the sacred wounds of the holy Crucifix, saying each time, jesus the son of David have mercy upon me. 2. The sick person shall cause a Crucifix, or some other devout image of our Lord jesus Christ, or our blessed Lady to be hung up in some place where he may easily behold hold, and contemplate it many times, as well by night as by day, and pray sometimes to jesus Christ, sometimes to our blessed lady, and recommending himself cordially unto them to speak these words, or such like. O jesus my sawiour save my soul. O merciful virgin mary defend my soul. O jesus and mary grant patience and strength to my soul. O jesus and Marie receive my soul near unto ye. He shall likewise recommend himself to the blessed patriarches S. joseph, Saint Francis, Saint Augustin, and Saint Barbara, special protectors and intercessors for the holy Association of twelve, and to other his particular friends, and devout persons, and above all to his good Angel guardien. 3. Theye whoe have charge of the sick parties shall be careful that their children, or such like persons, do not come near them, or but very seldom by reason of the particular and natural affection that they bear to them, because the presence of such persons doth usually trouble sick people, for the tenderness of affection which is stirred up in them, which is very hurtful as well to the body as to the soul. 4. All lascivious paintings, & profane pictures, are to be removed from the chamber of the sick body, or at least to be kept out of his sight, because they might without doubt cause in him, by the craft of the devil evil thoughts, and effects. 5. Those who shall visit the sick, must be careful that they do not entertain them with vain discourse, or unprofitable and worldly buisinesses: but shall speak unto them such things as may spiritually recreate them, and edify the assistants in our Lord. 6. The sick party shall be diligent to discover unto his spiritual father all the temptations, doubts, scruples, and sins, orderly as they come to his memory, to the end, that conserving by this mean the peace and tranquillity of his conscience, the devil be not able to deceive him in any thing. ●. Besides the sick, or ●hose who attend about ●im, must endeavour to get religious men to come ●ften unto him, particularly his confessor or spiritual father, that he may ●e aided by them, com●orted, & solaced, especially towards the end of ●is life. For it is certain ●that the presence only of ●ood religious men, espeially if they be priests, ●oth bring, & cause great ●are and terror to the infernal devils, which never forsake the sick person till he be dead. 8. To conclude, I will say● one thing very profitable for sick persons, who desire to make a good, and quiet end; and which perchance is not much practised by worldly men which is; not to put of the saying of masses for th● after their death, or t● give alms for the goo● of their souls; but they ought to do it while they live, for as much as such like good works, are then without comparison fare more profitable to the soul then after their death. First for that they obtain of god diversity of profit, and spiritual helps, with, or by which the soul is excited to do supernatural works, and which deserve eternal salvation, as acts of forrowe, and contrition for sin, of the love of god, hope, and such like, by which a habit of divine grace doth increase in the soul, and consequently the glory which is due thereto in paradise. 2. Because the soul doth receive of these spiritual helps, great force, and is marvelously strengthened and encouraged in time of death against the assaults of his enemy. In a word these means are of great force and vale we to obtain of god a true and hearty repentance at the hour of death, and a most perfect conversion to him; wherein a happy end doth consist, and in his grace, and consequently our eternal salvation in the life to come, whereunto may it please our redeemer to conduct us all by the merits of his most holy passion. THE COMPLAINT OF A SOUL APPREHENDING THE AETERNITYE OF HELL. FOr EVER, never ending, my good god, S'an infinite that knows no period: Restless, howling, burning, dying EVER, So endless each a part, and all together. If after many thousand years were past, These ills should end, there would be hope at last. But this for EVER termelesse all consumes, And old past Age, its infancy resumes. The fullest mirth hard EVER doth control, And sad, and silent strikes th'afflicted soul. By Atoms could a wren over the main, Transfer the headless Alps, with easlesse pain; And every thousand years but once could fly: Or when an Ant had sucked the Ocean dry, Should be the term; this tardy hope might please, The Damned souls; that once there would be ease. But Horrid EVER, time, and all o'er past: Exists alone, with him that, ● first, and last. FINIS. OFFICIUM PARWM in honorem S. JOSEPH Sponsi B. Mariae. AD MATUTINUM. Vers. jesus, Maria, joseph. DOmine labia mea aperies. Resp. Et os meum annunciabit laudem ruam. Vers. Deus in adiutorium meum intende. Resp. Domine ad adiwandum me festina. Vers. Gloria Patri, & Filio: & Spiritui sancto. Resp. Sicut erat in principio, & nunc, & semper: & in secula seculorum, Amen. Alleluia. A septuagesima usque ad Pascha, loco Alleluia, dicitur, Laus tibi Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae. Hymnus. IOseph David filius clara stirpe natus, Virgini dèsponsus, ment copulatus, Vtriusque custos, caelo de (stinatus. Antiphona. Salue Patriar charum decus, & Ecclesiae sanctę Dei oeconomus, cui panem vitae, & frumentum electorum conseruasti. Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte joseph. Resp. Vrdigni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Oremus. SAnctissimae Genitricis tuae sponsi, quęsumus Domine, meritis adiwemur: ut quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet, eius nobis intercessione donetur. Qui vivis, & regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus sancti Deus, per omnia secula seculorum. Amen. AD PRIMAN. Vers. jesus, Maria, joseph. Versus. DEus in adiutorium meum intende. Resp. Domine ad adiwandum me festina. Vers. Gloria Patri, & Filio: & Spiritui sancto. Resp. Sicut erat in principio, & nunc & semper: & in secula seculorum. Amen. Alleluia. Hymnus. TV, qui sponsam gravidam dolens cùm videres, Cogitabas anxius an ●am retineres, Sed coelestis nuntius, ne ampliùs tim●res, In somnis admonuit, sed potiùs gauderes. Antiphona. Salue Patriarcharum decus, & Ecclesię sanctę Dei oeconomus, cui panem vitae, & frumentum electorum conseruasti. Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte joseph. Resp. digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Oremus. SAnctissimae Genitricis tuae sponsi, quaesumus Domine, meritis adiwemur: ut quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet, eius nobis intercessione donetur. Qui vivis, & regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus sancti Deus: per omnia secula seculorum. Amen. AD TERTIAM. Vers. jesus, Maria, joseph. Versus. DEus in adiutorium meum intende. Resp. Domine ad adiwandum me festina. Vers. Gloria Patri & Filio: & Spiritui sancto. Resp. Sicut erat in principio, & nunc, & semper: & in secula seculorum. Amen. Alleluia. Hymnus. BEthleem profectus censum soluturus, Cum praegnante Virgine, ubi nasciturus Erat mundi Dominus, quippe mox facturus, Vtipsum infantulum esset ample xurus. Antiph. Salue Patriarcharum decus, & Ecclesiae sanctae Dei oeconomus, cui panem vitae, & frumentum electorum conseruasti. Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte joseph. Resp. digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Oremus. SAnctissimae Genitricis tuae sponsi, quaesumus Domine, meritis adiwemur; quod possibilitas, nostra non obtinet, eius nobis intercessione donetur. Qui vivis, & regnas cum Deo Patre, in unitate Spiritus sancti Deus: per omnia secula seculorum. Amen. AD SEXTAM. Vers. jesus, Maria, joseph. Versus. DEus in adiutorium meum intende. Resp. Domine ad adiwandum me festina. Vers. Gloria Patri, & Filio, etc. Hymnus. CVm Herodes impius in pueros saeviret, Gabrielis monitu ne ampliùs dormiret, Retulisti sponsae, sed tecum veniret, Et accepto paruulo in AEgyptum iret. Antiph. Salue Patriarcharum decus, & Ecclesiae sanctae Dei oeconomus, cui panem vitae, & frumentum electorum conseruasti. Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte joseph. Resp. digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Oremus. SAnctissimae Genitricis tuae sponsi, quaesumus Domine, meritis adiwemur: ut quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet, eius nobis intercessione donetur. Qui vivis, & regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus sancti Deus, per omnia secula seculorum, Amen. AD NONAM. Vers. jesus Maria, joseph. Versus. DEus in adiutorium meum intende. Resp. Domine ad adiwandum me festina. Vers. Gloria Patri & Filio: & Spiritui sancto. Resp. Sicut erat in principio, & nunc, & semper: & in secula seculorum. Amen. Alleluia. Hymnus. HOstibus defunctis inde recessisti, Et in Galilaeam tecum reduxisti, Puerum, & sponsam, sicut didicisti Cęlitus, & Nazareth humilis vixisti. Antiph. Salue Patriarcharum decus, & Ecclesiae sanctae Dei oeconomus, cui panem vitę & frumentum electorum conseruasti. Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte joseph. Resp. digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Oremus. SAnctissimae Genitricis tuae sponsi, quaesumus Domine, meritis adiwemur: ut quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet, eius nobis intercessione donetur. Qui vivis, & regnas cum Deo patre in unitate Spiritus sancti Deus, per omnia secula seculorum. Amen. AD VESPERAS. Vers. jesus, Maria, joseph .. DEus in adiutorium meum intende. Resp. Domine ad adiwandum me festina. Vers. Gloria Patri, etc. Resp. Sicut erat etc. Hymnus. O Qui jesum factum duo decim annorum Perdidisti tuum lumen oculorum! Sed inventum postea in medio doctorum, Custodisti sedulus, Regem Angelorum. Antiph. Salue patriarcharum decus, & Ecclesiae sanctae Dei oeconomus, cui panem vitae, & frumentum electorum conseruasti. Vers. Ora pro nobis etc. Oremus. SAnctissimae Genitricis tuae sponsi quaesumus Domine, meritis adiwemur: ut quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet eius nobis intercessione donetur. Qui vivis, etc. AD COMPLETORIUM. Vers. jesus, Maria, joseph .. COnuerte nos Deus salutaris noster. Resp. Et auerre iram tuam à nobis. Vers. Deus in adiutorium meum intende. Resp. Domine ad adiwandum me festina. Vers. Gloria Patri, etc. Hymnus. Faelix, quem in ulnis Iesus cum Maria Tenuit cubantem, dum in agonia Spiritum efflares, ut directa via, Tenderes ad Patres functus vita pia, Antiph. Salue Patriarcharum decus, etc. Oremus. SAnctissimae Genitricis tuae sponsi, etc. Commendatio. HAs horas Canonicas cum attentione. Dixi sancte Ioseph tui ratione. sis memor mei in oratione, vivamus simul in coeli regione. Amen. FINIS. Hic libellus, evi titulus ASSOCIATIONIS, sive SOCIETATIS; una CUM OFFICIO S. JOSEPH, translatus ex Gallico in Sermonem Anglicum, uriliter excudetur. Actum Duaci 20. Maij. 1626. GEORGIUS COLVENERIUS, S. Th. Doctor, & Regius ordinariusque Professor, & i● Academia Duacena Librorun Censor