WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.760 --> 00:00:06.759 Section one of meditations and prayers. This is a LibriVox recording. 2 00:00:06.960 --> 00:00:10.119 All librivanx recordings are in the public domain. For more 3 00:00:10.119 --> 00:00:16.039 information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Meditations 4 00:00:16.079 --> 00:00:21.079 and Prayers by John Bradford. Meditation on the Lord's Supper 5 00:00:22.399 --> 00:00:28.280 Jesus Immanuel, This heavenly banquet, wherewith thou dost witness thyself 6 00:00:28.280 --> 00:00:30.839 of sweet Savior to be the bread of life, wherewith 7 00:00:30.879 --> 00:00:34.439 our souls are fed unto true and eternal life and immortality. 8 00:00:35.159 --> 00:00:38.520 Grant me grace so now to receive, as may be 9 00:00:38.719 --> 00:00:42.759 to my singular joy and comfort. The signs and symbols 10 00:00:42.759 --> 00:00:46.039 be bread and wine, which are sanctified in thy body 11 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:49.560 and blood, to represent the invisible communion and fellowship of 12 00:00:49.600 --> 00:00:53.759 the same. For as in baptism, Thou, o God, dost 13 00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:56.840 regenerate us, and as it were, engraft us into the 14 00:00:56.840 --> 00:00:59.799 fellowship of thy church, and by adoption make us thy 15 00:00:59.840 --> 00:01:04.480 tay children. So as a good householder and father, thou 16 00:01:04.519 --> 00:01:07.640 dost afterwards minister meet to nourish and continue us in 17 00:01:07.680 --> 00:01:11.400 that life whereunto thou, by thy word has forgotten us. 18 00:01:12.120 --> 00:01:15.599 And truly, o Christ, thou art the food of the soul. 19 00:01:15.799 --> 00:01:19.439 And therefore our heavenly Father giveth thee unto us, that we, 20 00:01:19.680 --> 00:01:26.480 being refreshed in communicating of thee, might be received into immortality. Now, 21 00:01:26.560 --> 00:01:30.879 because this mystery is of itself incomprehensible, thou dost exhibit 22 00:01:30.920 --> 00:01:33.719 and give unto us a figure and image hereof in 23 00:01:33.799 --> 00:01:38.120 visible signs. Yea, as though thou paidest down, present earnest, 24 00:01:38.519 --> 00:01:41.519 thou makest us so certain hereof as if with our 25 00:01:41.599 --> 00:01:44.640 eyes we saw it. And this is the end. Wherefore 26 00:01:44.719 --> 00:01:48.400 thou didst institute this thy supper and banquet, namely that 27 00:01:48.480 --> 00:01:51.640 it might confirm us as of thy body, once so 28 00:01:51.760 --> 00:01:54.359 offered for us, that we may feed on it, and 29 00:01:54.519 --> 00:01:57.519 in feeding feel in us the efficacy and strength of 30 00:01:57.560 --> 00:02:02.079 thy one alone sacrifice of thy blood once so shed 31 00:02:02.120 --> 00:02:05.120 for us, that it is unto us a continual potion. 32 00:02:05.319 --> 00:02:08.120 And drink according to the words that thy promise added 33 00:02:08.120 --> 00:02:11.360 there take eat this is my body which is given 34 00:02:11.400 --> 00:02:14.439 for you, so that the body which was once offered 35 00:02:14.439 --> 00:02:17.520 for our salvation we are commanded to take and eat, 36 00:02:17.960 --> 00:02:21.879 that whilst we are partakers thereof we might be most assured. 37 00:02:21.960 --> 00:02:24.599 The virtue of thy lively death is of force in 38 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:27.919 us whereof it cometh that thou callest the cup the 39 00:02:28.080 --> 00:02:31.360 Testament or Covenant in thy blood. For the covenant which 40 00:02:31.360 --> 00:02:34.639 thou once hast stricken with us in thy blood, thou dost, 41 00:02:34.719 --> 00:02:37.879 as it were, renew the same as concerning the confirmation 42 00:02:37.960 --> 00:02:40.599 of our faith. So often as thou reach unto us 43 00:02:40.639 --> 00:02:44.680 this holy cup to drink of O wonderful consolation which 44 00:02:44.719 --> 00:02:47.479 cometh to the godly hearts by reason of this sacrament. 45 00:02:48.120 --> 00:02:51.400 For here we have assured witness that Thou christ art 46 00:02:51.479 --> 00:02:54.520 so coupled unto us, and we so engrafted in THEE, 47 00:02:54.719 --> 00:02:58.039 that we are one body with THEE. And whatsoever thou hast, 48 00:02:58.080 --> 00:03:01.080 we may call it our own boldly. Therefore we may 49 00:03:01.120 --> 00:03:05.560 boast that everlasting life thine inheritance is ours. That the 50 00:03:05.639 --> 00:03:09.400 Kingdom of Heaven, whereinto thou art entered, can no more 51 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:12.039 be taken away from us or we from it, than 52 00:03:12.120 --> 00:03:15.000 from THEE, or we from it than from THEE or 53 00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:18.280 Thou from it. Again, our sins can no more condemn 54 00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:21.240 us than THEE. For thou would they should be laid 55 00:03:21.280 --> 00:03:24.719 to thy charge as though they were thine. This is 56 00:03:24.759 --> 00:03:27.479 a wonderful change which Thou makest with us of thy 57 00:03:27.560 --> 00:03:31.120 unspeakable mercy. Thou wast made the son of Man with us, 58 00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:34.800 that we, with THEE, might be made the sons of God. 59 00:03:35.439 --> 00:03:38.599 Thou camest down from heaven unto earth, to bring us 60 00:03:38.639 --> 00:03:42.879 from the earth into Heaven. Thou tookest upon THEE our mortality, 61 00:03:43.240 --> 00:03:47.319 that thou mightst give us thy immortality. Thou tookest upon 62 00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:50.280 THEE our weakness, that thou mightst make us strong with 63 00:03:50.360 --> 00:03:53.599 thy strength. Thou tookest on THEE our poverty, to pour 64 00:03:53.719 --> 00:03:57.840 upon us thy plenty. Thou tookst upon THEE our unrighteousness, 65 00:03:58.039 --> 00:04:02.199 that thou mightest cloak us with thy righteousness. O, Comfort 66 00:04:02.240 --> 00:04:05.240 of comforts. Of all these things we have so assured 67 00:04:05.240 --> 00:04:08.560 a witness in this sacrament, that we ought without all wavering, 68 00:04:08.759 --> 00:04:11.319 to be so sure that they are exhibit and given 69 00:04:11.400 --> 00:04:14.240 unto us, as if with our corporal eyes we did 70 00:04:14.280 --> 00:04:18.240 see THEE, O Sweet Christ, present invisible form, and with 71 00:04:18.319 --> 00:04:21.560 our very hands touched and handled THEE. For this word 72 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:25.759 cannot lure or beguile us. Take, eat, drink. This is 73 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:28.000 my body which is given for you. This is my 74 00:04:28.079 --> 00:04:30.519 blood which is shed for the forgiveness of your sins. 75 00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:35.240 In that thou biddest us take, Thou wouldt signify unto 76 00:04:35.319 --> 00:04:38.399 us that it is ours. In that thou biddest us eat. 77 00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:41.040 Thou wouldst we should know that it is made one 78 00:04:41.079 --> 00:04:43.879 flesh with us. In that thou sayest it is thy 79 00:04:43.920 --> 00:04:46.920 body given for us, thy blood shed for us. Thou 80 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:50.600 wouldst that we should learn both to be not only 81 00:04:50.680 --> 00:04:54.279 thine now but also ours, for thou tookst and gave 82 00:04:54.360 --> 00:04:59.079 us both not for thy commodity, but for ours. Grant therefore, 83 00:04:59.120 --> 00:05:02.519 good Lord, that we may as be thankful to THEE forever, 84 00:05:02.800 --> 00:05:06.279 so diligently always to mark that the chiefest and almost 85 00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:09.439 the whole pith of the sacrament consisteth in these words, 86 00:05:09.800 --> 00:05:12.519 which is given for you, which is shed for you. 87 00:05:13.240 --> 00:05:15.639 For else it would little help us to have thy 88 00:05:15.680 --> 00:05:19.079 body and blood distributed now, except they had been given 89 00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:22.959 for our redemption and salvation by the bread and wine. 90 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:26.040 Therefore they are represented, that we might learn that they 91 00:05:26.040 --> 00:05:29.040 are not only ours, but also that they are destinate 92 00:05:29.079 --> 00:05:33.759 and appointed unto us for the seal of spiritual life. Thus, 93 00:05:33.800 --> 00:05:36.600 Gould Lord, grant us thy grace to consider this sacrament, 94 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:39.759 that we stick not in the corporal things and things 95 00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:43.319 which are object to our eyes, hands, taste, and feeling, 96 00:05:43.480 --> 00:05:47.040 as the papists teach the people whose eyes open and 97 00:05:47.240 --> 00:05:50.519 turn their hearts according to Thy good will, But that 98 00:05:50.600 --> 00:05:53.839 we may arise to the consideration of spiritual things. Hereby 99 00:05:53.920 --> 00:05:58.639 accordingly that is grant that we may deeply consider as 100 00:05:58.680 --> 00:06:02.040 bread nourisheth socist, staineth and conserveth the life of this 101 00:06:02.199 --> 00:06:05.639 our body. So thy body, O Christ, is the only 102 00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:08.600 and alone food to quicken and make strong the soul. 103 00:06:09.160 --> 00:06:13.560 As wine nourisheth, refresheth, confirmeth, and cheerreth the heart. So 104 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:16.439 doth thy blood shed for us on the cross, to 105 00:06:16.519 --> 00:06:19.519 the souls of all faithful receivers and users of this 106 00:06:19.639 --> 00:06:24.920 most holy sacrament. Grant good Lord, therefore, that I may 107 00:06:24.959 --> 00:06:27.920 truly consider and know the principal parts of the sacrament, 108 00:06:28.240 --> 00:06:31.160 not to exhibit and give the body simply and without 109 00:06:31.160 --> 00:06:35.399 further consideration, but rather to absigne and confirm that promise. 110 00:06:35.839 --> 00:06:39.120 Wherein as thou dost witness thy flesh to be food indeed, 111 00:06:39.199 --> 00:06:41.759 and thy blood to be drink indeed, by which we 112 00:06:41.800 --> 00:06:45.519 are fed unto everlasting life, so thou affirmest thyself to 113 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:48.759 be the bread of life, whereof whoso eateth shall live 114 00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:51.439 for ever, and that this thing might be brought to 115 00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:55.199 pass thy sacrament, doth send us to thy cross, O Christ, 116 00:06:55.639 --> 00:06:58.639 where this promise indeed was performed and most fully on 117 00:06:58.720 --> 00:07:02.720 all sides accomplished. For we cannot to salvation, feed on thee, 118 00:07:02.839 --> 00:07:06.240 or eat thee, O Christ, except thou hast been crucified. 119 00:07:06.680 --> 00:07:09.839 And this we do when with lively sense we apprehend 120 00:07:09.879 --> 00:07:12.800 and catch hold on the efficacy of thy death. For 121 00:07:12.959 --> 00:07:15.879 though thou call thyself the bread of life, yet dost 122 00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:18.439 thou it not by reason of the sacrament, but because 123 00:07:18.519 --> 00:07:20.879 there was such a one given to us from the Father, 124 00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:24.120 And because thou didst give thyself to such a one, 125 00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:27.199 by taking part with us in our mortal nature, to 126 00:07:27.319 --> 00:07:31.439 make us partakers of thy divine immortality, by offering thyself 127 00:07:31.519 --> 00:07:35.360 a sacrifice for us, to take thyself our malediction, and 128 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:39.079 pitifully to pour on us thy blessing, by swallowing up 129 00:07:39.160 --> 00:07:41.839 death by thy death, and by raising up to glory 130 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:45.680 and incorruption this our corruptible flesh, which thou tookst on 131 00:07:45.839 --> 00:07:49.439 thee through thy resurrection. So then it remaineth that we 132 00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:52.160 should apply all this unto us, And this we do 133 00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:55.839 as by thy Gospel, so no less, but rather more clearly, 134 00:07:55.959 --> 00:07:59.240 by thy Holy Supper. Where as Thou offerest thyself unto 135 00:07:59.319 --> 00:08:02.240 us with all thy beads, so we by faith receive 136 00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:05.879 the same grant me therefore to mark well that this 137 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:08.439 sacrament is not the thing that maketh Thee to begin 138 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:11.360 to be the bread of life, but that this maketh 139 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:13.600 thee so to us, by making us to call to 140 00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:16.480 mind that thou wast made the bread of life for 141 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:19.519 us continually to feed on, and by giving to us 142 00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:22.120 a taste and savor of that bread, that we might 143 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:32.000 feel the virtue of the same bread. End of Section one, 144 00:08:32.039 --> 00:08:38.120 Section two of Meditations and Prayers by John Bradford. This 145 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:43.000 LIBRIVANX recording is in the public domain. A brief admonition 146 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:45.559 written by Master Bradford in a New Testament of a 147 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:50.519 friend of his. This book is called Seramocrosis the word 148 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:53.799 of the Cross, because the cross doth always accompany it, 149 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:56.320 So that if you will be a student hereof you 150 00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:59.360 must needs prepare yourself to the cross, which you began 151 00:08:59.440 --> 00:09:02.240 to learn before before you learned your alphabet. Footnote. The 152 00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:05.240 figure of a cross was then and afterward prefixed to 153 00:09:05.320 --> 00:09:09.360 the alphabet. For young persons, see for instance the primer 154 00:09:09.399 --> 00:09:13.320 in English Most Necessary for the Education of Children, Wayland, 155 00:09:13.440 --> 00:09:18.360 No Date approximately fifteen thirty nine, signature A eight copy 156 00:09:18.440 --> 00:09:23.960 British Museum and VI the Nares Glossary five Christ cross 157 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:28.039 and footnote. And Christ requireth it of everyone that will 158 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:31.519 be His disciple. Therein not swerving from the common trade 159 00:09:31.559 --> 00:09:35.240 of callings or vocations, for no professional kind of life 160 00:09:35.320 --> 00:09:39.799 wanteth his cross, so that they are far overseen which 161 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:42.559 think that the profession of the Gospel, which the devil 162 00:09:42.639 --> 00:09:45.759 most envieth, the world most hateth, and the flesh most 163 00:09:45.799 --> 00:09:49.679 repineth at, can be without a cross. Let us therefore 164 00:09:49.720 --> 00:09:52.240 pray that God would enable us to take up our 165 00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:59.879 cross by denying ourselves a carseareh from prison, eighteenth Febuari 166 00:10:00.200 --> 00:10:11.919 fifteen fifty five, John Bradford, end of section two Section 167 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:17.879 three of Meditations and Prayers by John Bradford. This LibriVox 168 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:21.879 recording is in the public domain. Prayer for the presence 169 00:10:21.960 --> 00:10:26.159 of God with white garments of innocency and righteousness and 170 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:30.399 palms of victory in their hands. Oh happy is he 171 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:32.399 that may have but a sight of the immortal and 172 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:38.360 incorruptible inheritance, which these thy people shall enjoy forever. Oh 173 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:41.519 that it please THEE, O Father, as of thy mercy, 174 00:10:41.559 --> 00:10:44.080 thou hast called me into thy company and communion of 175 00:10:44.120 --> 00:10:47.320 thy saints. So of the same thy goodness, thou wouldst 176 00:10:47.360 --> 00:10:50.639 give me to become likewise affected, that in my heart 177 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:53.200 I might cry as they do and desire to be 178 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:56.639 with THEE. Not simply because of this prison and exile 179 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:59.559 that I am in presently, but rather only because of 180 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:02.679 THEE and of love. To THEE which love I humbly 181 00:11:02.759 --> 00:11:06.159 pray THEE that art love itself, that thou wouldst right 182 00:11:06.279 --> 00:11:09.000 in my heart and graciously open thine eyes to the 183 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:11.679 words of my mouth at this present, which I have 184 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:15.039 borrowed out of thy mouth by thy servants, saying, remember me, 185 00:11:15.080 --> 00:11:17.919 O Lord, according to the favor that thou bearest unto 186 00:11:17.919 --> 00:11:21.480 thy people. Oh visit me with thy salvation, that I 187 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:24.360 may see thee felicity of thy chosen and rejoice in 188 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:27.679 the gladness of thy people, and give thanks with thine inheritance. 189 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:31.360 Oh give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation by 190 00:11:31.399 --> 00:11:34.919 the knowledge of thyself. O lighten the eyes of my mind, 191 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:38.240 that I may know what thee hope is, whereunto thou 192 00:11:38.279 --> 00:11:40.919 hast called me, And how rich the glory is thine 193 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:44.519 inheritance upon thy saints. And what is the exceeding greatness 194 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:47.759 of Thy power to thy people, would which believe, Oh, 195 00:11:47.879 --> 00:11:50.399 make me able to comprehend with thy saints. What is 196 00:11:50.480 --> 00:11:53.200 the breadth and length, and depth and height of thy 197 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:56.120 sweet mercy? That is that I may know the excellent 198 00:11:56.200 --> 00:11:58.519 love of the knowledge of Christ, that I may be 199 00:11:58.600 --> 00:12:02.279 fulfilled with all fullness that cometh of THEE. O, lighten 200 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:05.399 mine eyes, that I sleep not into death. But send 201 00:12:05.399 --> 00:12:08.080 thy light unto me to lead and bring me into 202 00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:11.120 thy tabernacle, that I may believe to see the goodness 203 00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:13.600 of THEE in the land of the Living. Oh, give 204 00:12:13.639 --> 00:12:16.120 me the spirit not of the world, but which is 205 00:12:16.159 --> 00:12:18.559 of THEE, that I may know the things which are 206 00:12:18.639 --> 00:12:21.480 given to us of God, which are such as the 207 00:12:21.559 --> 00:12:24.440 eye hath not seen, nor the ear hath heard, nor 208 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:27.120 the heart is able to conceive. For the light of 209 00:12:27.159 --> 00:12:29.039 the moon shall be as the light of the sun, 210 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:31.799 and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, even 211 00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:34.759 as the light of seven days in thy blessed kingdom. 212 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:37.759 And when thou wilt bind up the wounds of thy people, 213 00:12:37.799 --> 00:12:40.919 and heal their plagues. Oh that I might have some 214 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:45.759 lively sight hereof When shall I rejoice of an exchange 215 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:49.960 for the immortal, the undefiled, and the imacessible inheritance, whereto 216 00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:52.919 thou hast called me, and dost keep for me in heaven. 217 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:55.960 When shall I hear the sweet songs of thy saved 218 00:12:56.000 --> 00:12:59.000 people crying salvation be to him that sitteth in the 219 00:12:59.039 --> 00:13:02.440 throne of our God, and to the Lamb. When shall I, 220 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:05.720 with the elders and the angels, sing and say, Lords 221 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:08.519 and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving, and honor and power, 222 00:13:08.559 --> 00:13:11.759 and might be to THEE our God, for ever and ever. 223 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:14.799 When shall I be covered with a white stole, and 224 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:17.200 have a palm in my hand, to stand before the 225 00:13:17.320 --> 00:13:20.159 throne day and night, to serve THEE in the temple, 226 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:23.360 and to have THEE to dwell in me. When shall 227 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:26.600 I hear thy great voice saying from heaven, Behold, the 228 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:29.120 Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell 229 00:13:29.159 --> 00:13:31.639 with them, and they shall be His people, and God 230 00:13:31.720 --> 00:13:35.559 himself will be with them their God. Oh happy were 231 00:13:35.559 --> 00:13:38.240 they that now might have a little show of thine 232 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:42.320 holy city, New Jerusalem, descending from Heaven, prepared of the 233 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:45.519 Gracious God, as a bride decked for her husband, which 234 00:13:45.559 --> 00:13:48.960 thou ShoWest, thy servant, Saint John, this should I see 235 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:51.279 if I were with him in the spirit. But this 236 00:13:51.399 --> 00:13:53.480 cannot be so long as I am in the flesh, 237 00:13:54.279 --> 00:13:56.120 or that the time will come that I might then 238 00:13:56.240 --> 00:13:59.120 put off this tabernacle in thy mercy, that I might 239 00:13:59.159 --> 00:14:03.080 see this great which is felicity itself. But herein I 240 00:14:03.200 --> 00:14:06.600 must do and will tarry Thy good pleasure, as I came, 241 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:09.039 not hither into this world when I would, but when 242 00:14:09.080 --> 00:14:12.240 Thou wouldst. Even so, not when I will, but when 243 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:15.360 Thou wilt take me. Hence in thy mercy in the 244 00:14:15.399 --> 00:14:18.759 mean season, as thy child, conserve and keep me, and 245 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:21.840 further grant to me that, being in this body, yet 246 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:24.000 I may live not in the flesh, but in the spirit. 247 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:27.360 Now and then to have some little true taste of 248 00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:30.879 the pleasant dainties of Thy house and sanctuary, that all 249 00:14:30.919 --> 00:14:34.600 worldly pleasures may be unpleasant and unsavory to my eternal 250 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:46.120 comfort through Christ, our Lord Amen. End of section three, 251 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:50.399 Section four of Meditations and Prayers by John Bradford. This 252 00:14:50.480 --> 00:14:54.600 LibriVox recording is in the public domain. A sweet contemplation 253 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:58.960 of heaven and heavenly things, O, my soul, lift up 254 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:02.399 thyself above thy sel, fly away in the contemplation of 255 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:05.840 heaven and heavenly things. Make not thy further abode in 256 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:09.799 this inferior region, where is nothing but travail and trials, 257 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:12.679 and sorrow and woe, and wretchedness, and sin and trouble 258 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:17.240 and fear, and all deceiving and destroying vanities. Bend all 259 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:21.360 thine affections upward unto the superior places, where thy Redeemer 260 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:24.440 liveth and reigneth, and where thy joys are laid up 261 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:27.279 in the treasury of his merits, which shall be made 262 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:31.519 thy merits, his perfection, thy perfection, and his death, thy 263 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:36.480 life eternal, and his resurrection, thy salvation. Esteem not the 264 00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:38.919 trifling pleasures of this life to be the way to 265 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:42.759 this wealth, nor thy ignominious estate here to be any 266 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:45.399 bar to prevent THEE from the full use and joyful 267 00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:48.840 fruition of the glory there prepared for THEE. I am 268 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:53.039 assured that though I want here, I have riches there. 269 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:56.240 Though I hunger here, I have fullness there. Though I 270 00:15:56.320 --> 00:15:58.919 faint here, I shall be refreshed there. And though I 271 00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:01.559 be accounted here as a dead man, I shall there 272 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:06.320 live in perpetual glory. That is the city promised to 273 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:09.519 the captives whom Christ shall make free. That is the 274 00:16:09.720 --> 00:16:13.799 kingdom assured to them whom Christ shall crown. There are 275 00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:16.440 the joys prepared for them that mourn. There is the 276 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:19.159 light that shall never go out. There is the health 277 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:22.200 that shall never be impaired. There is the glory that 278 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:25.080 shall never be defaced. There is the life that shall 279 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:28.000 taste no death. And there is the portion that passeth 280 00:16:28.080 --> 00:16:31.360 all the world's preferment. There is the world that never 281 00:16:31.399 --> 00:16:35.600 shall wax worse. There is every want supplied freely without money. 282 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:39.120 There is no danger but happiness and honor, and singing 283 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:42.759 and praise and thanksgiving unto the heavenly Jehovah, to him 284 00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:45.840 that sitteth on the throne, to the Lamb that here 285 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:49.120 was led to the slaughter that now reigneth, with whom 286 00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:52.159 I shall reign after I have run this comfortless race 287 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:55.600 through this miserable earthly veil. The honour in this earth 288 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:58.519 is baseness. The riches of this world is poverty. The 289 00:16:58.559 --> 00:17:01.000 fullness of this life is wont the joys of this 290 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:04.200 world's kingdom are sorrow and woe and misery, and sadness 291 00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:07.160 and grief. And yet the fool saith in his heart 292 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:11.119 there is no other heaven but this harmful, deceiving world's happiness, 293 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:15.039 no other hell but this world's bitterness, No better comfort 294 00:17:15.079 --> 00:17:18.599 than this world's cares, no further help than this world's wealth. 295 00:17:19.559 --> 00:17:22.920 Thus is man's wisdom made foolishness, and man's glory turned 296 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:26.039 into shame, and man's power made of no force. And 297 00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:29.720 the faithful poor that are here despised, they are advanced, 298 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:33.039 the sorrowful are comforted, and the castaways in this world 299 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:36.680 are received to this blessed being that cannot be expressed 300 00:17:36.680 --> 00:17:39.440 with the tongues of man, nor conceived with the heart 301 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:43.680 of man. Oh that I had wings, Saith, heavenly hearted David, 302 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:46.480 that I might fly away from this world's vanities and 303 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:50.559 possess Heaven's happiness. Oh that I were dissolved, Saith, blessed Paul, 304 00:17:50.839 --> 00:17:53.599 that I might be with Christ. Oh that I were 305 00:17:53.680 --> 00:17:56.799 in this place of such wished happiness, where I might 306 00:17:56.880 --> 00:18:01.279 rest from these worldly labors and earthly miseries and transitory vanities, 307 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:04.880 but be not heavy O my soul, though thou must 308 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:08.279 yet weighed under the burden of these earthly troubles. For 309 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:11.599 these heavenly mysteries are not seen of carnal eyes, nor 310 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:15.559 can be obtained by carnal means. But through troubles and afflictions, 311 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:19.119 and dangers and persecutions they must be achieved. And none 312 00:18:19.160 --> 00:18:22.079 that are gods elected shall be free from this world's hatred. 313 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:25.759 For such difference is there between earth and heaven, and 314 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:29.599 between earthly and heavenly things, that whoso delighteth in the 315 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:32.839 first shall be deprived of the latter. For we cannot 316 00:18:32.839 --> 00:18:35.400 have this world's heaven and the heaven of heavens, the 317 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:39.000 heaven of saints and angels and Cherubim and Seraphim, where 318 00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:42.559 are all unspotted, and all glorious, and all in white 319 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:45.799 robes of sanctity, And where Christ, the sacrificed Lamb is 320 00:18:45.880 --> 00:18:49.960 unto them. All in all all blessed all they that 321 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:53.200 are thus assured. Blessed are the poor that shall have 322 00:18:53.319 --> 00:18:55.960 this heaven's riches. Blessed are the base that shall be 323 00:18:56.039 --> 00:18:59.400 thus advanced. Blessed are the low that shall be thus raised. 324 00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:02.839 And blessed are the world's despised, that shall have this 325 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:06.799 heaven's happiness. Yea happy is this wretched world's unhappy man, 326 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:10.440 For he shall be happy. I will daily meditate of 327 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:13.480 the greatness and majesty of this high Heaven's blessed estate, 328 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:16.359 where I shall one day bless my God with the 329 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:19.240 company of his saints, and where I shall one day 330 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:22.240 sit secure and free from the dangers and perils, and 331 00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:25.200 crosses and afflictions that now do assail me on the 332 00:19:25.279 --> 00:19:28.079 right hand and on the left, within me and without me, 333 00:19:28.680 --> 00:19:32.400 And am never free from one calamity or another. But 334 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:34.880 it is good for me to be here humbled, that 335 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:37.759 I may be there advanced where I wish speedily to come. 336 00:19:38.119 --> 00:19:40.480 It is good that I were in want here that 337 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:43.680 I might seek heavenly necessaries. It is good that the 338 00:19:43.720 --> 00:19:46.400 world did discourage me that I might fly to God 339 00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:49.200 that comforteth me. It is good that I am daily 340 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:52.920 killed here that I might live continually. Now, therefore, O 341 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:55.839 my soul stand up, fear not faint not at this 342 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:59.519 world's crosses, but give glory to this great God, Praise 343 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:02.680 this High and helping God seek him. While it is day, 344 00:20:03.160 --> 00:20:06.519 drive not off to pray to this God. Notwithstanding any 345 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:09.359 hope thou hast in mortal men, but reject not his 346 00:20:09.440 --> 00:20:13.640 gracious means, who in favor infinite and mercy endless moveth 347 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:15.960 the hearts of men in this life to do good. 348 00:20:16.119 --> 00:20:19.759 Unto such as he seeth distressed. He can find out 349 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:22.640 and afford infinite means to succor them that are his, 350 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:26.680 and will not leave them forsaken in danger. For He 351 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:29.480 even here giveth me his blessings as pledges of his 352 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:33.279 never failing love, that being visited in his great mercy, 353 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:36.200 with timely comforts. Here I may assure me of greater 354 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:39.720 blessings in Heaven, where they are prepared beyond all that 355 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:44.400 I can ask or think. O, Lord, God of Hosts, 356 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:47.559 who is like unto THEE, who hast established Thy kingdom 357 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:51.400 with truth and equity, with mercy and judgment, Thou hast 358 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:54.119 a mighty arm Strong is Thine hand, and high is 359 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:57.839 Thy right hand. Whoso is under thy protection he is safe. 360 00:20:58.039 --> 00:21:00.720 And he that trusteth in THEE may the embrace of 361 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:04.160 Him on every side. Oh, blessed art thou, o my soul. 362 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:07.240 If thou canst rejoice in the Lord, He is thy father, 363 00:21:07.319 --> 00:21:09.960 he is thy helper walk therefore in the light of 364 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:13.240 His countenance, and be patient, wait in hope till these 365 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:16.440 storms be passed. And then shalt thou have that quiet 366 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:20.920 rest that He hath prepared in heaven. Lord, increase my faith. 367 00:21:21.640 --> 00:21:24.680 Our conversation is in heaven. From whence also we look 368 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:28.480 for the Savior, even the Lord Jesus, if he be 369 00:21:28.640 --> 00:21:31.359 risen with Christ. Seek the things which are above, where 370 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:34.799 Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Set your 371 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:37.799 affections on things which are above, and not on things 372 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:47.640 which are on the earth. End of section four, Section 373 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:52.920 five of Meditations and Prayers by John Bradford. This LibriVox 374 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:56.720 recording is in the public domain a meditation of the 375 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:59.960 life everlasting, the place where it is, and the incomparable 376 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:05.680 joys thereof That there is an everlasting life. None will deny, 377 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:08.079 but such as will deny God. For if He be 378 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:10.799 true and just, which he must needs be, or else 379 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:13.519 he is not God, then can there not be but 380 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:16.920 an eternal life that He hath both spoken it and 381 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:21.440 promised it In Matthew twenty five one Corinthians fifteen, Hebrews 382 00:22:21.559 --> 00:22:25.519 four eleven and twelve one Peter one. It plainly Appeareth 383 00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:28.960 and elsewhere in very many places. So that to deny 384 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:32.359 an everlasting life is to deny God, to deny Christ 385 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:35.480 and all that ever he did. Also to deny all 386 00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:43.680 piety and religion, to condemn foolishness, all good men, martyrs, confesses, evangelists, prophets, patriarchs. Finally, 387 00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:46.119 the denial of eternal life is nothing else but a 388 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:49.480 denial of the immortality of this soul, and so a 389 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:52.960 plain making of man nothing better than beasts. If it 390 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:55.359 be so, let us then eat and drink, for to 391 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:59.039 morrow we shall die. Lord, preserve us from this sad 392 00:22:59.079 --> 00:23:03.519 jusial and curial impiety, and grant us for thy Mercy's sake, 393 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:06.640 Dear God, that we may be assuredly persuaded that there 394 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:10.240 is indeed an eternal life, and bliss with THEE for 395 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:13.319 them that put their trust in THEE, amongst whom account 396 00:23:13.400 --> 00:23:17.160 me for thy Mercy's sake. Again, this eternal life and 397 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:20.039 the place appointed for them that be Thy servants, all 398 00:23:20.079 --> 00:23:23.039 men do grant to be with Thee. Albeit they do 399 00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:27.240 not think that because Thou art everywhere, therefore eternal life 400 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:30.880 is everywhere. For they, by thy word do know that 401 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:33.720