OF THANKS-GIVING.

           These three parts being ended, there may follow immediately a thanks-giving unto almighty God for the benefits we have received. And that we may not interrupt the course of our devotion with divers affections, and matters, a man may continue this part with the former, taking occasion of such things as he hath meditated upon, to give thanks unto our Lord for the benefit he hath done unto him in that meditation: and with this benefit to join also all other benefits, and to give him most humble and hearty thanks for them all. As for example, when we have ended our meditation upon any point of the passion, we may then forthwith give most humble thanks to our Lord for the benefit of our redemption: and especially for that it pleased him to redeem us with so great pains, and torments. And even then also let us give him most humble thanks for all his other benefits. In like manner, when we have meditated upon our sins, we may give him thanks for that he hath expected us so long time, and called us to do penance. And when we have meditated upon the miseries of this life, we may give him thanks for that he hath delivered us from a great number of them. And when we have meditated upon the departing out of this world, we may give him thanks for that he hath given us life, and granted unto us so long a time to do penance. And when we have meditated upon the glory of paradise, we may give him thanks for that he hath created us to be partakers of so great a felicity. And so likewise may we proceed in all the rest. And afterwards (according as we have declared) a man must join with this benefit all other benefits: as the benefits of creation, conservation, redemption, vocation, and glorification: of the which benefits we have treated heretofore in the meditation for Saturday at night. And then for these and other infinite benefits, as well public, as secret, we must give him as many humble and hearty thanks as we can, and call upon all creatures both of heaven and earth to help us herein. And with this spirit we may some times say that Canticle: Benedicite omnia opera Domini Domino: or else the Psalm: Benedic anima mea Domino, et omnia quae intra me sunt, etc.