These be the meditations (good Christian reader) wherein thou mayest exercise thyself in the seven days of the week, and in so doing thou shalt not want matter whereupon to meditate. But here it is to be noted, that (as we have already said) there be two things that may go before meditation, and other two that may follow after it. So that in all there be five parts which may concur in this exercise: to wit, preparation: reading: meditation: thanks-giving: and petition.
For before we enter into prayer it is very requisite that we do first prepare our heart unto this holy exercise: following therein the manner and custom of musicians, who use to temper and tune their lute, viall, or other instrument, before they play upon it. And therefore Ecclesiasticus saith: Before prayer prepare thy soul, and be not as a man that tempteth God. To tempt God, is to desire that he should work a miracle in such things, as may be done by other ordinary means. Seeing therefore that the preparation of the heart is such a principal mean to obtain devotion, he that goeth about to obtain it without this mean, sheweth himself to have a desire that almighty God should work a miracle therein: the which (as Ecclesiasticus saith) is as it were a tempting of God.
After preparation it followeth that a man do read that matter which he hath to meditate upon that day, according to the division of the days of the week, which we have made heretofore. And this manner of reading is undoubtedly very necessary for such as are but novices and young beginners in this exercise, until such time as a man do know what he ought to meditate upon. But afterwards, when by the use and practice of certain days he is well instructed therein, then this reading shall not be so needful, but that he may forthwith proceed unto Meditation.
After meditation there may follow out of hand a devout giving of thanks to almighty God for all such benefits as we have received, the which ought evermore to accompany all our prayers, according as the Apostle exhorteth us, saying: Occupy yourselves very earnestly in prayer: watching therein with thanks-giving. For as St. Augustine saith: What thing is there that we can better conceive in our hearts, better pronounce with our mouths, and better write with our pens, than this short sentence, Deo Gratias: Thanks be unto God? Nothing can be said more briefly: nothing can be heard more sweetly, or understood more joyfully, or done more fruitfully.
The last part is Petition, which is properly called prayer: wherein we desire of almighty God all such things as are behooveful as well for the salvation of ourselves, as of our neighbors, and of all the whole Catholic Church.
These five parts may be exercised in prayer: and among other profits, and commodities, that are wont to come thereby, this is one, that these points being duly exercised do minister unto a man great plenty of matter whereupon to meditate: setting before him all these diversities of meats, that in case he list not to eat of one, he may yet eat of an other: and that when he hath made an end of meditation in one matter, he may forthwith enter into an other, and so find variety of matter wherein to continue his meditation.
I know right well, that neither all these parts nor this order is always necessary for all persons. Howbeit this manner may serve very well for all such as are but novices and young beginners in this exercise, that so they may have some order and direction whereby to direct themselves at the beginning. For certain it is, that some things be necessary in the beginning to teach an art, which afterwards when they be once known are but superfluous. And therefore of any thing that shall be here treated I will not that any man should think that I intend to make the same a perpetual law, or general rule. For mine intent is not in these instructions to make any law, but only to shew an introduction for the direction of such persons as are but novices and beginners in this way. In which course after that they shall be once entered by following this introduction, then the very use and experience they shall have in this exercise, and much more the holy Ghost will teach them each thing that they have to do herein. The which being once said in this place, I desire it may be understood in all the rest of this book.
OF PRAYER AND MEDITATION 