THAT IN OUR MEDITATION We must not for the observing of our ordinary course put away from us any other good thought, or consideration, wherein we find more devotion.
The first advice is (concerning the matter of meditation) that although it be well done for a man to observe these special points of meditation, according as they be here before divided by the days of the week, for to exercise himself in them: yet if in the midst of his way there be offered unto him any other consideration, wherein he findeth more sweetness, or profit, he ought not to put the same away from him to fulfil his ordinary task. For it standeth not with reason, that we should extinguish the light which the holy Ghost hath begun to give us in any good thought, for to occupy ourselves in an other thought, wherein perhaps the same light shall not be given unto us. And besides this, sith the principal end of these meditations is to obtain some devotion, and feeling of divine things, it were against reason, when we have already obtained the same with some good consideration, that we should go about to seek for it by an other way.
Howbeit although this be very true (speaking ordinarily,) yet may not a man therefore take herein so great liberty, as upon every occasion that is offered unto him, to be moved forthwith very lightly to forego that thing out of his hands, which he hath as it were in possession, for some other thing which he is desirous to have: unless it be at such a time, as he perceiveth a more certain profit in the one, than in the other.
OF PRAYER AND MEDITATION 