And consideration doth not only help to obtain virtues, but also to resist the vices, that be contrary unto them. For what kind of temptation is there, against which a man doth not fight with the weapons of prayer and consideration? For although it be most necessary to use other weapons for this purpose, as fasting, taking of discipline, (by scourging ourselves,) alms deeds, austerity, and affliction of body, and to eschew the occasions of evils, with other like things: yet at a sodain, what other weapon can be devised more ready, and as it were ever at hand, than prayer, and consideration? With what other weapons doth the just man fight, and overcome in these battles, than with them? If he be assaulted with the cogitation of carnal pleasure, and delight, he hideth himself wholly in the holes of the rock: that is, in the precious wounds of our Savior Christ crucified. If he be assaulted with anger, and desire of revenge, he thinketh upon the wonderful patience, and meekness of our Savior Christ, and upon those sweet words he spake, when he desired pardon on the Cross for those very persons, that crucified him. If he be enticed with gluttony, and delicious fare, if he be allured with the desire to lie in a soft bed, and to lead a delicate and wanton life, he lifteth up his eyes, and considereth the bitter gall, and vinegar, which that fountain of life, our sweet Savior Christ, drank upon the cross, and also the hard bed of the cross, whereupon he died, and the painful and austere troublesome life which he led for our sakes. When he beginneth to be puffed up with pride, he considereth the greatness of our Savior Christs humility. When he is moved with covetousness, he considereth the extremity of the poverty of our Savior Christ. When sleep and slothfulness maketh him to become heavy, and dull, he considereth the painful watchings, and travails, that our savior endured for us in his prayers. When he is wearied with the troublesome labors and pains of this present life, he considereth the greatness of the heavenly treasures, and glorious delights, which he shall receive in the life to come. When he is tempted with the fickle pleasures, and delights, of this miserable world, he considereth the everlastingness, and bitterness of the horrible pains, and torments of hell fire? When he is molested, and wearied, with the exercises of penance he thinketh upon the virtuous examples, of the Martyrs, of the Apostles, of the Prophets, and of the ancient holy religious Monks: and with the consideration of that which is past, he causeth all that he doth presently, to seem little unto him. And when it so happeneth, that with all these defensives he can not well sustain the weight of his burden, he addeth then unto the diligence of consideration the voice of prayer, calling, and crying with great anguish of mind upon almighty God, who (be you well assured) will never forsake them that call upon him, but promiseth that he will give ear unto them: and hath given us very manifest, and sundry examples, that he never forsaked them, that called upon him with all their hearts. This is that, which the prophet David affirmeth in a thousand places he did, when he saw himself compassed about with the snares of his enemies, and with tribulations, and afflictions, saying I presented my prayer before him, and I imparted unto him my tribulation.
OF PRAYER AND MEDITATION 