Moreover consideration helpeth also (after a sort) towards the obtaining of the other four virtues, called Cardinal virtues: which be PRUDENCE, JUSTICE, FORTITUDE, AND TEMPERANCE: as Saint Bernard plainly affirmeth in his book of consideration, by these words: First of all, consideration purifieth and cleanseth the very fountain, from whence it proceedeth: which is the soul. Besides that, it governeth our natural passions, it directeth our works, it correcteth our faults, it frameth our manners, it beautifieth and directeth our life: to be short, it giveth knowledge to a man of things both divine, and human. It is consideration that distinguisheth things confounded, it recollecteth those that be scattered abroad, it searcheth secrets, it seeketh for truths, and trieth and examineth such things, as are in deed but apparent, and counterfeit. It is consideration that disposeth for the time to come, and thinketh of the time past, providing for the one, and bewailing the other, that so nothing may remain without correction, and due chastisement. It is consideration that in the midst of prosperity forseeth adversity, and therefore is not dismayed when it cometh: for that it hath prevented the same before hand with consideration. Of which two things, the one appertaineth to Prudence, and the other to Fortitude. It is consideration that sitteth down as a judge, to give sentence between pleasure, and necessity, and appointeth to every of them their bounds, and limits: giving to necessity, that which is sufficient, and taking from pleasure that which is superfluous, and in so doing it maketh and formeth the virtue of temperance, whereunto this office appertaineth. Thus far be the words of Saint Bernard: whereby thou mayst perceive, how great, and general a help consideration is towards the obtaining of these virtues.
OF PRAYER AND MEDITATION 