Here I must advertise the devout Christian reader, that he must not spend all the whole time of this exercise in meditation only: For before meditation there may go two other parts of prayer, which be preparation, and reading: and after the same, there may follow other two, which be thanksgiving, and petition. For the first thing that we must do herein, is to prepare our hearts unto this exercise: and then it shall do well to read those points, that we intend to meditate upon. And after the reading, we have to meditate upon such things, as we have read: the which being done, we may then make an end with some devout giving of thanks unto almighty God for all his benefits: and with a petition, or demand of a such things, as we shall think are necessary both for our own souls, and for the souls of our neighbors. Of which five parts, we mind godwilling to treat hereafter more at large in their proper place. This division, and order may be followed by them, that are as yet but young beginners, and novices in this trade.
As for those that have had greater exercise, they stand not in so great need of these introductions, and rules.
And it is to be noted, that the meditations that are here appointed to be used at night, are first of all abridged into a brief sum: wherein I have set out in order the principal points, that are to be considered in every one of them: (and afterwards I have added thereunto a more large and ample declaration of all the same points.) And this summary abridgement I made, to the intent, that after they have been read over divers times, they may be the better understood, and meditated upon. True it is, that of the meditations upon the holy passion, I have not made the like abridgement at the beginning of them, as I have done of the others: because I judge, that the text of the holy Evangelists, which I have there set before, may suffice for that purpose.
And it is not needful for us at every time we go to meditation, to consider all the principal points, that are there particularly noted: but it shall suffice to take two, or three of them, more, or less, according as the devotion, and time, that every one hath shall require. For certainly there is more profit taken by one mystery or point well thought upon, and duly considered: than by many that are slightly passed over in haste. Howbeit I thought good, to note diverse and sundry points, to the intent that among so great variety of considerations, every one might make his choice of such things, as might best serve his devotion.
OF PRAYER AND MEDITATION 