CHAPTER V.
OF SIX THINGS NECESSARY TO PRAYER.
These are the exercises and meditations, Christian reader, wherewith, every day, thou mayest feed thy soul, which if thou dost rightly use, thou wilt never want matter to busy thy mind devoutly. But thou must note, that meditation, if it be well performed, ought to consist of six parts; some of which, go before, others follow, mental prayer.
First, before we apply ourselves to meditation, it is necessary, that our mind and soul be diligently prepared to this holy exercise; as these strings of an instrument, except they be before-hand well-tuned, will never make a pleasant melody.
After preparation, ought to follow the reading of some holy mystery, according to the distribution of days in the week, which in young beginners is chiefly necessary, until with continual use and custom, matter of meditation offereth itself unto their memories. Then insist upon the matter to be meditated upon. To meditation we must join devout and sincere
