CHAPTER VII.
OF READING.
After a due preparation, followeth reading those things that are to be meditated upon; that must not be too hasty, but mature, serious, and quiet; to which the understanding must not only be attentive, to understand those things which are read, but also, and chiefly, the will; that those things which are understood, may give a spiritual gust and feeling. When he falleth upon any place which much moveth his affection, let him there pause awhile, that in his heart it may cause a greater impression. He must also beware not to spend too much time in reading, thereby to hinder meditation, it being a more fruitful exercise; for as much, as things attentively considered, pierce more inwardly and produce greater effect. If, per adventure, sometime it happeneth that the mind be so dispersed, that it cannot settle itself to prayer, then it is better to insist awhile longer in reading, or to join reading to meditation; or alter the reading of one point, to pause upon that awhile, then after the same manner to proceed to the others: although the understanding tied to certain words which are read,
