piety from the Spanish language into English; and when we take into account that his translation was made upwards of two centuries ago, and under adverse circumstances, it is not surprising that it should require extensive revision. In revising it, however, it has been the object of the editors to retain the general features of the original, which, though antiquated in style, will not, it is presumed, be found ill-suited to matter of so serious and weighty moment. The corrections are chiefly those of spelling and punctuation, with occasional omission and alteration of words either obsolete or redundant, or not fully expressive of the authors meaning.
The references to the Fathers have been carefully noted in the text, and the scriptural quotations verified and corrected. Moreover, pains have been taken to make the divisions of the meditations clear, by the use of a notation, according to which, the principal and subordinate members are distinguishable at first glance; while, to assist the memory, the significative words have been marked by the use of italics.
Although the editors have used their humble endeavours in preparing the present reprint, they are far from considering it free from imperfections. These, however, it is hoped, will be no bar to the attainment of the one object they had in view; — that of supplying those souls which " hunger and thirst after justice," [1]
- ↑ Matt. v. 6.
