Chap. XIII. Certain directions concerning the meditations ensuing.
1. For the better use of the meditations ensuing I premise that there may be divers ends in the reading of them, as there were in the writing of them.
i. The first end is to employ some little time in that most noble and profitable exercise which we call spiritual reading, in which (as the holy Fathers say) [1] God speaks to the heart the same that is in the book, illustrating the understanding with the light of the truths written in it, and in kindling the will with the fire of other like affections. And for this cause in some meditations I enlarge myself somewhat, mixing certain admonitions and rules of perfection concerning the vices or virtues of which I treat in them, that they who read them to this end may learn also this science of the spirit. But they must read them with attention and repose, ruminating and pondering what they read with inward feeling of it, so that with their reading they join some manner of meditation, first beseeching our Lord to illuminate them, and to speak to their hearts the words of that book, saying with Samuel, " Speak, Lord! for Thy servant heareth." [2]
ii. The second principal end of reading these meditations is, to recollect matter of prayer and contemplation, retired and alone by oneself with our Lord. For (as St. Bernard says) 3 reading disposes and aids meditation, which, without it, or something equivalent, is wont to be straying, wandering and distracted. And in such cases they are only to read those points that serve them for meditation in their hour assigned. And because sometimes one point is large,
