CHAPTER V. Considerations, the Second Part of Meditation.

AFTER this exercise of the imagination, we come to that of the
understanding: for meditations, properly so called, are certain
considerations by which we raise the affections to God and heavenly
things. Now meditation differs therein from study and ordinary methods
of thought which have not the Love of God or growth in holiness for
their object, but some other end, such as the acquisition of learning
or power of argument. So, when you have, as I said, limited the efforts
of your mind within due bounds,–whether by the imagination, if the
subject be material, or by propositions, if it be a spiritual
subject,–you will begin to form reflections or considerations after
the pattern of the meditations I have already sketched for you. And if
your mind finds sufficient matter, light and fruit wherein to rest in
any one consideration, dwell upon it, even as the bee, which hovers
over one flower so long as it affords honey. But if you do not find
wherewith to feed your mind, after a certain reasonable effort, then go
on to another consideration,–only be quiet and simple, and do not be
eager or hurried.
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