CHAPTER IV. The Third Point of Preparation, representing the Mystery to be
meditated to Your Imagination.

FOLLOWING upon these two ordinary points, there ere is a third, which
is not necessary to all meditation, called by some the local
representation, and by others the interior picture. It is simply
kindling a vivid picture of the mystery to be meditated within your
imagination, even as though you were actually beholding it. For
instance, if you wish to meditate upon our Lord on His Cross, you will
place yourself in imagination on Mount Calvary, as though you saw and
heard all that occurred there during the Passion; or you can imagine to
yourself all that the Evangelists describe as taking place where you
are. In the same way, when you meditate upon death, bring the
circumstances that will attend your own vividly to mind, and so of
hell, or any subjects which involve visible, tangible circumstances.
When it is a question of such mysteries as God’s Greatness, His
Attributes, the end of our creation, or other invisible things, you
cannot make this use of your imagination. At most you may employ
certain comparisons and similitudes, but these are not always
opportune, and I would have you follow a very simple method, and not
weary your mind with striving after new inventions. Still, often this
use of the imagination tends to concentrate the mind on the mystery we
wish to meditate, and to prevent our thoughts from wandering hither and
thither, just as when you shut a bird within a cage, or fasten a hawk
by its lures. Some people will tell you that it is better to confine
yourself to mere abstract thought, and a simple mental and spiritual
consideration of these mysteries, but this is too difficult for
beginners; and until God calls you up higher, I would advise you, my
daughter, to abide contentedly in the lowly valley I have pointed out.
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