Chapter II. Of the subject-matter of meditation

Having seen what fruit may come of Prayer and Meditation, let us now see what are the things on which we should meditate. To which the answer is, that inasmuch as this holy exercise is ordained to create in our hearts the love and fear of God, and to Jead us to keep His Commandments, the most fitting subject for this exercise will be that which should most surely lead to the end proposed. And although it be true that all created things, whether earthly or heavenly, may move us to this, yet, generally speaking, the mysteries of our Faith which are contained in the Creed, are the most efficacious, and profitable. For here are treated the subjects of the Divine blessings, the last Judgment, the pains of hell, and the glory of Paradise, which are the most powerful stimulants to move our hearts to the love and fear of God; and in it are treated also the Life and Passion of our Saviour Christ, in which consists all our good. These two subjects especially are treated of in the Creed, and are those on which we for the most part make our Meditations. And therefore, with much reason it is said, that the Creed is the most fitting subject for this holy exercise, although at the same time, there may be with every one some subject which might more especially move his heart to the love and fear of God.

Agreeably, then, with this, in order to help on the young who are now entering upon this path, to whom we should give food which has been, as it were, already digested, I will now briefly set forth two kinds of Meditation for all the days of the week. Taken, for the most part, from the mysteries of our Faith, some are for the evening, and some for the morning; so that, as we give our bodies their two meals each day, so should we give our souls, whose food is Meditation and the consideration of things Divine. Of these Meditations, some are. upon the mysteries of the Sacred Passion and Resurrection of Christ, and some upon the other mysteries of which I have spoken. Those who have not time to make such retirement twice in the day, will, at least, be able to meditate one week upon the former mysteries, and another week upon the latter. Or, they may confine themselves entirely to those on the Passion and Life of Jesus Christ, which are the principal ones ; although it would not be well, in the beginning of the soul's conversion, to omit the others, seeing that they are especially suitable at such time when the fear of God and detestation of our sins are to be chiefly desired.