Page:Goldentreatiseof00pete.djvu/170

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CHAPTER VIII.

OF MEDITATION.

After reading, followeth meditation, which is sometimes of such things as can be represented to our imagination; as the ]i(e and passion of our Blessed Saviour; the latter-judgment; hell; and the kingdom of heaven. Sometimes of such things as are subject rather to the understanding than imagination; as the consideration of Almighty God's benefits, his bounty, clemency, and other perfections which are in God.

These meditations are called, the one intellectual, the other imaginary. Both which, in these exercises, are to be used after a different manner, as occasion requireth. When the meditation is imaginary, so that the thing meditated upon hath, or ever had, any actual existence or being, we must so frame and represent it to our fancy, as though we were present in the same place, and saw with our eyes those things which were there done. This representation will make the consideration of these things more vivacious, and cause a greater impression in our souls; for if our imagination can comprehend whole cities and countries, with less difficulty can it comprehend one mys-