well in the presence of God: whither I of∣fered vnto him this Action in Spirit, and what puritye of Intention I had therein, with such like: being very sorrowfull for any defect that I shall finde, and purposing from that time for∣warde to amende it.
2. Secondly, I am to examine whither I were attentiue, or distracted: whither deuoute, or drye: whither I contented myselfe with discour∣sing onely (for that were no Praier, but studye) or whither I had good affections, and purposes: whither I begged of God, and spake vnto him in my Colloquies with reuerence, and confidence, or without it. And if I finde that it hath gonne well with mee in all. I will giue thankes to God for it, attributing this good successe not to my diligence, but to his grace, and mercye. But if I finde that it hath gonne ill with mee, I will examine the cause whither it were any fault of mine, or any passion, or disordered Affection, or any negligence, or remissenesse: and being sorrie for my fault I will purpose to amende with determination to mortify my selfe, and to remooue away the cause of this harme.
3. Thirdly, I am to examine the motions, and Inspirations, or Illuminations, and spirituall Taste that I haue felt, marking well what effectes they haue wrought in mee, to knowe whither they spring from a good Spirit, or not, and to gaine experience that may helpe mee to knowe the Variety of Spirits. To which ende it will helpe much to knowe the rules that are prescribed for this, of which wee shall set downe many in the discourse of these meditations.
4. Fourthly, I am to examine the Resolutions that I made in Praier, to see when, and how I am to put them in execution: and generally, I am to