In the work of sanctification, specially ascribed to the Holy Ghost, we perceive fresh wonders of God’s love.  The Holy Ghost cleanses us from our sins and transforms us into children of God.  He consoles us with heavenly consolation, and leads us with His hand, conducting us to Christian perfection and to life eternal.  By considering these divine works, often and earnestly, we learn to know God, and become desirous of loving Him and serving Him faithfully.  To make progress in the knowledge of these divine things is the sacred duty of a Christian.  But in order to be saved it is not sufficient to know God; we must also know ourselves.  For this reason St. Augustine besought God:  “Let me know myself, and let me know Thee.”  We must learn to know our faults in order to correct them, and our evil inclinations so as to fight against them.  We must ascertain what virtues we are lacking in so that we may strive to acquire them.  We must understand the gravity of our sins to repent of them sincerely.  Finally, we must understand our inability to acquire merit, so that we may seek from God grace, strength, and help.

It is necessary also that we understand clearly the duties which we have to perform.

If we were profoundly impressed by the excellence of the Divine Laws, of the magnificent rewards that will be the share of those who observe the Commandments, and of the terrible chastisement awaiting the transgressor, who would ever presume to transgress these Divine Commandments?  And what is calculated to impress us with these truths if not serious reflection upon them?

The royal Prophet exclaims:  “Blessed are they that search his testimonies; that seek him with their whole heart” (Ps. cxviii, 2).

Meditation has drawn numberless sinners from the depths of sin and protected untold numbers against sin.  It is also, as St. Ignatius remarks, the shortest way to Christian perfection.  Hence St. Teresa implores those who have not yet begun this meditative prayer, to do so in the name of God, and through the love of Christ, and no longer deprive themselves of this most precious and necessary good.

Objection may be made by some that they cannot meditate, that they have not the ability to do so.  The reply is that for meditation no skill or science is required.  When you reflect upon an article of faith, upon a commandment of God, upon sin or virtue, upon God, your duties, and then awaken acts of faith, hope and charity, contrition, and thanksgiving, followed by resolutions of amendment, petitions to God for His grace and assistance to keep these resolutions, you have made a very good meditation.  This much any one can do.