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6 INTRODUCTION
Lord, who is so even and equable in all his works, inspired
them with a new energy in pressing their continual ex
hortations and commands. Yet on the other hand, the
envy and malice of the ancient serpent maligned all that
I did or was moved to undertake. He raised up against
me tormenting and alluring temptations, by which he
sometimes sought to inspire me with his own boundless
pride. At others, and very often, he sought to cast me
down to deepest dejection and involve me in darkest
and most disorderly fears, increasing his efforts as this
history progressed, and especially as it was coming to
a close. This enemy also availed himself of the judgment
of some persons, who justly could claim my respect and
who would not further this work. He caused also dis
turbances among the religious under my charge. It
seemed to me that I had no time to spare and was obliged
to attend to the welfare of the community, as the most
important duty of a superioress. With all these molesta
tions I came to no such interior peace, as is necessary
for and befitting the actual enlightenment and intelli
gence concerning the mysteries to be treated of. For this
light cannot be perceived, nor is it properly communi
cated, amid the spiritual storms of temptation, but will
shine only in the peace and serenity of the soul s fac
ulties.
5. Afflicted and harassed by such a variety of tempta
tions, I ceased not in my clamors. On one day in par
Lord and Good
ticular I spoke to the Lord: "Highest
of my soul, to thy wisdom are not concealed my sighs
and my desire to please Thee and to avoid errors in
thy service (Ps. 37, 10). Lovingly I lament in thy
royal presence; for, either Thou commandest me, O
Lord, what I cannot fulfill, or Thou permittest thy and
my enemies to hinder by their malice what Thou com-
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