Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ... cleansing of the inner man, and to greater increase of virtues, and the clearer enjoyment of spiritual gifts, it took hold upon and exercised me. How strongly and continually it cast me hither and thither, God and my Lord, Whom nothing secret escapes, most fully knows; for He is the Witness of all the things which were done in my heart; and up to now He looketh upon me, and knoweth that I am only a frail creature. 2. Unless then He had assisted me when I was so heavily oppressed, that I thought I could scarcely live, my soul would have dwelt in hell, as if already cast into the pit of despair. But He Who is present with the troubled in heart, pitied me. For who could endure so many temptations, but for the protection and aid of God? Of His mercy was it that I could stand before the face of that trial. It is of the gift of His goodness that I still stand. Hence I should put no trust in myself as long as I am in the flesh. Even if the sky be clear, I think not of fair weather long. For the air may suddenly be stormy, and, perhaps, when least expected. The more necessary, then, are the grace and the protection of the Beloved; the more truly I know that everything is exposed to danger. No place is safe but heaven, where my Beloved feeds His elect in joy and gladness. 3. But when shall I be there? What can I say of it? One cannot even think but little, and that not clearly concerning it; enter it one cannot. Would that He would come and place me in that bright, safe, and pleasant pasture of the elect, where Satan is not, nor any evil! I am still pressed in the sea, and whether I shall reach the harbour of salvation, because of the temptations swollen by adverse winds, I know not. I am therefore safe in nothing, but this remaineth as my shield...
