⚠Strong bleed-through from the reverse side of the leaf; only the foreground text has been transcribed.

xix

TO ALL BELOVED IN CHRIST

Original Latin: "Omnibus in Christo dilectis." This is a standard greeting in medieval manuscripts, marking the beginning of a prologue or a formal address to the readers.

To the honor of God and of those who are

made free by God; and to the benefit of those who

are not, who yet shall be, if God wills.

Original Middle English: "To the worship of God and of tham that be made free of God; and to the profite of tham that ne bene, that yet schall be, and God wille." This epigraph serves as a dedication, offering the book to both the spiritually advanced and those still seeking progress.

Mirror.

A shortened reference to the title of the work, The Mirror of Simple Souls, a mystical treatise originally written by Marguerite Porete.

CHAPTER	PAGE
2. How the feeling of tender love that the soul experiences in the spiritual life Original: "life of spirit." A stage of spiritual development characterized by intense internal feelings and devotion.—which she believes Original: "weeneth." is found in God—is actually within herself; and regarding the benefit of knowing nothing Original: "naught witting." A state of mystical humility where the soul abandons its own intellectual efforts to be fully available to God's wisdom..	287

CHAPTER

PAGE

2. How the feeling of tender love that the soul experiences in the spiritual life Original: "life of spirit." A stage of spiritual development characterized by intense internal feelings and devotion.—which she believes Original: "weeneth." is found in God—is actually within herself; and regarding the benefit of knowing nothing Original: "naught witting." A state of mystical humility where the soul abandons its own intellectual efforts to be fully available to God's wisdom..

287

DIVISION XX

CHAPTER	PAGE
1. How this soul is at her highest perfection when Holy Church In this mystical tradition, the author often distinguishes between the "Little Church" (the visible institution governed by reason) and the "Great Church" (souls unified with Divine Love). takes no example Original: "ensample." from her. And what Holy Church is. And regarding three things that cause this soul to have no fear.	290
2. Regarding the worthiness of the goodness Original: "bounty." Referring to the infinite generosity and excellence of God's nature. of God, and regarding the union that is made between God and this soul.	292
Notes	299

The mirror of simple souls

TO ALL BELOVED IN CHRIST

CONTENTS

DIVISION XX