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CONTENTS.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . 1

CHAPTER I

The reason why I founded this convent in such austere observance . . . . . . . . 4
The term "austere observance" refers to the strict adherence to the original, rigorous rules of the religious order, which included practices like poverty, silence, and frequent fasting.

CHAPTER II

That the necessities of the body should be disregarded. Of the advantages of poverty . . . . . . 8

CHAPTER III

This chapter continues the subject spoken of in the first chapter. The writer exhorts the sisters constantly to beg God to protect those who labour for the Church, and concludes with an ardent appeal to God . . . 15
"Exhorts" means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something. Those who "labour for the Church" likely refers to priests and theologians defending the faith during the religious upheavals of the 16th century.

CHAPTER IV

An exhortation to obey the Rule. Three very important matters in the spiritual life. One must strive after sublime perfection in order to accomplish so great an enterprise. How to practise prayer . . . . 24
The "Rule" refers to the Carmelite Rule of Saint Albert, the foundational set of laws governing the daily life, prayer, and conduct of the nuns in the author’s convent.