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CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XI

PAGE

Continues to treat of mortification and explains how to gain it during illness. How little this life should be valued by one who truly loves God . . . . . . . 69
"Mortification" refers to the spiritual practice of "dying to oneself." It involves disciplining the body’s desires and the ego’s demands—such as by staying patient and cheerful during a painful illness—to focus entirely on God rather than one's own comfort.

CHAPTER XII

That one who truly loves God must care little for life or honour. That one who seeks after perfection must despise honours . . . . . . . . . 73
In this context, "perfection" refers to "Christian perfection"—a state of spiritual maturity where a person is fully surrendered to God’s will and motivated by pure love.

CHAPTER XIII

Continues the subject of mortification: that a nun must avoid the touchiness and wisdom of the world, in order to attain true wisdom . . . . . . . 80
The "wisdom of the world" refers to being overly concerned with one's social status, reputation, or "common sense" that prioritizes self-interest over the radical humility required in the convent.

CHAPTER XIV

Treats of the great importance of not professing any one of a spirit contrary to the qualifications here described . . . . 87
To "profess" is the formal act of a sister taking her final, permanent vows to join the religious order. The author warns that admitting someone who lacks the proper temperament or spiritual focus can harm the entire community.

CHAPTER XV

The great advantage of not excusing ourselves even when unjustly blamed . . . . . . . . 90
This refers to the practice of "silent humility," where a person accepts a correction or even a false accusation without arguing, as a way to imitate the humility of Christ.

CHAPTER XVI

The game of Chess . . . . . . . . 91
The author uses chess as a famous metaphor for the spiritual life. She explains that just as a player uses strategy to "checkmate" the King, the soul uses virtues and prayer to "win over" the Lord and achieve union with Him.