TO THE READER

Since it has been observed that the edition of this Book was entirely sold out The original French "debitée" indicates that the previous printing had been fully distributed or purchased by the public., it has been deemed appropriate to reprint it exactly as it was given by its illustrious and pious Translator This likely refers to Robert Arnauld d'Andilly (1589–1674), a prominent French writer whose translations of Saint Teresa were widely celebrated for their elegance and clarity., so that the Public may not be deprived of such an excellent guide for the spiritual life.

It would be useless to further recommend this Treatise. All those who have any sense of piety will not be able to read it without esteeming it. And they will be truly happy if, in imitation of this admirable Saint Saint Teresa of Avila who drew these thoughts more from her heart than from her mind original: "esprit." In this period, "heart" signifies the seat of divine love and sincere devotion, while "mind" or "spirit" refers to intellectual curiosity or academic study., they use them more to nourish their piety than to enlighten their soul; and if they take even more care to practice them than to read them.