the mystical temple of god 594 as to what she should do when she was stirred internally to make her way immediately, directly to the wilderness to cleanse and emend the stains of her youth: nor others too, seized by the same spirit, asked anyone whether they should reform themselves. The spirit which draws us back from vice to virtue, from evil to good, from sin to penitence, does not need to be examined. For hellish powers never are wont to advise such things. The man whom eternal wisdom teaches, and at the same time moves to action, does not wait for an adviser. Indeed it is at times dangerous to reveal oneself, especially to many, who do not fear [God], or are afflicted by envy or some hidden mental distress. And yet I would not oppose revealing oneself, which is not only useful, but also necessary, yet it should be done to the kind of persons to whom is granted discernment of spirits; who not only know what comes forth from God but are also willing to help those who are being led along such a way. Let the Virgin Teresa (never praised enough) be an example, and yet what different opinions even learned and devout men entertained about her heroic daring deeds and seraphic spirit! Some believed her to be deluded, others obsessed, others mad; very few approved her undertaking, and only after it obtained [good] results. Of course, from results all easily discern good things from evil things, but before results only a very few are either able or dare to affirm something in a matter, unless they have received this gift in a singular manner from God. A simple soul, trusting in God, humble, attending to nothing except to what pleases God, will not stray on this path. We call the written rule of the divine will that which has been laid down for us in its Evangelical precepts, counsels, and teachings, in the laws and instructions, and in statutes and rites, and in the universally accepted customs of the Church, and then in civil laws that are in accord with justice, and not in opposition to religion, to spiritual integrity and dignity. I add the rules of religious Orders and various societies and others of the same kind, especially those approved by the authority of the most Holy Apostolic See. Whoever submits his will to these out of his love of God, not
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