Used book – The Interior Castle, or, The Mansions, Saint Teresa of Ávila

"The one who ordered me to write this told me that the Sisters of our monasteries of Our Lady of Mount Carmel need some difficulties concerning prayer to be explained to them; he thought they would better understand the language of a woman, and that, given their love for me, my words would be more effective for them than others; he is convinced that this writing will be of some importance to them if I succeed in my explanation. That is why I address it to them; besides, it would seem foolish to imagine that it could be useful to other people. Our Lord will grant me a great grace if any of my daughters profit from it to praise Him a little more, and His Majesty well knows that this is my sole desire. It is very clear, moreover, that, if I succeed in saying something good, they will understand that it does not come from me; there is indeed no reason to think so; otherwise, they would not have more intelligence than I myself have aptitude for such subjects, unless the Lord in His mercy deigns to grant it to me."