3. Of her strong purpose in the state of virginity

Having passed the years of infancy, when she was now advancing in the age of girlhood, she was endowed with such beauty of body and quickness of mind and other gifts of nature bestowed on her by God, that when she was twelve years old she was sought by many in marriage. To the which her father ex horted her; the mother would by no means agree because of her ignorance and youth, but rather dissuading, asked him not to disturb her. Then she with constancy answered her father, that he ST. LYDWINE of SCHIEDAM would never induce her to this ; yea, that if there were no other means of escape she would treat herself in such wise that no one would seek her in wedlock. Wherefore she daily besought the Lord that He would take all harmful and fleshly love away from her heart, that she might be able to love Him alone, her God and Lord, with pure heart and body. Whose prayers and desires the loving and merciful Lord heard without delay, Who had chosen her from eternity a spouse unto Himself; and providing by a wondrous dispensation, He accom plished her will in much bodily suffering, according to that saying of His holy word. " Every branch that beareth fruit My Father will purge it ; that it may bring forth more fruit" (John xv 2). For the earth was good, producing the flowers of modesty ; but lest the vanities of the world or the delights of the flesh should violate the seal of virginity, Christ hedged it round with thorns and most grievous pains, that it might not be fit for any nuptial bed.