Chapter XIV

Treats of the great importance of not professing any one of a spirit contrary to the qualifications here described.¹

1. Qualifications requisite for a Carmelite nun. 2. On admitting novices to profession. 3. Responsibility of admitting novices.

1. I believe that God gives great grace to any one who is resolved to do right, therefore you must examine into what is the intention of a person entering the convent. She must not come here to find a home, as often happens nowadays, although if she has good sense our Lord may perfect even this intention. If she is wanting in sense, on no account receive her, for she will not know why she enters nor will her Superiors ever be able to teach her afterwards. As a rule, those who are defective in this way think they know, better than the wisest, what is good for them. I believe this ill is incurable, for it is seldom without some malice. Among a number of religious and in a large convent it may be borne with, but in our small community it would be intolerable. Good sense, when it once begins to see what is right, clings firmly to it, convinced that this is the safest course, and although this may not lead to great spirituality, still such a person is useful when practical advice is required and in many other ways, and is not a burden to any one, but rather a help by her cheerfulness. However, I cannot see of what service in a community a person wanting in sense can be, though she may do much harm.² This defect, and the others I spoke of,³ are not known at first, for many people speak well and understand ill, while others' speech is short and unpolished but they are at home with God. They are simple, holy souls who know little of this world's work and manners, but are apt for prayer.⁴ Therefore inquiries must be made before receiving a novice, and a long probation given her before her profession. If the world once understands that you are free to send away new-comers (as there is often good reason for doing in a convent where austerities are practised), no one will feel offended by your doing so.

2. I say this because these times are so disastrous and our weakness is so great that the rules of past generations do not suffice to make us disregard all pretences about dignity; that is, that we must not, because of a consideration for the feelings of a novice's relations or for fear of giving some slight offence, allow the former good customs of the convent to be forgotten. God grant that those who receive unsuitable candidates may not suffer for it in the next world! there is always some slight pretext for thinking we may admit them, though in a case of such importance no excuse is valid.

3. I believe that when the Prioress is uninfluenced by affection or prejudice, and only seeks the welfare of the house, God will not permit her to fall into error. When, however, she is swayed by regard for other people's feelings or the demands of etiquette, she will be sure to make some mistake. Each one of us must consider the matter for herself and pray about it and must encourage the Prioress when she feels misgivings. The affair is of the utmost consequence, therefore I beg God to enlighten the nuns about it. You do well in taking no dowries: it sometimes happens that, for the sake of not repaying money which they have not in hand, religious keep in their house a thief who robs them of their treasure, to their great misfortune. Never receive dowries in this convent, for what seems a gain will prove to be a great loss.⁵