Introductory

Of the preliminary combats of a beginner

Of a supernatural rapture which befell him

How he spiritually espoused the Eternal Wisdom

How he inscribed upon his heart the gracious Name of Jesus

Of the foretaste of divine consolations, with which God sometimes allures beginners

How one, who had begun well, was drawn onwards in his search after divine consolation

Of certain visions

Of the way in which he went to table

How he began the New Year

Of the words Sursum corda

How he kept the feast of Candlemas

How he spent the Carnival time

How he began the month of May

Of the sorrowful way of the Cross, which he made with Christ when He was being led forth to death

Of the useful virtue called silence

Of the chastisement of his body

Of the sharp cross which he bore upon his back

Of his bed

How he broke himself from drink

How he was directed to the rational school, in which the art of true detachment is taught

How painful it is to die interiorly

Of interior sufferings

How he went forth to succour and to save his neighbour

Concerning manifold sufferings

Of the great suffering which befell him through his sister

Of a grievous suffering which befell him through a companion

Of a murderer

Of perils by water

Of a short interval of rest which God once granted him

How he once entered into a loving account with God

How his sufferings once brought him nigh to death

How a man should offer up his sufferings to the praise and glory of God

Of the joys with which God recompenses in this present life those who suffer for Him

Of the Servitor’s spiritual daughter

Of the first beginnings of a beginner

Of the first lessons and examples which are suitable for a beginner, and how he should regulate his exercises with discretion

Of certain devout practices of a young be ginner in his early years

How he drew light-minded persons to God, and comforted those who were in suffering

Of a grievous suffering which befell him while thus occupied

Of interior sufferings

What sufferings are the most useful to men, and bring most glory to God?

How he drew certain hearts from earthly love to the love of God

How God multiplied drink for His friends

Of certain sufferers, who were attached to the Servitor by special ties of friend ship and affection

How Christ appeared to him under the form of a Seraph, and taught him how to suffer

How steadfastly he must fight who would win the spiritual prize

How the Servitor’s face was once seen to shine with light while he was preaching

Of the lovely Name of Jesus

A good distinction between a true and false use of reason noticeable in certain persons

How to distinguish between a well-ordered reason and one which is all flowers and glitter

A good distinction between true and false detachment

Maxims, conformable to right reason, for the guidance of an exterior man into his interior

Of the high questions which the well-exercised daughter put to her spiritual father

An explanation where and how God is

Of the very highest flight of a soul experienced in the ways of God

The conclusion of the contents of this book in a few simple words