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 by fasting ? If therefore you see, by the numerous experiments of which you have been witness, that I am killing myself by taking nourishment, why do you not forbid me, as you would forbid me to fast, if the fast produced a similar result ?" There could nothing be said in reply to this reasoning, and her Confessor, who saw the danger to which he was exposing her, said to her: "Henceforth act according to the inspirations of the Holy Ghost, for I perceive that God is accomplishing marvelous things in you."

Catherine suffered excessively from her parents and friends. Those who surrounded her, measured her words and deeds, not by God's rule, but by the common one, and their own; they were in the valley and wished to judge concerning what was on the summit of the mountain; they ignored principles, yet would discourse prudently concerning consequences; the brightness of the light blinded them and prevented them from appreciating colors; they disturbed themselves unreasonably and blamed the rays of that radiant star; they wished to direct her whose lessons they could not even understand; night was reproaching day for its splendor. They secretly accused her, calumniated her under an appearance of zeal, and forced, as it were, her Confessor to deviate from her way. It would be too lengthy to describe the interior trials and anguish of Catherine. Devoted to obedience and self-contempt, she knew not how to excuse herself and dared not resist the orders of her Confessor, and yet she was convinced that the will of God was opposed to that of men; but in the fear of displeasing him, she could not decide to disobey and thus scandalize the neighbor. Prayer was her refuge, and she poured out at the Saviour's blessed feet tears of melancholy hope, humbly