of the present as though almost eternal. They bring to mind the esteem one has in the world, one’s friends and relatives, one’s health (when there’s thought of penitential practices, for the soul that enters this dwelling place always begins wanting to practice some penance) and a thousand other obstacles. 4. O Jesus, what an uproar the devils instigate here! And the afflictions of the poor soul: It doesn’t know whether to continue or to return to the first room. Reason, for its part, shows the soul