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THE FIRST MANSIONS. CHAPTER II. THE SAINT SHOWS HOW DEFORMED A SOUL IN MORTAL SIN IS, AND SPEAKS OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF OURSELVES, ETC. “[1. Effects of mortal sin.] BEFORE going further, I wish you to consider the state to which mortal sin brings this magnificent and beautiful castle, this pearl of the East, this tree of life, planted beside the living waters of life which symbolize God Himself. No night can be so dark, no gloom nor blackness can compare to its obscurity. Suffice it to say that the Sun in the center of the soul, which gave it such splendor and beauty, is totally eclipsed, though the spirit is as fitted to enjoy God’s presence as is the crystal to reflect the Sun. [2. It prevents the soul’s gaining merit.] While the soul is in mortal sin, nothing can profit it; none of its good works merit an eternal reward, since they do not proceed from God as their first principle, and by Him alone is our virtue real virtue. The soul separated from Him is no longer pleasing in His eyes, because by committing a mortal sin, instead of seeking to please God, it prefers to gratify the devil, the prince of darkness, and so comes to share his blackness. I knew a person to whom our Lord revealed the result of a mortal sin and who said she thought no one who realized its effects could ever commit it, but would suffer unimaginable torments to avoid it. This vision made her very desirous for all to grasp this truth; therefore, I beg you, my daughters, to pray fervently to God for sinners, who live in blindness and do deeds of darkness. […][4. Disorder of the soul in mortal sin.] O souls, redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ, take these things to heart; have mercy on yourselves! If you realize your pitiable condition, how can you refrain from trying to remove the darkness from the crystal of your souls? Remember, if death should take you now, you would never again enjoy the light of this Sun. […][5. Vision of a sinful soul.] She realized this so vividly that on seeing any good deed performed by herself or by other people, she at once turned to God as to its fountain head— without whose help she knew well we can do nothing— and broke out into songs of praise to Him. Generally, she forgot all about herself and only thought of God when she did any meritorious action. […] [8. Beauty of the Castle.] Now let us turn at last to our castle with its many mansions. You must not think of a suite of rooms placed in succession, but fix your eyes on the keep, the court inhabited by the King. […]”
