styles God the living God, because that agitation, that trembling which comes from him, purifies man, instead of putting him to death.
After that wonderful exchange of hearts, Catherine appeared to herself to have undergone an amazing change: " Father, " said she to her Confessor, "do you not perceive that I am no longer the same: I am completely changed: Oh ! did you but know what I experience I No, — certainly, if it were comprehended what passes within my soul, there would be no harshness nor pride that could resist it. All that I can say falls short of reality." She sought however to give an idea: "My soul" said she, "is so inebriated with joy and delight, that I am astonished that it remains in my body. Its ardor is so great, that external fire is as naught in comparison with it; it seems to me that I should find refreshment in that. And this ardor operates in me such a renovation of purity and humility, that I feel as though I had returned to my fourth year of age. The love of the neighbor also augments in me to such a degree, that it would be my greatest pleasure to die for any one." All this she told her Confessor in secret, and concealed it as far as possible from others. These confidential interviews display the abundance of grace that the Lord poured into the soul of his servant. If I were to extend the subject, I should fill volumes; but I limit myself to citing some facts which prove more evidently the sanctity of Catherine. Among these facts, I cannot pass in silence the admirable visions which she received from Heaven. One day the King of kings and the Queen his Mother, appeared to her with St. Mary Magdalen, to console and fortify her. Our Lord said to her: "What wilt thou, which wilt thou choose, thine or mine ?"
