Chapter IV
Of A Relaxation Of Fervor, Which God Permitted In Order To Augment Her Grace, And Of The Great Patience Of Catharine In Supporting Persecutions For The Love Of Jesus Christ.
The increated Wisdom, which governs all things, sometimes permits the fall of his Saints, so that they may afterwards arise and serve him with much greater ardor, and tend with greater prudence towards perfection, and gain more splendid victories over the enemies of their salvation.
When Catharine, who had consecrated her virginity to God, had attained the age of twelve years, she never left the paternal roof alone, according to the usage established for all unmarried females. Her father, mother and brothers, who were ignorant of her solemn promise, thought of finding her a suitable partner. Her mother who desired for her a husband worthy of her merit, and who knew not that she had already selected a spouse far above all human alliances, took great pains in adorning her interesting daughter; she caused her to have her hair dressed, and her head covered with ornaments, while her neck, face and arms were attempted to be displayed in a manner calculated to please such as might ask her hand in marriage. Catharine entertained other thoughts, but she concealed them from her parents, fearing to afflict them; she submitted unwillingly to the wishes of her mother, seeking to please God rather than men. Lapa was pained at the opposition she could not help observing; she summoned to her aid her married daughter
