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"There is no peace to be compared with that of the souls in
purgatory, save that of the saints in paradise, and this peace is
ever augmented by the inflowing of God into these souls, which
increases in proportion as the impediments to it are removed. The
rust of sin is the impediment, and this the fire continually
consumes, so that the soul in this state is continually opening
itself to admit the divine communication.
"As a covered surface can never reflect the sun, not through any
defect in that orb, but simply from the resistance offered by the
covering, so, if the covering be gradually removed, the surface
will by little and little be opened to the sun and will more and
more reflect his light.
"So it is with the rust of sin, which is the covering of the soul.
In purgatory the flames incessantly consume it, and as it
disappears, the soul reflects more and more perfectly the true sun
who is God. Its contentment increases as this rust wears away, and
the soul is laid bare to the divine ray, and thus one increases
and the other decreases until the time is accomplished. The pain
never diminishes, although the time does, but as to the will, so
united is it to God by pure charity, and so satisfied to be under
his divine appointment, that these souls can never say their pains
are pains.
"On the other hand, it is true that they suffer torments which no
tongue can describe nor any intelligence comprehend, unless it be
revealed by such a special grace as that which God has vouchsafed
to me, but which I am unable to explain. And this vision which God
revealed to me has never departed from my memory. I will describe
it as far as I am able, and they whose intellects our Lord will
deign to open will understand me.
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