o astonishing, as to render them the objects
of the scorn and contempt of the world. It is not to draw public
approbation upon them, that He makes them instrumental in the salvation
of others; but to render them the objects of their dislike and the
subjects of their insults; as you will see in this life you have
enjoined upon me to write.

CHAPTER 2

I was born on April 18, 1648. My parents, particularly my father, was
extremely pious; but to him it was a manner hereditary. Many of his
forefathers were saints.

My mother, in the eighth month, was accidentally frightened, which
caused an abortion. It is generally imagined that a child born in that
month cannot survive. Indeed, I was so excessively ill, immediately
after my birth, that all about me despaired of my life, and were
apprehensive I should die without baptism. Perceiving some signs of
vitality, they ran to acquaint my father, who immediately brought a
priest; but on entering the chamber they were told those symptoms which
had raised their hopes were only expiring struggles, and all was over.

I had no sooner shown signs of life again, than I again relapsed, and
remained so long in an uncertain state, that it was some time before
they could find a proper opportunity to baptize me. I continued very
unhealthy until I was two and a half years old, when they sent me to
the convent of the Ursulines, where I remained a few months.

On my return, my mother neglected to pay due attention to my education.
She was not fond of daughters and abandoned me wholly to the care of
servants. Indeed, I should have suffered severely from their
inattention to me had not an all-watchful Providence been my protector:
for through my liveliness, I met with various accidents. I frequently
fell into a deep vault that held our firewood; however, I always
escaped unhurt.

The Dutchess of Montbason came to the convent of the Benedictines, when
I was about four years old. She had a great friendship for my father,
and obtained his permission that I should go to the same convent. She
took peculiar delight in my sportiveness and certain sweetness in my
external deportment. I became her constant companion.

I was guilty of frequent and dangerous irregularities in this house,
and committed serious faults. I had good examples before me, and being
naturally well inclined, I followed them, when there were none to turn
me aside. I loved to hear God spoken of, to be at church, and to be