Chapter 1 — - Of the reason which moved me to found this convent in such strict
observance CHAPTER 2 -- Treats of how the necessities of the body should be disregarded and of the
good that comes from poverty CHAPTER 3 -- Continues the subject begun in the first chapter and persuades the sisters
to busy themselves constantly in beseeching God to help those who work for the Church. Ends with an exclamatory prayer CHAPTER 4 -- Exhorts the nuns to keep their Rule and names three things which are
important for the spiritual life. Describes the first of these three things, which is love of one's neighbour, and speaks of the harm which can be done by individual friendships APPENDIX TO CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 -- Continues speaking of confessors. Explains why it is important that they
should be learned men CHAPTER 6 -- Returns to the subject of perfect love, already begun CHAPTER 7 -- Treats of the same subject of spiritual love and gives certain counsels for
gaining it CHAPTER 8 -- Treats of the great benefit of self-detachment, both interior and exterior,
from all things created CHAPTER 9 -- Treats of the great blessing that shunning their relatives brings to those
who have left the world and shows how by doing so they will find truer friends CHAPTER 10 -- Teaches that detachment from the things aforementioned is insufficient if
we are not detached from our own selves and that this virtue and humility go together CHAPTER 11 -- Continues to treat of mortification and describes how it may be attained
in times of sickness CHAPTER 12 -- Teaches that the true lover of God must care little for life and honour CHAPTER 13 -- Continues to treat of mortification and explains how one must renounce
the world's standards of wisdom in order to attain to true wisdom CHAPTER 14 -- Treats of the great importance of not professing anyone whose spirit is
contrary to the things aforementioned CHAPTER 15 -- Treats of the great advantage which comes from our not excusing
ourselves, even though we find we are unjustly condemned CHAPTER 16 -- Describes the difference between perfection in the lives of contemplatives
and in the lives of those who are content with mental prayer. Explains how it is sometimes possible for God to raise a distracted soul to perfect contemplation and the reason for this. This chapter and that which comes next are to be noted carefully