Saint Theresa compares the soul to a castle, of which prayer is the gate, and in the principal court of which God dwells, or seeks to dwell. God says to the owner of this castle, give me thy heart. As there are many who go round the walls, without entering into the castle, so there are many Christians who never enter into themselves, nor look into their own souls, nor search how it is with them. They are not residents in their own castles, and know little or nothing of what passes in them. As in a well kept and occupied castle, there would be a discipline observed, essential to order and safety, so it will be with a true Christian as to the keeping of his soul. As faith might have her residence within the embattled courts of nobles, and sacred services kept up, and holy lessons taught and heard, and acted on, so assuredly will it be with the soul of a true servant of God. He keeps his soul for God his Saviour, as the loyal and true-hearted nobleman kept his castle for his sovereign. Saint Theresa was first led to those thoughts of that perfect surrender to God, which marked her character and life, by observing her own uncle in his castle, dividing bis time in prayer, holy reading, and the occupations of rural life. He kept the castle of his own soul with diligence. So may you, employing all care, minister in your faith, virtue, and in virtue, knowledge, and in knowledge, abstinence; and in abstinence, patience; and in patience, godliness; and in godliness, love of brotherhood, and in love of brotherhood, charity; for if these things be in you and abound, they will make you to be neither empty nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp