The Purpose of Divine Favors — The Interior Castle

In her epilogue Teresa admits she felt reluctant to begin this book but is now glad it is finished, hoping the labour consoles enclosed sisters who have little recreation. She offers the interior castle as a refuge they may enter and walk at will without asking leave, though no soul can force entry into the higher mansions unless the Lord of the castle admits them. She counsels against violence when obstacles appear, since that displeases God; humility is the beloved virtue, and souls who think themselves unworthy of the third mansion may be granted the fifth all the sooner. Service to the prioress is service to Christ Himself, and even frequent absences for community duty find the door held open on return.

Though she named seven mansions, each contains countless rooms, gardens, fountains, and labyrinths meant to lead the soul to praise the God who made it to His image. Whatever helps readers know God better comes from His Majesty; whatever is amiss is Teresa's own. She begs prayers for the Church, for Lutherans, for pardon of her sins, and submits all to the holy Catholic Roman Church.

She records that she finished writing in the convent of St. Joseph of Avila in 1577 on the Vigil of St. Andrew, for the glory of God who lives and reigns forever.