To these forty-nine observances, later on, were added about forty-nine more, so that we were hedged all round by them, sleeping or waking. Transgressions of these observances were “convent sins.” I have already related how my visit for a week was soon lengthened out, and I will not particularize those first and early experiences.
It was in February, 1869, that I was received into Feltham convent as a postulant. There is a form to go through when a postulant is received. The Superior asks:
What dost thou desire of us?
Postulant.—To be admitted into the house of God.
Superior.—None can enter our gates but such as seek to be the spouse of the Lamb.
Postulant.—I postulate for the habit of the heavenly espousals in the Holy Order of St. Benedict.
Superior.—Dost thou promise to obey the rules?
Postulant.—I do.
After a few more questions and answers, I was properly made a postulant, and thought myself at heaven’s gate.