Brigid of Sweden

On Precious Gems

Introduction by Ruth Meyer

Brigid of Sweden says: “"Come, daughter, and put on the crown made from seven precious stones. What, truly, is a crown, but a test of patience, which is produced from tribulations and which is adorned with crowns by God?" "Therefore, the first stone of your crown is jasper; which he has added who abusively said to you that he didn't know with what inspiration you were speaking, and it was more useful for you to carefully sew in the custom of women than to argue about scriptures. Therefore, just as jasper sharpens the sight and kindles the joy of the soul, thus God kindles joy in your heart from tribulation, illuminates the intellect toward spiritual things, and mortifies (i.e, strongly discourages) the soul from disordered impulses. ”

Original Latin