Letter (number unidentified). To the Saint's Sister, Juana de Ahumada, at Alba de Tormes, Toledo, October 19, 1569

Announces the return to Spain of their brother Lorenzo. Encourages her in her trials.

JESUS! May the Holy Spirit be with you!

I AM forwarding some money to Avila in order that this messenger may be sent on to you, as you cannot fail to be delighted at the news in these letters. I trust God that my brother's return may be some help, indeed a great help, in your trials. His intentions are so holy that they must needs result in much good and I would rather see my brother living peacefully at home than holding offices to-day from which he might be dismissed to-morrow/ Thank God Who has brought this about! I assure you that I was particularly pleased on account of you and Señor Juan de Ovalle. My letters have evidently had some eifed:, although yours have had slight influence.

I wrote to little Gonsalvo ' by the inquisitor Soto but do not know whether the letter was given him as I received no answer. Do you not both see how God is working through Lorenzo de Cepeda, who seems to me to care more for assuring his children's salvation than for amassing a fortune? O Jesus ! How much I owe Thee and in how many ways, yet how little I serve Thee ! Nothing so delights me as that the brothers whom I dearly love have light to seek the better part. Did I not tell you to leave all to our Lord for He would care for it? And I repeat it now — place your interests in His hand and He will do what is best for us. I will say no more, for it is late and I have written much to-day. I am delighted at thinking how happv you will be. God grant us happiness where it is lasting for it is always deceptive in this life ! I am well and in great haste to buy the house:' the prospeóls of success

-Lorenzo had been successively regidor, royal treasurer, lieutenant-governor, captain-general, and alcalde of Quito.

are favourable. Remember me to Beatriz. To-day is Od:ober 19.

Yours,

Teresa de Jesus. I opened the enclosed letter from my brother to you — that is, I was on the point of opening it but felt a scruple. If it contains anything omitted in mine, let me know.