Letter 21. To Diego de San Pedro de la Palma, at Toledo, Toledo, July 15, 1570

On his two daughters taking the habit.

JESUS ! May the Holy Ghost be with you !

KNOWING that your daughters, who are our sisters, have long wished for the holy habit of our Lady, and that you were not opposed to it, I have to-day decided to give it to them because of their fervour and devotion in asking for it. I feel assured that it will be for our Lord's glory.

For charity's sake, I entreat you to agree to it and to consider what a favour His Majesty has shown you by giving you two daughters whom He chooses for His brides. They are overjoyed, their only anxiety being lest their parents should be grieved. For the love of our Lord, do nothing to trouble souls so well-fitted for the religious state. They will be a comfort to both of you in their convent — more so, perhaps, than they would have been elsewhere, and you may count upon all the members of this community as your servants and bedeswomen. May our Lord ever be with your soul and have you in His keeping ! Amen. Your unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.