Letter (number unidentified). To Doña Juana de Ahumada, Alba, Convent of the Incarnation, Avila, 1572

Patience in trials.

JESUS! May God be with you!

AS the muleteer who has come for this letter is anxious to start, there is not time to sav much. Remember, my Señora, those who wish to be saved must bear trials of one kind or another, and God does not leave the choice to us. Perhaps He sends you light crosses because you are weak. I understand better what you are going through from outside as best they could. Consequently many of them were in very hard straits, and the Saint made an allowance of a ira/ a week to those in the greatest need.

■ In her will, Don Lorenzo's wife left 300 pesos to each of her nieces, Leonor and Juana.

than you can tell me or can explain in a letter, so I pray earnestly for you and I feel that I love you more than ever, though I always loved you very dearlv. Another letter from me will reach you. I do not think you are more faulty than before, although you fancy so. At least, I ask you to go to confession often, for love of God and of me — and may He be with you ! Amen. Señor de O valle will tell you the rest; he stayed a very short time.

Let me have the turkeys as you have so many. Your unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus.