Letter (number unidentified). To Mateo de las Peñuelas, Steward of the Incarnation at Avila, Segovia, towards the end of September, 1574

The Saint' s distress at the poverty of the convent of the Incarnation. Message to Don Francisco de Salcedo.

JESUS! May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with you!

YOUR letter gave me great pleasure, but that was your sole objed: in writing it. God reward you for your kindness and for all you tell me!

For several days I have been rapt from all remembrance of my own existence, far more from any care about food, yet whenever I returned to myself, I assure you that I felt more distressed at the needy state of the sisters at the Incarnation than when I was actually there. I cannot understand your saying that I inspire you with courage, when it was you who encouraged all of us, as I beg you to do now.

I am extremely sorry that the nuns are beginning to use the money set aside for buying bread. I had no other funds except the price of whatever was sold, and I fear that what is gained on the one hand will be lost on the other. I sent to say that they were to purchase bread with the profits coming from the sale. I could not, without changing my nature, have brought myself to colled: money from them to take away with me. After all, I trust God that we shall not come to want, so you must still show us your accustomed kindness. I will help you by my prayers, so do the same for me. I am well and have so many letters to write that I can say no more. Yours,

Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.

For charity's sake, call for me on Señor Francisco de Salcedo; tell him how very sorry I was to hear of his illness, and that 1 was glad to learn from the servant that he was taking no steps about the lawsuit. After I had written to him I was told that he was very contentious about the matter, which pains me: my letter cannot have reached him. Be careful about letters which are taken through villages; this is important.