Letter (number unidentified). To the Father Master Luis de, Valladolid, date unknown

GRANADA, LISBON

St. Teresa expresses her admiration for his writings and asks for his prayers.

JESUS !

May the grace of the Holy Spirit ever be with your Reverence !

I AM one of the many people who love your Reverence in the Lord for your most holy and helpful teaching, and who thank His Majesty for having destined you to do such great and universal good to souls. But for the obstacles of my state and sex, I feel sure that I should have spared no pains to obtain an interview with one whose words have brought me such comfort. Apart from this motive, I have always sought out men like yourself, in order to reassure myself against the fears that have beset my soul for years. Although undeserving of such a favour, I was glad when Señor Don Teutonio told me to write to you, which otherwise I should not have dared to do. Relying upon obedience, I trust our Lord that I shall gain by your remembering to pray for me sometimes, which I greatly need, for, imperfeól as I am, I stand in the sight of men with no genuine claim to people's good opinion of me.

If only you realized how true this is, it would win me your help and pity, for knowing the world well, you would understand how severe the trial must be to one who has led an extremely wicked life. Worthless as I am, I have often ventured to pray that you may live a very long while. God grant my petition, and that you may ever grow in holiness and love for Him! Amen. Your Paternity's unworthy servant and subjed:, Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.

I believe that Señor Don Teutonio is one of those deceived regarding me. He tells me of his aífeólion for you, in return for which you ought to pay His Lordship a visit. Trust me, it is not undeserved.