Letter (number unidentified). To Father Gracian, at Seville, Malagon, end of June, 1576

State of the Caked Carmelites in Andalusia. The Saint advises Father Gradan to resign his office of Visitor.

. . . When I know for certain that you are in that place. The Prior of Carniona called here yesterday with another Father, a Licentiate. Father Gregorio will let you know what happened. He told me that none but Father Cota had retired to Carmel, and that the fiscal of the Royal Council had taken charge of his suit which is now before the Council: this seems to be treating these religious very mildly after all the disturbance they made. The Father himself realizes that they have behaved badly and declares that he has said so repeatedly. He told me that he was on his way to ask the Nuncio to punish those at fault, but not to make the rest responsible. He also intends to beg that you may no longer be Visitor as no one will obey you, and that any one else they like may be chosen.

I have been wondering whether it would not be well for you to address the same petition to the Nuncio and the King, telling them of the strong animosity of the friars towards you which prevents your doing any good among them. They, I mean the King . . . would be pleased at your doing this .... if God so wills . . . Refledl seriously on the matter: it would give satisfadiion to every one. Even if the King and Nuncio should not consent, it would be a consolation to me at least that you should have done what was in your power to resign your office as regards these religious. I would as soon die as think that they were still to be bound to obey you and would begin their resistance again.

Think over the matter well, my Father, and if your efforts are frustrated, at any rate you will be a¿ting under the force of obedience and God will protedf you.

The friars say that they abide by their Provincial and that Tostado will arrange affairs. May God dired: the matter! It would be well to take measures against such desperate people when once your Reverence has got free from them. O Jesus, what a thing it is to be so far away when all this business is concerned! I assure you, I find it hard.

I am going to Toledo and expeót to stay there until Doña Luisa has put the convent in some sort of order.' She wrote telling me that she was sending an overseer there, but she is very slow about it. I am well. . .