Letter (number unidentified). To Don Francisco de Salcedo, Avila, Toledo, November 13, 1576

St. Teresa consoles him for the loss of his fortune and thanks him for his kindness to the nuns, A chalice,

JESUS!

May the grace of the Holy Spirit be ever with you.

OUR Lord seems treating you like a valiant soul, for by depriving you of your income He must wish to give you interior liberty. May He be blessed for all He does! He enriches the soul of those He loves by exercising them in bearing trials. I was very sorry when I heard the news; I spoke to our Father Visitor about it but he had already been told by the Most Illustrious President of the Royal Council. I thought it was well the latter was aware of the fad:, for he cannot fail to provide for you, knowing that you have no means of subsistence. May our Lord grant that this trial He has permitted may make you serve Him better! All of us who love you in Him must wish this, since it is best for you. Both I and the sisters here are praying fervently for this and the nuns there'

will join us. Therefore you cannot but receive what will benefit you most: so be hopeful and cheerful and I . . . told me . . . that it was nothing . . . very well .... The Mother Prioress has been too ill to write to me about the matter. I thank God for the fatherly kindness you always show to the nuns; may He repay you, for you never weary of it. His Majesty will not be ungrateful, as He is a good Pay-master. I do not . . .

. . . therefore they are not going to consecrate the chalice. They say it will come soon, and I will send it to you safely at once. Meanwhile 1 beg you not to forget to pray for me during the holy Sacrifice. May His Majesty preserve you for many years and grant you the sanctity I ask for you. Amen. September 13.

Your unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite, a chapel in the conventual church in which he was to be buried, and left a considerable legacy to the nuns.