Letter 157. To Don Diego de Guzman y Cepeda the Saint's Nephew.', Toledo, December 1576

Letter of condolence on the death of his wife.

JESUS !

MAY the grace of the Holy Spirit be ever with you and console you for so great a loss as yours seems to us now. But the Master, Who has taken her and Who loves us more than we love ourselves, will one day make us realize that this was the greatest grace He could have shown my cousin and those who wish her well, for He always calls the soul from earth at the most favourable moment. Do not dwell upon the thought of a long and weary life before you, for all is short that ends so soon. Remember, you will be left in solitude but for a moment, therefore place all in the hands of God Who will do what is best. It is most con-consoling to witness a death which offers so certain a pledge of eternal life. Rest assured that if the Master has taken her from you, she will help you and your daughters better now that she is in His presence.

May His Majesty hear the many prayers we offer for her and grant you conformity to His will in all things, with light to understand how quickly all the joys and sorrows of this life pass away.

I send you two melons; they are not as fine as I wish they were.

Your unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus.