Letter (number unidentified). To A Relation of the Saint at Torrijos, Avila, Lent, 1578

A letter of condolence. Isabel de San Pablo.

JESUS !

May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your

Honour.

AS God was pleased that it should not be my right arm which was broken, I am able to write to you. I am better, glory be to God ! and can keep Lent: with the presents you constantly send me, I shall get through it well. Though your kindness is shown to me, yet Sister Isabel de San Pablo is so strongly tempted to love me dearly that it is a much greater kindness to her. Her society is a great comfort to me, for she seems an angel, and it comforts me to know that you and the seiioras are well. I kiss their hands repeatedly. I pray earnestly for all of you to our Lord.

I am very sorry to hear of the death of that senora: when the news reached me, I had just written an answer to Don Teutonio congratulating him on the good match she had made. I owe much to him. The members of this family are passing through great troubles; they evidently render God

TO A RELATION good service, which is our chief happiness on earth, for if a life so short has any value, it is to purchase eternal life. I thank our Lord that you are not careless in this respedl as I beg Him may always be the case with you and these senoras.

Lorenzo kisses their hands and your own repeatedly.

Your unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus.