Letter 259. To Dona Juana Dantisco, Madrid, Avila, December 28, 1578

Consoling her for Father Gracians imprisonment. The kings order that the councillors should inquire into the affairs of the Reform.

. . . My Senora, you know that for a long while, his whole prayer, accompanied by ardent longing, has been to beseech God to send him crosses. I perceived that His Majesty was preparing him for coming trials: and what trials they have been! May God's name be praised! Our Father will find that his soul has made such progress that he will not recognize himself. He has caused us all to gain great merit. The thought of what you must all have suffered has been constantly before my mind, but you, too, must have profited by it.

When once I see the others at liberty too — and they will be freed for they have fewer accusers than before — I shall be perfe(5lly contented, for, as

I said, I feel certain, on account of the many devout souls praying for it, that our Lord will watch specially over this affair — the most important one for us. He will do whatever tends most to His own glory and service. May His Majesty have you in His care and prote(5l you, also the senor secretary, whose hands I kiss with those of the senoras.

The sisters here kiss your hands: they are very glad of what has been done, and I am still more glad of what I told you, though we shall all continue some penances for a time. Our Father's letters were always helpful to our souls; we used to read them aloud together as though they were sermons, but the devil is trying to deprive us even of that. However, God is over all !

To-day is the feast of the Innocents. Your Honour's unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus.