Letter (number unidentified). To Some Ladies Who Wished to Join the Discalced, Avila, the end of December, 1578

The Saint asks them to wait until the trials of the Reform are over.

Jesus be with your Honours.

(RECEIVED your letter. It is always a great comfort to me to hear from you and to learn that our Lord keeps you faithful to your good purpose. It is no small grace in this Babylon where what you hear is better calculated to dissipate the soul than to make it recoUedted. It is true that enlightened minds learn from the many changes that take place how vain and fleeting are all earthly things. Any one who did not understand our Lord's ways would be deeply grieved at the fortunes of our Order for more than a year past, but seeing that it all purifies souls, and that God must, in the end, favour His servants, there is no cause for fear, but great reason to wish that our trials may increase and to thank God for allowing us to suffer for justice' sake. You, Senoras, must do the same, trusting in Him, and your wishes will be granted when you least expedl it.

May His Majesty have you in His keeping and make you as holy as I ask of Him. Amen.