Letter (number unidentified). To Father Gracian, Madrid, Avila, the end of December 1578

Advice and encouragement.

. . . The intuition which Paul affirms he received of the greatness of Joseph is a very high one. However, there are degrees of perfecftion in the works we accompUsh for Him, for as we can never judge of the purity of our intention, we must be as prudent in such matters as in all else, putting little confidence in ourselves.

How you will laugh at this nonsense, my Father! you will think, that Paul is always before my mind. However, he might forget my recommendation with all his other cares and it is as well to remind him: at any rate, it can do no harm.

. . . Oh! How well my Paul's name suits him! At one moment he is raised to heaven: at the next in the depth of the sea. I assure you that we may well glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. . .

... I love them tenderly and am delighted when you praise them, but you show me gratitude as though / had done it. . .