Letter 330. To Dona Juana de Ahumada, Alba:, Valladolid, August 9, 1580

Comfort for her trials. Don Lorenzo’s will.

JESUS! May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your Honour.

HE thought of what you are suffering adds greatly to my own troubles, God be praised Who shows mercies in so many ways! Believe me, sister, trials are a very great favour. Remember that they all pass quickly as you have seen, and take courage, for their reward is eternal.

As Sefior Juan de Ovalle is to take this letter to you, he will tell you what we have arranged, and as it is nearly one o’clock in the morning, I will not write much. If I can manage it, Don Francisco will go with Sefior Juan de Ovalle: if not, I will take care that he starts soon afterwards. You need not ask me to do all I can for you.

I very much dislike negociating about marriages and am overwhelmed with fatigue and business, but it isa debt I owe to him who is in glory, and people tell me that it renders God service. Will you pray that we may be successful. I will let you know how things are going on. .

Remember me very kindly to my nephew and niece. I pray for them to God Who alone can reward them as they deserve, for it is of little use to trust in creatures. May His Majesty be with you and have you in His keeping for my sake.

Give kind messages from me to the Mother Prioress and tell her that I am in good health. I have had several letters from her, but as I have had no time to read them since I arrived yesterday, on account of the numerous visitors and business affairs, I cannot even manage to answer her.

Your unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus.