Letter 374. To Don Jerome Reynoso, Canon of Palencia I, Soria, July 13, 1581

Reasons why it would not be well to make the Joundation at Burgos immediately. Affairs of the convent at Palencia.

; JESUS! May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your Honour. Vie letter was a great comfort to me; may our Lord reward you for it. It did not seem to me a long one (as I very much wish this letter of mine could be) but messen gers leave here sorarely that we are obliged to write a number of letters at once; I think it would be better to be where there was a regular courier. However, when God wishes us to suffer, it is useless to run away.

witnessed the great good that resulted at Avila after the disturbances that took place at the foundation of our first convent there, he declares that he remembers well what took place and feels obliged, in his position, to prevent the recurrence of such troubles. This is the account given me by Canon Juan Alonso. What can we hope for from him? He fears things that perhaps may never happen, and if the devil were to instigate serious disorder, it is evident that the Bishop would refuse permission, and I should be blamed for great imprudence in having moved in the matter. He also told one of the fathers of the Society that the city had not given its consent to the foundation, and that until we had that and an income, he would by no means grant us the licence. Two persons whose word is reliable have told me that he is naturally very timid; if so, we should only increase his misgivings, and after all he would do no more than he has done. As there is no question of offending God, he ought, like the Bishop of Palencia, to have braved everything.

Now, my Father, I have told you my reasons. If the plan is to be carried out and the consent of the municipality must first be obtained, it is better to negotiate at a distance and at leisure, as it is not a thing that can.be settled in a week, or even ina month. Meanwhile the miserable foundress would be staying in the house of a secular, which could not fail to be remarked upon unpleasantly. I think it would be better to make the long journey later and to return through Soria than to incur all the inconveniences that might follow. If God approves

TO CANON REYNOSO 197 of the foundation, it will be made more easily and not by force, however much the devil may rage. I believe I have done all I could, and I can declare with truth that never for a moment have I regret-ted the delay: indeed, I am glad of it: I cannot tell why. My only regret is for that saint, Catalina de Toloso, who I see by her letters has so set her neal on the foundation that I should like to gratify er.

We do not understand the Master’s designs, and perhaps it is better that I should go elsewhere. There is some mystery about the Archbishop’s resistance, for I firmly believe he wishes for the foundation. I have not mentioned the matter to the Bishop here, for he has been too busy to visit me lately. I feel such repugnance at discussing it that I do not want to speak to him. But I am astonished at any one’s considering that the Archbishop’s behaviour is satisfactory after the way in which the Bishop of, Palencia treated us. I have said nothing of this in my letter to Burgos but only spoke of what is certain, stating what harm the extreme cold of Burgos would do my health if I went there at the beginning of the winter. I told the Archbishop that I should not like to involve him in any trouble until the permission of the city had been obtained. I thanked him for his kindness. May the Master decree what tends most to His service !

For certain reasons the prebendary thought it best not to entrust the answer to the messenger who brought your letter, so we have waited for this courier, who is sure to go to Valladolid. Will your Honour tell me frankly what you think of my reasons and whether they are valid. I have many more, and feel sure that you would agree with me if I could talk them over with you.

Iam very grateful for all the trouble you are taking about the alms, but as you do it all for the poor I think you do not count the cost. The gifts of yourself and your friends will be increased by others whom God inspires to be generous, so that by degrees all will be set right. I should not like the idea of the colleétions in the villages to be given up, but some member of our Order ought to visit them and preach to the people. Perhaps this year would not be the most favourable time for it.

May our Lord reward you for your advice about the rent of this convent! Father Nicolas had the deeds drawn up before he left: he managed so well that instead of the fourteen per cent we expected he secured twenty. The deed has been drawn out and he has taken it away to be ratified in the name of the convent.

Will you thank that little saint of a prebendary § for all he is doing for us: he was much pleased at my having told you about it. Evidently his soul is not appreciated: such humility could not exist without great grace. You will give me leave to write a short letter more willingly than I should grant it to you. One thing I ask of you: to tell me without reserve what you think of the prioress ;°