211 (219). To the Samosata clergy

(Having learned from Subdeacon Theodore of the disagreements that had taken place in the Samosata clergy, after the admonitions made by the Samosata bishop Eusebius, who was then living in exile, he advises him to cease disagreements on his own behalf and not to deprive himself of the glory which he had acquired during the time of his concord by his firmness in the faith. (Written in 375)

The Lord, Who determines everything for us by measure and weight, sends temptations that do not exceed our strength, but just as in misfortune He makes the ascetics of piety visible, so He does not leave them "to be tempted more than they can bear" (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13), and "gives tears to drink in measure" (cf. Psalm 79:6) those who must show whether they retain gratitude to God — this Lord has shown His love for mankind in the economy for you, not allowing your enemies to raise up such a persecution against you, which could seduce and shake others in the faith of Christ. For, having placed you in a struggle with weak and easily overcome opponents, in victory over them He prepared for you a reward for patience.

But the common enemy of our life, who by his intrigues opposes the goodness of God, when he learned that you, like a solid wall, despise external affection, as I hear, contrived to produce in yourselves some mutual displeasures and faint-hearted feelings, which at first are of little importance and can easily be healed, but in the course of time, intensified by strife, usually become completely incurable. Wherefore I have turned to this written exhortation, and if it were possible, I would come myself and ask you personally. And since circumstances do not permit this, instead of my request, I extend this letter to you, so that, respecting my exhortations, you may cease all mutual quarrels, and soon send me the good news that you have left your complaints against each other. For I wish to make it known to your prudence that he is great in the sight of God who humbly yields to his neighbor and unashamedly takes upon himself accusations, even unjust ones, in order thereby to grant the Church of God the great benefit of peace. And so, let this good contest take place among you — who will be the first to be worthy of the name of the son of God (cf. Matt. 5:9), arrogating to himself this dignity by peace.

The most God-loving bishop wrote to you what your duty requires, and he also writes what his duty requires. However, I, too, as having permission to be close to you, cannot but take care of your affairs. Why, when the most reverent brother, Subdeacon Theodore, came and said that the Church was in sorrow and confusion, in great contrition, stricken with a sickness deep in my heart, I could not remain silent, but exhorted you, abandoning all the claims from one another, to gain peace and not to give pleasure to your adversaries, not to betray that which the Church boasts of and for which it is now glorified in the whole universe, namely, that you all live as if in one body, governed by one soul and one heart.

I greet all the people of God, the officials and rulers of the city, and all the clergy through your reverence, and exhort all to remain like themselves. For I demand nothing more from them, because by preliminary examples of good deeds they have already concluded every possibility of ascending higher.

212 (220). To the clergy in Veri

(He testifies to them that they aroused in him great love for themselves both by his letter and by what the presbyter Acacius told about them; he wishes them a speedy cessation of persecution and constancy in patience. (Written in 375)

The Lord gave great consolation to those who could not have a personal meeting in conversation through letters, from which one could learn not the bodily traits, but the disposition of the soul itself. For this reason, even now, having received a letter from your reverence, I have come to know you at the same time, and have felt love for you in my heart, not needing that our acquaintance should be confirmed by the length of time, because the very thought contained in the letter has inflamed me with love for the beauty of your soul. And with such a quality of what you have written, it has shown me even more clearly the benevolence of those who have been employed by the brethren. For our most beloved and most reverent co-presbyter Acacius, recounting more than what is written, and presenting to my eyes your daily ascetic labors and your strong perseverance in the work of piety, inspired me with so much wonder and aroused such a desire to enjoy your kindness, that I pray the Lord to give me in time the opportunity to know you with my own experience. He informed me not only of the accuracy in all things of you, who have been entrusted with the service of the altar, but also of the harmony of all the people, of the nobility of morals, and of the sincere disposition towards God of the rulers of the city, and of those who have a part in the administration of it.

Wherefore have I blessed the Church, which is filled with such people, and now I pray all the more to God to grant you spiritual peace, that you may enjoy in the time of rest what you have shown now in the time of struggle. For what is unpleasant, after testing it, usually gives some pleasure to those who remember. As for the present, I beseech you not to indulge in evil, nor to despair at the continuance of oppression. For the crowns are near, the Lord's help is near. Do not pour out to the earth what you have obtained with such effort, do not turn into nothing the work glorified in the whole universe. Human affairs do not remain in the same position for long. "All flesh is hay, and all the glory of man is like the flower of grass: the grass is gone, and the flower is gone; but the word of the Lord endures forever" (cf. Isaiah 40:6-8). Holding fast to the abiding commandment, let us despise transitory appearances. Your example has encouraged many Churches. Without noticing it, you have gained for yourselves a great reward by arousing the less skilful to such zeal. The Rewarder is rich and able to grant you rewards worthy of feats.

213 (221). To the people of Veri