And to write everything that I think, both inappropriate to the measure of the letter and in other respects, is unbecoming for a message of greeting, but it is almost impossible for me to pass through this in silence, because my heart is inflamed against you with righteous anger. Therefore, I choose the middle: I write about one thing, and keep silent about the other. For I intend to rebuke you, if I may, with friendly freedom.

Is it possible that you, that Timothy, who, as we know, from childhood showed so much zeal for a strict and ascetic life that in this respect you were even accused of immoderation, having lost sight of taking all measures to apply all measures for what should be done by those who draw near to God, you look at what so-and-so thinks of you, give your life to the judgment of others, and do not think, that you are useless to your friends, and ridiculous to your enemies, that you are afraid of shame in front of people, as if it were some kind of misfortune, and do you not imagine that for the time being you stop at this, without noticing it, you neglect your former life? It is impossible to have Success at the same time in both – both in the affairs of this world and in life according to God. Both the Divine Scriptures, which we have been taught, and nature itself are full of such examples. And in mental activity it is absolutely impossible to think two thoughts at the same time. And in the reception of sensory impressions it is impossible at the same time to receive and distinguish two voices that reach the ear together, although we have two ear canals open. And the eyes, if they are not both fixed on one visible object, cannot exactly do their work. And this is shown to us by nature, And to tell you passages from the Scriptures is no less ridiculous, as according to the proverb, to show an owl to the Athenians. Therefore, why should we unite the unconnected,

And enough about this. But it is good for us to come together someday and consult more thoroughly about what is good for our souls, so that when the necessary event comes, we will not be caught in worries about vain things.

I gladly accepted what was sent by your love, it is very pleasant in itself, but it is many times more pleasant for the one who sent it. Receive me favorably when I also send you Pontic works — wax candles and fortifying medicines; And now I didn't have any.

284 (292). To Palladium

(After meeting with his wife, Palladia expresses a desire to see him himself and asks him to preserve in purity the robe of incorruption, in which he has clothed himself, having recently received Holy Baptism)

Half of my desire was fulfilled by the Holy God, who gave me the opportunity to meet with our most reverent sister, your concubine. But He is able to grant the rest also, so that, seeing your nobility, I may give full thanks to God. For this is highly desirable to me, especially now that I have heard that thou hast been honored with great honor, with the immortal robe, which, having clothed our humanity, has destroyed death in the flesh, and the mortal has become swallowed up by the robe of incorruption.

For it is said: "If you are baptized into Christ, you will put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27). Wherefore let all thy members be holy, that it may be fitting for them to be clothed in holy and bright garments.

285 (293). To Julian

(He wants to know whether Julian has begun to control the hand; he discusses the firmness and constancy of thoughts; he asks Julian to write to him more often)

What was your bodily condition during this time? Have you completely regained the possession of your hand? How are other things going in life? Is everything fulfilled according to your thoughts, as I wish you and as it should be according to your will? For those whose minds are inclined to change, it is not in the least strange if their lives are not ordered. And whoever has a firm opinion, always constant and the same, should lead his life in accordance with his own will. It is true that it is not given to the helmsman to make silence when he pleases; but it is very convenient for us to make our life undisturbed, if we silence the rebellions of the passions that arise within us, and become a spirit above all that is attached to us. For neither loss, nor illness, nor other troubles in life will touch a diligent person, as long as his mind abides in God, penetrates into the future, easily and effortlessly overcomes the storm that rises from the earth; while people who are strongly devoted to the cares of life, like fattened birds, having wings in vain, drag along the earth with the cattle.

My deeds allowed me to see you as much as one can see each other meeting on the sea. However, since it is possible to recognize a whole lion by its claws, I think that I have sufficiently recognized you by a short experience. And therefore I highly appreciate that you have some attention to my affairs and do not distance me from your thoughts, but constantly keep me in your memory. And the proof of your remembrance are letters, which, the more often you send them, the more you will give me pleasure.