was, let him be asked, until someone sought him out to bury him? Remember that he was not deemed worthy of burial, and that a wicked accusation was uttered against him, and that his disciples stole him, and that he did not rise. A Call to mind also the apostles, how they were persecuted from all sides and kept themselves hidden, not being able to appear in the cities; how Peter was hidden at the house of Simon the tanner, and Paul at the house of the purple-seller, because they did not have boldness among the rich. But later, everything became smooth for them. So, too, you should not be discouraged now. For I myself have heard about that nonsense concerning Arsacius, where the empress seated him on the throne, that he afflicted all the brothers who were unwilling B to communicate with him; and many of them died in prison on my account. For that wolf in sheep’s clothing, who wears the guise of a bishop but is actually an adulterer—for just as a woman is termed an adulteress if she is joined to another while her husband is living, so this man is an adulterer, not of the flesh, but of the spirit; for while I was yet living, he snatched my episcopal throne. And I write these things to you from Cucusus, where the empress ordered us to be exiled. Many afflictions befell us on the road, but we cared about nothing. But when we arrived at the region of the Cappadocians and into Tauro-Cilicia, many choirs of holy fathers and men, and not only they, but also multitudes of monks and virgins, met us, shedding infinite springs of tears. And they wept seeing us going into exile, and said among themselves: "It would have been better for the sun to withdraw its rays than for the mouth of John to be silenced." These things troubled and afflicted me, since I saw everyone weeping for me. For as for all the other things that befell me, I gave them no thought. But the bishop of that city received us very kindly and showed great love toward us; so much so that he would have yielded his throne to us, if possible, had we not been guarding the limit. I beseech you, therefore, and entreat you, and take hold of C your knees: cast aside the grief of your despondency, keep us in mind before God, and be persuaded to write back to us.
Epistle CXXVI. To Rufinus the Presbyter.
Word has come to us that the evils in Phoenicia have again been kindled and the fury of the Greeks has increased, and that many of the monks have been struck, and some have even died. For this reason I urge you all the more to set out with the greatest speed and to stand in the battle line. For I know well that by your mere appearance you will rout the opponents, both by prayer and by gentleness, and endurance, and by using your customary bravery; and you will put an end to their fury, and restore those who are with us, and work many good things. Do not, therefore, delay or procrastinate; but use greater speed, and let these things that have been reported work in you more eagerly. For if you saw a house being ignited, you would not withdraw, but you would then take even greater pains so as to forestall the flame; and by yourself and through others you would do everything to extinguish the evil. And now, therefore, since such a 🔥 has been kindled, strive to reach those places without delay, and by all means there will be some good result, and much correction of these things. For to instruct some even among those encountered, in peace and calm and with no one fighting, is one thing; but in this way, when the devil is raging and the demons are arming themselves, to stand bravely and to snatch away those of the people who are positioned with him, and to prevent others from falling into his hands, this is the work of a noble man, this is the sign of a sober soul, this is the mark of your own high and awakened mind, this is worthy of countless crowns, this is the work of ineffable rewards, this is an apostolic achievement. Considering, therefore, that this time is a time of proving yourself and a subject for countless exchanges and dealings, D seize such great wealth, and be persuaded to use great speed; and send to us with speed as soon as you arrive there. For if we merely learn that you have crossed the borders of Phoenicia, we are henceforth free from care, we rest, we live in security. For we know that things to follow [will be done well], for like a noble fighter, and one who knows how to act valiantly, so will you pass through everything, raising up those who have fallen, supporting and establishing those who stand, bringing back those who are wandering, and seeking out and finding those who have perished, cutting to pieces the entire phalanx of the devil. For I know, I clearly know the wakefulness of your soul, the anxiousness of your mind, the prudence, the graciousness, the friendliness, the manliness, the intensity, the endurance. Write to us, therefore, continuously, and before you see Phoenicia, send many letters from the road, since even now I have wondered how, when those around my most esteemed and pious lord Theodotus the presbyter were arriving, you did not send. In order, therefore, that we might not again grieve, not receiving letters from your honor, if it be possible, send us letters continuously at every station, so that we may learn how much you have progressed on the road, and if you have come near those parts. For we are very anxious and care deeply, and we wish to learn these things every day. Knowing these things, therefore, my most esteemed lord, grant us this greatest favor, and before you depart, and when you have departed, by sending continuous letters and declaring everything to us, so that if there are achievements, we may rejoice and be gladdened; but if there are hindrances,