ny scandals, and have nothing in common with them. This is the security of the Churches, this is a wall, this is your crowns and prizes. Knowing these things, therefore, my lord, and most reverend and religious man, exert yourself to keep the Churches in communion in this way, expecting a very great reward for this; and do not fail to remember us continuously, for we love your piety greatly, and hang upon your benevolence. For we have learned by the very works themselves how great a charity you have shown toward us.
LXXXIX. To Theodosius, Bishop of Scythopolis.
We indeed, if the matter is viewed by location, are far distant from you; but if by charity, we are near, and are bound together by the soul itself. For such is the nature of love, that it is neither hindered by place, nor restrained by the length of the journey, but flies easily through the whole world, and holds communion with those who are loved. This we also do now, who carry you about in our mind. And we ask that, just as you have heretofore brought ornament upon yourselves and protection to the Churches, so you may do even now: and those who have thrown so many disturbances into the world, and have troubled the Churches, you may reject with that greatness of spirit which your office requires. For this is the beginning of dispelling the storm, this is the security of the Churches, this is the medicine for evils, when, namely, you who are sound avoid the sight of those who perpetrate such crimes, and have no communication with them. Since these things are so, contemplating with mind and thought the reward for this matter, and the crowns appointed for this cause, I ask that you show for this very thing the greatness of spirit which is fitting, and do not cease to remember us, who love you. And if you do this, you will do that which is most pleasing to us.
XC. To Moses, Bishop.
Although I do not think that you need our letters to show the greatness of spirit that is fitting, and to reject those who have afflicted the Churches with so many evils and filled the world with tumults; for you have declared this by the things themselves: yet since it is my most ancient desire to greet you as often as possible, and at every given opportunity, now also I ask the same thing of you, that you show the fortitude of spirit which is proper for avoiding their assemblies, and that you exhort others also to this same thing. For the reward set for you from this will not be small, if you reject, as is proper, those who have stirred up such a tempest, and filled the whole world with countless scandals. For in this way things will be healed in the best manner possible. I would also like you to remember us, who hold you most dear, continuously. For you know with what spirit we have been toward you until now, and always are.
XCI. To Romanus the Presbyter.
This also is yours, and of your great and sublime and philosophical mind, that you do not forget our charity in such a great tempest, but remain firm and unmoved and retain your love for us blooming. For we have clearly learned this also from those who come from there, and even before I received it from others, I had it confirmed. For I know the firmness and constancy of your mind, and your fixed and unmoved resolve. And for that reason also I give great thanks to your piety: and I pray you, and as if a supreme favor I ask of you, that when it is permitted, you write to us. For you know with what consolation we are affected, even while living in a foreign region, when we receive letters that inform us about your health. For we vehemently desire you to be in sound and unharmed health, since your health is also a support and a harbor and a staff to many, and the material for countless successes.
XCII. To Moses the Presbyter.
The magnitude of the praises which you bestow upon us in your letters far exceeds our insignificance. Wherefore, leaving these things aside, I would like you not to cease to offer prayers to God for the public interests of the Churches, and for me, a wretched little man, and to implore and beseech His goodness that He may dispel those evils which have invaded the world. For the present affairs require prayers only, and yours especially, you who have attained great confidence before God. Wherefore, I ask that you do not cease to do this earnestly and at length: and do not be reluctant to write to us, as often as the opportunity is given (and the length of the journey is not great). For we desire very much to know something about your health: since your health supports and consoles many. For your life is always necessary, but now most of all in such a storm and darkness, so that like a pure star shining, you may shine upon those who are tossed by the storm and waves. Wherefore, that we too may be of a glad and cheerful mind, send frequent letters to us about your health, for we shall receive no small consolation from this, if we learn this about you as often as possible.
XCIII. To Aphthonius, Theodotus, Chæreas, presbyters and monks, and to your whole sodality.
Among those who love, the bodily presence of those whom they love has more power to relieve pain. For even blessed Paul, who continuously, or rather perpetually, carried the whole world of the faithful in his mind, and did not even among chains and fetters and in his defense endure to put them aside, which he indicating said: "In that I have you in my heart, and in my chains, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel" (Philip. 1:7), desired most eagerly their bodily presence as well, using these words: "But we, being taken away from you for a short time, in countenance, not in heart, have hastened the more abundantly to see your face" (1 Thess. 2:17). This also happens now to us, who look forward eagerly to the presence both of those who have already seen us, and of those to whom we are not yet known by face.