8 surviving letters between Augustine of Hippo and Paulinus of Nola, spanning c. 390–396.
1. The love of Christ which constrains us, and which unites us, though separated by distance, in the bond of a common faith, has itself emboldened me to dismiss my fear and address a letter to you; and it has given you a place in my inmost heart by means of your writings — so full of the stores of learning, so sweet with celestial honey, the med...
1. O excellent man and excellent brother, there was a time when you were unknown to my mind; and I charge my mind to bear patiently your being still unknown to my eyes, but it almost — nay, altogether — refuses to obey. Does it indeed bear this patiently?
This letter of Paulinus was written before receiving a reply to his former letter, No. 27, p. 248.
1. Although in my longing to be without delay near you in one sense, while still remote in another, I wished much that what I wrote in answer to your former letter (if, indeed, any letter of mine deserves to be called an answer to yours) should go with all possible expedition to your Grace, my delay has brought me the advantage of a second lett...
Could this have been hoped or expected by us, that now by our brother Severus we should have to claim the answer which your love has not yet written to us, so long and so impatiently desiring your reply? Why have we been doomed through two summers (and these in the parched land of Africa) to bear this thirst? What more can I say?
Paulinus and Therasia, sinners, to their lord, deservedly honorable and most blessed father Alypius.
Paulinus and Therasia, sinners, to their lord, kindred spirit, and venerable brother Augustine.
Paulinus and Therasia, sinners, to their lord, holy brother and kindred spirit in Christ, Augustine.