8 surviving letters between Evagrius Ponticus and Rufinus of Aquileia, spanning 390 AD.
A good letter refreshes Evagrius, who asks for Peter and John as figures of virtue and knowledge.
Evagrius confesses wandering thoughts and warns that Severa's journey is spiritually risky.
Brothers visit the desert, but Evagrius can offer only dry bread and hope for true knowledge.
Evagrius asks that a sober virgin pray inwardly and restrain desire and anger.
Rufinus is a fountain of love, and gentleness gives birth to wisdom.
The corrections of love are sweet because love joins the mind to Christ and to friends.
A brief meeting planted seeds; now letters can renew the love of Christ.
Spiritual eldership comes by virtue and knowledge, not age.