Letter 50013: My dear brother, your letter brought me great joy.

From: Ambrose, Bishop of Milan To: Chromatius, Bishop of Aquileia Date: ~388 AD Context: A pastoral letter to Chromatius [who succeeded Valerian as bishop of Aquileia around 387-388], discussing ecclesiastical matters and the relationship between the sees of Milan and Aquileia. Ambrose to his brother Chromatius — greetings in the Lord. My dear brother, your letter brought me great joy. It is no small comfort, amid the constant pressures of this see [Milan was the effective capital of the Western Empire and one of the busiest bishoprics in Christendom], to hear from a fellow bishop who shares both the burden and the faith. You ask about the matter I raised at the Council. I can assure you that the question has been resolved — though not without difficulty. The clergy involved have been restored to their duties after making proper satisfaction, and I trust that peace will hold. I commend to your care the bearer of this letter, a deacon of our church who is traveling on business that I will explain to you in person when we next meet. In the meantime, treat him as you would treat me — which is to say, with more charity than I deserve and more patience than I can claim. The troubles of the time press on us all, brother. The Arians are quieter but not gone. The court is unpredictable. The barbarian threat along the Danube [Gothic incursions were a constant concern in the 380s] grows no smaller. But we serve a God who does not measure success by the standards of this world, and our duty is not to prevail but to be faithful. Write to me again soon. Your letters are medicine for the soul. In Christ, farewell.

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