Letter 8008: VARIAE, BOOK 8, LETTER 8
[1] Admonitions about faith and constancy are meant for those who are shaken by the shifting fortunes of human desire. But for you, whom God's wisdom has schooled — what worldly change could trouble your commitment? Those who have learned the discipline of heavenly teaching cannot be swayed by earthly events. A house built on solid foundations does not fear the turbulence of storms, and a mind instructed by divine truth keeps its balance even when the world around it wavers.
[2] Nevertheless, we thought it right to commend your faith and devotion, not because we doubt it, but because a word of acknowledgment strengthens even the steadfast. Continue in the path you have chosen: hold firm to the faith, guard the duties of your office, and let your constancy be a light to others in uncertain times.
AI-assisted translation — This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.
Latin / Greek Original
VIII.
VICTORINO VIRO VENERABILI, EPISCOPO ATHALARICUS REX.
[1] De fide atque constantia tales sunt commonendae personae, quae desideriis humanis diversa sorte quatiuntur. vos autem, quos sapientia firmos efficit et mens religiosa consolidat, ad provincialium potius convenit adunationes animari, quia iuste debitor fit alieni arbitrii, qui a pluribus meretur audiri. quapropter salutantes veneratione qua dignum est, quod vobis quidem maerorem possit indicere, transitum gloriosae memoriae domni avi nostri cum dolore maximo nuntiamus. [2] Sed inde potest vestra tristitia temperari, quia nos in sede regni sui divinitate propitia collocavit, ut in totum desiderio vestro non videatur ereptus, qui vobis consurgit in successione reparatus. favete nunc orationibus sacris nostris libenter auspiciis, ut rex caelestis humana nobis regna confirmet, gentes externas atterat, peccata absolvat, consolidet et conservet propitius quod parentibus nostris dignatus est praestare gloriosis. [3] Quapropter sanctitas vestra provinciales cunctos ammoneat, ut inter se habentes concordiam regno nostro per omnia debeant esse purissimi. cupimus enim in subiectis fidem reperiri, quam larga possimus pietate munerari.
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