Letter 4001: A good commander knows to encourage the proven valor of a soldier who has been tested in battle, so that courage,...

It is the mark of a good commander to animate the valor of a soldier who has proven himself in battle, so that his bravery, enticed by the fodder of praise, may unlearn in the next engagements its attachment to the light of life. Whose strength is not nourished by the commendation of his leader? From what conflicts would even the less hardy limbs of a raw recruit hold themselves back, when by the testimony of his commander he sees that what he has accomplished does not perish for him? This is the only road by which the resolve to do battle may increase: as often as oblivion does not blot out deeds well done. Would that the Divinity, moved by your prayers, might destroy the diabolical struggle! Would that it might make my devotion manifest in peace, so that the concord of the one whose zeal adversity has cancelled may commend his obedience! An instructed embassy was directed to bishop Marcellianus by your brother; but what he himself accomplished he has reported back. As for what remains, having extended the offices of greeting, I pray that you may cure whatever is sick with the medicine of prayer, and that, amid the secrets of hidden maladies, you may cut away with the spiritual sword the error which is being preserved for the universal death. Farewell.