Letter 6015: The providence above arranges things well: while I am making my request of you from one direction, events themselves...

Ennodius of PaviaFaustus|c. 505 AD|Ennodius of Pavia
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From: Ennodius, deacon and literary figure in Pavia
To: Faustus [Faustus Niger]
Date: ~504 AD
Context: A letter reflecting on divine providence arranging circumstances so that Ennodius's own request is reinforced by the actions of others.

To Faustus, from Ennodius.

The providence above arranges things well: while I am making my request of you from one direction, events themselves are pushing the same cause from another. What I ask, circumstances confirm.

I take this as a sign that the matter is just, and I trust you will take it the same way. When God and reason agree, the man who hesitates does so at his own risk.

Act as your conscience directs. I know it will direct you well. Farewell.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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