Letter 92

Isidore of PelusiumMaron|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk
To: Maron
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore makes a pragmatic appeal to someone who ignores spiritual consequences.

If you care nothing for hell and nothing for the kingdom of heaven — if neither threat nor promise moves you — then at least you should be fair enough to avoid the mockery you are bringing on yourself right now, in this life. You are not merely known but famous — and not for your virtues. Even a person with no fear of God should have some fear of public shame.

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

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