Letter 747

To Adrian the Presbyter. In the face of every affliction that comes upon us, it is exceedingly profitable, and altogether necessary, to give thanks to God, the provident overseer and judge of the life of human beings. For if we are seen to give thanks at each of our griefs, we shall by all means obtain the prizes made ready for the martyrs who bear away the trophies of victory.

Ἐπὶ παντὶ θλιβερῷ ἐπερχομένῳ ἡμῖν, λίαν ἐπωφελές, καὶ πάνυ ἀναγκαῖον τὸ εὐχαριστεῖν τῷ Θεῷ τῷ προνοητῇ καὶ κριτῇ τῆς τῶν ἀνθρώπων ζωῆς. Ἄν γὰρ ἐφ’ ἑκάστῳ τῶν λυπηρῶν εὐχαριστοῦντες ὀφθῶμεν, τευξόμεθα πάντως βραβείων ἠυτρεπισμένων μάρτυσι τροπαιoφόροις.