Letter 374: Theodore Studite, Letter 374; Greek heading: Λιτοΐῳ τέκνῳ.

I rejoice to hear your voice, my child, as mother birds rejoice to hear their nestlings, and all the more because your sojourning abroad, that is, your exile, has now drawn nearer to our place of confinement, ever since it was arranged by dispensation [oikonomia, the prudent ordering of circumstances] that you should copy out the earlier letters. But receive these others as well. I know that you have labored much, yet labor still more, beloved, knowing that the reward awaiting you is no ordinary one, for you go halves with me, a sinner, in the gain of a soul. And may the Lord deal kindly with the one who gives you hospitality, because he was mindful of friendship and holds fast to piety; whom I greet most warmly through you, while you make my excuses, since it is to me that he is showing this charity. As for the chapters, that you are committing them to memory, you do well; for you will the better understand the force of what is said. Yet beyond all the others the gift of understanding has been bestowed on you by the Lord; render to him in return a thanksgiving expressed in deeds, my child, and pray on our behalf. The brother greets you. May you be saved forever.