Letter 109: Many are the plots secretly being hatched against me, and through me against the apostolic faith itself.
To Eusebius, Bishop of Ancyra,
Many are the plots secretly being hatched against me, and through me against the apostolic faith itself. But I take comfort from the sufferings of the saints -- prophets, apostles, martyrs, and those famous in the churches for the word of grace -- and above all from the promises of our God and Savior. For in this present life he has promised us nothing pleasant or easy, but rather trouble, toil, danger, and the attacks of enemies: "In the world you shall have tribulation" [John 16:33]; "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you" [John 15:20]; "If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household" [Matthew 10:25]; "The time comes when whoever kills you will think he does God service" [John 16:2]; "Straight is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life" [Matthew 7:14]; "When they persecute you in this city, flee to another" [Matthew 10:23]. The divine apostle too speaks in the same vein: "All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, but evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived" [2 Timothy 3:12-13].
These words give me the greatest comfort in my distress. Since the slanders uttered against me have probably reached your holiness's ears, I beg you: give no credence to my accusers' lies. I am not aware of ever having taught anyone to believe in two sons. I have been taught to believe in one Only-Begotten, our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Word made man. I know the distinction between flesh and Godhead, and I regard as impious both those who divide our one Lord Jesus Christ into two sons, and those who, traveling in the opposite direction, confuse Godhead and manhood into one nature.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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