Theodoret of Cyrrhus→Athanasius, Presbyter|c. 440 AD|theodoret cyrrhus
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To the Presbyter Martyrius.
Natural character makes its appearance in us before deliberate virtue, and in that sense leads the way — but character can be surpassed by resolution. The gifted orator Athanasius is a living proof of this. Though Egyptian by birth, he has none of the lack of self-mastery that is associated with Egypt — instead he displays a temper disciplined by gentleness, and above all an ardent love of sacred things. This is why he has spent so many days with me, hoping to gain something from the stay.
As you know well, my dearest friend in God, I shrink from imagining that I can draw good from others or impart good to those who seek it from me — not from unwillingness to give, but because I simply do not have it to give. Please pray that what is said of me may be confirmed by fact, and that the good report may be matched by the reality.
Letter 20
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To the Presbyter Martyrius.
Natural disposition appears in us before resolution of character, and, in this sense, takes the lead; but disposition is overcome by resolution, as is plainly proved by the right eloquent orator Athanasius. Though an Egyptian by birth, he has none of the Egyptian want of self-control, but shows a character tempered by gentleness. He is moreover a warm lover of divine things. On this account he has spent many days with me, expecting to reap some benefit from his stay. But I, as you know, most God-beloved friend, shrink from trying so to derive good from others, and am far from being able to impart it to those who seek it, and this not because I grudge, but because I have not the wherewithal, to give. Wherefore let your holiness pray that what is said of me may be confirmed by fact, and that not only may good things be reported of me by word, but proved in deed.
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To the Presbyter Martyrius.
Natural character makes its appearance in us before deliberate virtue, and in that sense leads the way — but character can be surpassed by resolution. The gifted orator Athanasius is a living proof of this. Though Egyptian by birth, he has none of the lack of self-mastery that is associated with Egypt — instead he displays a temper disciplined by gentleness, and above all an ardent love of sacred things. This is why he has spent so many days with me, hoping to gain something from the stay.
As you know well, my dearest friend in God, I shrink from imagining that I can draw good from others or impart good to those who seek it from me — not from unwillingness to give, but because I simply do not have it to give. Please pray that what is said of me may be confirmed by fact, and that the good report may be matched by the reality.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.