Letter 20: To the Presbyter Martyrius.
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.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
Related Letters
To the Presbyter Theodotus,
The worse the diseases of the Churches grow, the more do we all turn to your excellency, in the belief that your championship is the one consolation left to us in our troubles. By the power of your prayers, and your knowledge of what is the best course to suggest in the emergency, you are believed to be able to save us from this terrible tempest...
1. As time moves on, it continually confirms the opinion which I have long held of your holiness; or rather that opinion is strengthened by the daily course of events. Most men are indeed satisfied with observing, each one, what lies especially within his own province; not thus is it with you, but your anxiety for all the Churches is no less tha...
I have read the letter of your holiness, in which you have expressed your distress at the unhappy governor of Libya. I am grieved that my own country should have given birth to and nurtured such vices. I am grieved too that Libya, a neighbouring country, should suffer from our evils, and should have been delivered to the inhumanity of a man whos...
To the Presbyter Archibius,