Letter 24

To Andreas, Bishop of Samosata. Your piety, nursling of the love of God, longs for my company — I am certain of it. But I am still more eager for yours, in proportion as I know how much good I could gain from it. Want, somehow, naturally sharpens desire; but the Lord of all is able to give us what we long for. He governs all things himself, knows what will do us good, and never ceases to grant every man what is truly to his benefit. I cannot tell you how much pleasure your letter gave me. And the very honorable and devout deacon Thalassius added to that pleasure by telling me what I was most anxious to know — for what news could be more welcome than that all is well with you? And what contributes more to your wellbeing than the moderation of the great men among us? You have acted like a wise and energetic physician who does not wait to be summoned but goes of his own accord to those who need care. This has given me great joy. Now I understand by experience what the poet means by "laughing through tears." May the bountiful Giver of all good things grant your Holiness to excel in them, and to make us emulate what is best in all good men. Help us, dear friend, and persuade the one who can to grant our petition.

Letter 24 Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more — all for only $19.99... To Andreas Bishop of Samosata. Your piety, nursling of God's love, longs, I am sure, for my society. But I am all the more eager for yours in proportion as I know that from it more advantage will accrue to me. Want somehow naturally makes our wishes the stronger, but the Lord of all is able to give us what we long for. He rules all things Himself; knows what is sure to do us good, and never ceases to give every man this boon. I really cannot tell you how much delighted I was with your letter, and the very honourable and devout deacon Thalassius increased my pleasure by telling me what I was very anxious to know, for what can be more welcome to me than news that all goes well with you? And what is it that so increases your welfare as the moderation of the great men among us? You have acted like a wise and active physician who does not wait to be sent for, but comes of his own accord to them that need his care. This has given me great pleasure, and I have learned by my own experience what the poet means when he says laughing through her tears. May the bountiful Giver of all good things grant your holiness to excel in them, and to make us emulous of what is praiseworthy in all good men. Help us then my dear friend, and persuade him who can to grant our petition.