Letter 48: I gladly accept the accusation, though I have no trouble disproving it.
To Eustathius, Bishop of Berytus [modern Beirut],
I gladly accept the accusation, though I have no trouble disproving it. I have written not three letters but four. I suspect one of two things: either the people who promised to deliver them failed me, or your piety received them all but still wants more -- and so has trumped up a charge of laziness against me.
As I said, the accusation does not distress me. On the contrary, it is clear proof of the warmth of your affection. So by all means keep at it. Don't stop pressing your complaint -- it brings me nothing but pleasure.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
Related Letters
I address you by the very honourable and reverend brother Petrus, beseeching you now and ever to pray for me, that I may be changed from ways dangerous and to be shunned, and may be made one day worthy of the name of Christ. Though I say nothing, you will converse together about my affairs, and he will give you an exact account of what has taken...
The story of the noble Mary belongs in a tragedy.
GELASIUS TO COUNT TEIA
The people who say I've fallen far from real eloquence are actually agreeing with me and disagreeing with you.
Orphanhood is, I know, very dismal, and entails a great deal of work, because it deprives us of those who are set over us. Whence I conclude that you do not write to me, because you are depressed at what has happened to you, and at the same time are now very much occupied in visiting the folds of Christ, because they are attacked on every side b...