Letter 58

From: Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrrhus To: Nomus, Consul Date: ~440 AD Context: Theodoret writes to a powerful consul, torn between not wishing to intrude on a busy man and not wanting his silence to seem like neglect. To the Consul Nomus, I am of two minds about writing to your greatness. On one hand, I know that everything depends on your judgment. I see you bowed under the weight of public responsibilities, and I think it better to keep quiet. On the other hand, knowing the breadth and capacity of your intelligence, I cannot bear to say nothing -- and I am afraid of being accused of negligence. What pushes me further is the lingering regret I feel from the brief taste I had of your company. My full enjoyment of it was cut short by the illness and death of that most blessed man [apparently a mutual friend or associate whose identity is lost to us]. So now I think writing will be some consolation. I pray the Master of all to guide your life on favorable winds, so that we may continue to benefit from your generous care.

Letter 58 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 the Consul Nomus. I am divided in mind at the idea of sending a letter to your greatness. On the one hand I know how everything depends on your judgment; I see you under the weight of public anxieties, and so think it better to be silent. On the other hand, being well aware of the breadth and capacity of your intelligence, I cannot bear to say nothing, and am afraid of being charged with negligence. I am moreover stimulated by the longing regret left with me by the short taste I had of your society. My full enjoyment of it was prevented by the disease and death of that most blessed man, so now I think writing will be a comfort. I pray the Master of all to guide your life that it be ever borne on favourable breezes and so we may reap the benefit of your kindly care.