Letter 6036: The dispensation of heaven arranges our affairs with a wisdom we rarely appreciate at the time.

XXXVI. Ennodius to Adeodatus the presbyter. The heavenly dispensation never denies its effect to devout desires: for what we devoutly long for, it grants with timely zeal. For while I was desiring to request through a letter the support of your prayers, the vows offered have produced a household bearer, so that, admonished by the prompting of this writing, you may make supplication on behalf of a soul that has undertaken it, since the teacher of the nations cries out: pray for one another. For there is nothing that one who loves God cannot obtain even on behalf of those who transgress. Labor therefore upon the patronage you long ago promised, and procure joys for me through your tears: let the fruit of innocence, unknown to my merits, come to me. These are the things concerning which I have presumed to admonish the holy man of God. For I fear to make lengthy conversations, since a necessary matter must be requested in terse words. Now farewell in Christ, my lord, and by prosperous signs make known to me that I perceive the gifts of your intercession.

XXXVI. ENNODIVS ADEODATO PRESBVTERO. Caelestis dispensatio religiosis desideriis numquam negat effectum: nam quod pie cupimus maturo praestat studio. desideranti enim mihi per litteras orationum uestrarum postulare suffragia perlatorem domesticum uota pepererunt, ut stimulo scriptionis admoniti pro suscepti anima supplicetis, quia doctor gentium clamat: orate pro inuicem. nihil enim est quod deum diligens etiam pro delinquentibus optinere non possit. laborate ergo promissis dudum patrociniis et gaudia mihi per lacrimas conparate: ueniat ad me fructus innocentiae meritis ignoratus. haec sunt, de quibus sanctum dei admonere praesumpsi. timeo enim facere prolixa conloquia, quia res necessaria strictis est postulanda sermonibus. nunc in Christo ualete, mi domini, et sentire me deprecationis uestrae munera prosperis indicate.