Letter 5075: I have been sent to Milan by the Senate to implore the aid of our divine emperor.

Prayer does not always obtain what it seeks — and this is itself a mercy.

There are many who go halting upon both feet, and refuse to bend their heads even when their necks are broken, persisting in adherence to their former errors, even though they have not their former liberty of proclaiming them. Respectful salutations are sent to you by the holy brethren who are with your humble servant, and especially by your pio...

Again I write when I ought to come: but I gain confidence to do so from yourself, O Umpire of spiritual matters (to put the first thing first), and Corrector of the Commonweal — and both by Divine Providence: who have also received as the reward of your piety that your affairs would prosper to your mind, and that you alone should find attainable...

Oceanus, a Roman nobleman zealous for the faith, had asked Jerome to back him in a protest against Carterius a Spanish bishop who contrary to the apostolic rule that a bishop is to be the husband of one wife had married a second time. Jerome refuses to take the line suggested on the ground that Carterius's first marriage having preceded his bapt...

This isn't a new request -- it's one you'll recognize.