Letter 129: Sailors at night are cheered by the sight of harbor lights, and so are those of us in peril for the apostolic faith...
To Magnus Antoninus the Presbyter,
Sailors at night are cheered by the sight of harbor lights, and so are those of us in peril for the apostolic faith by the zeal of people who share our beliefs. The reports we hear of your efforts on behalf of divine doctrine bring us great comfort. This spirit has been given to you by the Giver of all good gifts, and for the safekeeping of these doctrines you endure every hardship.
Encouraged by your zeal, I offer a small gift in return: I urge you to persevere in your godly labors, to scorn your adversaries as an easy mark -- for what is weaker than people who lack the truth? -- and to trust in Him who said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" [Hebrews 13:5], and "I am with you always, even to the end of the world" [Matthew 28:20].
Help me too with your prayers, so that I may say with confidence: "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" [Psalm 118:6].
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