Letter 20: To the Presbyter Martyrius.
To the Presbyter Martyrius.
Natural character makes its appearance in us before deliberate virtue, and in that sense leads the way — but character can be surpassed by resolution. The gifted orator Athanasius is a living proof of this. Though Egyptian by birth, he has none of the lack of self-mastery that is associated with Egypt — instead he displays a temper disciplined by gentleness, and above all an ardent love of sacred things. This is why he has spent so many days with me, hoping to gain something from the stay.
As you know well, my dearest friend in God, I shrink from imagining that I can draw good from others or impart good to those who seek it from me — not from unwillingness to give, but because I simply do not have it to give. Please pray that what is said of me may be confirmed by fact, and that the good report may be matched by the reality.
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