Letter 24: Your piety, nursling of the love of God, longs for my company — I am certain of it.

To Andreas, Bishop of Samosata. Your piety, nursling of the love of God, longs for my company — I am certain of it. But I am still more eager for yours, in proportion as I know how much good I could gain from it. Want, somehow, naturally sharpens desire; but the Lord of all is able to give us what we long for. He governs all things himself, knows what will do us good, and never ceases to grant every man what is truly to his benefit. I cannot tell you how much pleasure your letter gave me. And the very honorable and devout deacon Thalassius added to that pleasure by telling me what I was most anxious to know — for what news could be more welcome than that all is well with you? And what contributes more to your wellbeing than the moderation of the great men among us? You have acted like a wise and energetic physician who does not wait to be summoned but goes of his own accord to those who need care. This has given me great joy. Now I understand by experience what the poet means by "laughing through tears." May the bountiful Giver of all good things grant your Holiness to excel in them, and to make us emulate what is best in all good men. Help us, dear friend, and persuade the one who can to grant our petition.

Letter 24