162 (258). To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata
LETTERS
through the wisdom given to you by God you change the formerly adopted evil practices into something good. For,
Christ has sent you, not to follow others, but that you yourself may guide those who are being saved. And we beg you to pray for us, in order that, if we are still in this life, we may be considered worthy to see you with your church, but, if we are ordered to depart soon, that we may see all of you there with the Lord, your church flourishing like a good vine in good deeds, and you, as a wise husbandman and a good servant, giving in due season the measure of grain to your fellow servants, storing up for yourself the reward of a faithful and prudent steward.
All with us greet your Reverence. May you be well and cheerful in the Lord; may you be preserved in high esteem for the gifts of the Spirit and of wisdom.
162. To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata1 The following reflection seems to me both to cause hesitation in writing and to indicate its very necessity. For, when I contemplate my obligation of remaining at home and at the same time take into account the benefit of a meeting, I am inclined to despise letters exceedingly, since they are not able to accomplish a shadow's worth in comparison with the real visit. Again, when I consider that my only consolation, deprived as I am of what is greatest and most important, is to address such a great man and, as is our custom, to supplicate him not to forget us in his prayers, I am inclined to decide that letters are not a trifling matter. I myself do not wish to banish from my mind the hope of a visit, nor to give up the Another letter to Eusebius. written after Easter of the year 1174; d.
Loofs. op. cit. 46 n. 5.