182 (266). To the Presbyters of Samosata
LETTERS
consolation to each other. You write to us the news from Samosata, and we shall report whatever we can learn from Thrace. For, to me it brings no little alleviation of the present distresses to know the constancy of the people, and to your
Excellency to learn in what condition our common father is.
Of course, at the present time we cannot explain by letter, but we have commended to you a man who knows exactly, and who will report in what a state he left him and how he was bearing his troubles. Pray, therefore, both for him and for us, in order that the Lord may bring a speedy release from these sufferings.
182. To the Presbyters of Sarnosata1 As much as we are grieved when we consider the desolation 2 of your church, to that extent do we congratulate you, who have already reached this point of the struggle. May the Lord grant that you pass through this with patient endurance, in order that you may receive the great reward for the faithful stewardship and the noble constancy which you have shown for the name of Christ.
183. To the Senate of Samosata1 Whenever I consider that our trial has already spread through the whole world, and that the greatest of the cities in Syria have experienced misfortunes equal to your own, and I This letter was written in 374.
2 The reference is chiefly to the exile of Eusebius.
1 This letter was written on the occasion of Eusebius' exile in 374.