103 (296). To the People of Satala
LETTERS
So much, then, for our part. And we ask that your response may not appear less than our expectation and the assurance which we gave to the man that we have sent him out to friends most dear to us, but that each of you may strive to surpass the other in your esteem and love for him. See to it, therefore, that you show this noble rivalry, and by your extraordinary attention console his heart, so as to make him forget his country, forget his relatives, and forget the people who were as dependent upon his leadership as a new-born babe upon the breasts of its mother.
We have sent Nicias4 ahead to make known to your Honorable Selves what has been done, in order that, on receiving the news, you may celebrate and give thanks to the Lord who has deigned through us to fulfill your prayer.
103. To the People of Satala1 The Lord has answered the prayers of His people, and through our Lowliness has given to them a shepherd worthy of the name, and not one who makes traffic of the title as many do. He is a man capable of pleasing you exceedingly in the name of the Lord who has filled him with His spiritual gifts, since you love the true doctrine and have accepted a life in accordance with the commands of the Lord.
4 Otherwise unknown.
I On the same subject and of the same date as the preceding letter.