Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers Series 2 - The Still Small ...

To Pergamius. 2207
Letter LVI. 2206
I naturally forget very easily, and I have had lately many things to do, and so my natural
infirmity is increased. I have no doubt, therefore, that you have written to me, although I
have no recollection of having received any letter from your excellency; for I am sure you
would not state what is not the case. But for there having been no reply, it is not I that am
in fault; the guilt lies with him who did not ask for one. Now, however, you have this letter,
containing my defence for the past and affording ground for a second greeting. So, when
you write to me, do not suppose that you are taking the initiative in another correspondence.
You are only discharging your proper obligation in this. For really, although this letter of
mine is a return for a previous one of yours, as it is more than twice as bulky, it will fulfil a
double purpose. You see to what sophisms my idleness drives me. But, my dear Sir, do not
in a few words bring serious charges, indeed the most serious of all. Forgetfulness of one’s
friends, and neglect of them arising from high place, are faults which involve every kind of
wrong. Do we fail to love according to the commandment of the Lord? Then we lose the
distinctive mark imprinted on us. Are we puffed to repletion with empty pride and arrogance?
Then we fall into the inevitable condemnation of the devil. If, then, you use these
words because you held such sentiments about me, pray that I may flee from the wickedness
which you have found in my ways; if, however, your tongue shaped itself to these words, in
a kind of inconsiderate conventionality, I shall console myself, and ask you to be good
enough to adduce some tangible proof of your allegations. Be well assured of this, that my
present anxiety is an occasion to me of humility. I shall begin to forget you, when I cease
to know myself. Never, then, think that because a man is a very busy man he is a man of
faulty character.
ἄρσενα πάντ᾽ ἀλέεινε συνείσακτον δὲ μάλιστα, may be traced even so far back as “the Shepherd of Hermas”
(iii. Simil. ix. 11). On the charges against Paul of Samosata under this head, vide Eusebius, vii. 30.
2206 Placed at the beginning of the Episcopate.
2207 A layman, of whom nothing more is known.
To Pergamius.
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