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

To Aburgius. 2267
Letter LXXV. 2266
You have many qualities which raise you above the common run of men, but nothing
is more distinctly characteristic of you than your zeal for your country. Thus you, who have
risen to such a height as to become illustrious throughout all the world, pay a righteous recompense
to the land that gave you birth. Yet she, your mother city, who bore you and
nursed you, has fallen into the incredible condition of ancient story; and no one visiting
Cæsarea; not even those most familiar with her, would recognise her as she is; to such
complete abandonment has she been suddenly transformed, many of her magistrates having
been previously removed, and now nearly all of them transferred to Podandus. The remainder,
torn from these like mutilated extremities, have themselves fallen into complete
despair, and have caused such a general weight of despondency, that the population of the
city is now but scanty; the place looks like a desert, a piteous spectacle to all who love it, and
a cause for delight and encouragement to all who have long been plotting for our fall. Who
then will reach out a hand to help us? Who will drop a tear of pity over our faith? You have
sympathised with a stranger city in like distress; will not your kindly excellency feel for her
who gave you birth? If you have any influence, show it in our present need. Certainly you
have great help from God, Who has never abandoned you, and has given you many proofs
of His kindness. Only be willing to exert yourself in our behalf, and use all the influence
you have for the succour of your fellow citizens.
2266 About the same date as the preceding.
2267 cf. Letters xxxiii. cxlvii. clxxviii. cxcvi. and ccciv.
To Aburgius.
502