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

To Urbicius, the monk. 2405
Letter CXXIII. 2404
You were to have come to see me (and the blessing was drawing near) to cool me, aflame
in my temptations, with the tip of your finger. What then? My sins stood in the way and
hindered your start, so that I am sick without a remedy. Just as when the waves are round
us, one sinks and another rises, and another looms black and dreadful, so of my troubles:
some have ceased, some are with me, some are before me. As is generally the case, the one
remedy for these troubles is to yield to the crisis and withdraw from my persecutors. Yet
come to me, to console, to advise, or even to travel with me; in any case you will make me
better for the mere sight of you. Above all, pray, and pray again, that my reason be not
whelmed by the waves of my troubles; pray that all through I may keep a heart pleasing to
God, that I be not numbered with the wicked servants, who thank a master when he gives
them good, and refuse to submit when he chastises them by adversity; but let me reap benefit
from my very trials, trusting most in God when I need Him most.
2404 Written in 373.
2405 cf. Letter cclxii.
To Urbicius, the monk.
562
194