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

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To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata. 2478<br />

Letter CXLV. 2477<br />

I know the countless labours which you have undergone for the <strong>Church</strong>es of God; I<br />

know your press of occupation, while you discharge your responsibilities, not as though<br />

they were of mere secondary importance, but in accordance with God’s will. I know the<br />

man 2479 who is, as it were, laying close siege to you <strong>and</strong> by whom you are forced, like birds<br />

crouching in cover under an eagle, not to go far from your shelter. I know all this. But<br />

longing is strong, both in hoping for the impracticable <strong>and</strong> attempting the impossible.<br />

Rather I should say, hope in God is the strongest of all things. 2480 For it is not from unreasonable<br />

desire, but from strength of faith, that I expect a way out, even from the greatest<br />

difficulties, <strong>and</strong> that you will find a way to get over all hindrances, <strong>and</strong> to come to see the<br />

<strong>Church</strong> that loves you best of all, <strong>and</strong> to be seen by her. What she values most of all good<br />

things is to behold your face <strong>and</strong> to hear your voice. Beware then of making her hopes vain.<br />

When last year, on my return from Syria, I reported the promise which you had given me,<br />

you cannot think how elated with her hopes I made her. Do not, my friend, postpone your<br />

coming to another time. Even if it may be possible for you to see her one day, you may not<br />

see her <strong>and</strong> me too, for sickness is hurrying me on to quit this painful life.<br />

2477 Placed in 373.<br />

2478 On a possible visit of Eusebius to Cæsarea.<br />

2479 i.e. Valens.<br />

2480 “Vita vere mortalis spes est vitæ immortalis.” St. Augustine in Ps. iii. “Spes æternitatem animum erigit,<br />

et idcirco nulla mala sentit.” St. Greg., Moral. cf. Ovid. i. Pont. 7: Quamvis est igitur meritis indebita nostris,<br />

Magna tamen spes est in bonitate Dei.<br />

To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.<br />

596<br />

206

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