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

like a deserter. But I am chiefly influenced by my own heart, which testifies to itself of all
that I have told you.
2. Since you have mentioned our bond, and have announced that you mean to prosecute,
you have made me laugh in this my dejection, because you are still an advocate and do not
give up your shrewdness. I hold, unless, indeed, like an ignorant man, I am quite missing
the truth, that there is only one way to the Lord, and that all who are journeying to Him are
travelling together and walking in accordance with one “bond” of life. If this be so, wherever
I go how can I be separated from you? How can I cease to live with you, and with you serve
God, to Whom we have both fled for refuge? Our bodies may be separated by distance, but
God’s eye still doubtless looks upon us both; if indeed a life like mine is fit to be beheld by
the divine eyes; for I have read somewhere in the Psalms that the eyes of the Lord are upon
the righteous. 2493 I do indeed pray that with you and with all that are like minded with
you, I may be associated, even in body, and that night and day with you and with any other
true worshipper of God I may bow my knees to our Father which is in heaven; for I know
that communion in prayer brings great gain. If, as often as it is my lot to lie and groan in a
different corner, I am always to be accused of lying, I cannot contend against your argument,
and already condemn myself as a liar, if with my own carelessness I have said anything
which brings me under such a charge.
3. I was lately at Cæsarea, in order to learn what was going on there. I was unwilling
to remain in the city itself, and betook myself to the neighbouring hospital, that I might get
there what information I wanted. According to his custom the very godly bishop visited it,
and I consulted him as to the points which you had urged upon me. It is not possible for
me to remember all that he said in reply; it went far beyond the limits of a letter. In sum,
however, what he said about poverty was this, that the rule ought to be that every one should
limit his possessions to one garment. For one proof of this he quoted the words of John the
Baptist “he that hath two coats let him impart to him that hath none;” 2494 and for another
our Lord’s prohibition to His disciples to have two coats. 2495 He further added “If thou
wilt be perfect go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor.” 2496 He said too that the
parable of the pearl bore on this point, because the merchant, who had found the pearl of
great price, went away and sold all that he had and bought it; and he added too that no one
ought even to permit himself the distribution of his own property, but should leave it in the
hands of the person entrusted with the duty of managing the affairs of the poor; and he
proved the point from the acts of the apostles, 2497 because they sold their property and
2493 Ps. xxxiv. 15.
2494 Luke iii. 11.
2495 Matt. x. 10.
2496 Matt. xix. 21.
2497 Acts iv. 35.
To Amphilochius in the name of Heraclidas.
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