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

To the Senate of Samosata.
Letter CLXXXIII. 2598
Seeing, as I do, that temptation is now spread all over the world, and that the greater
cities of Syria have been tried by the same sufferings as yourselves, (though, indeed, nowhere
is the Senate so approved and renowned for good works, as your own, noted as you are for
your righteous zeal,) I all but thank the troubles which have befallen you. 2599
For had not this affliction come to pass, your proof under trial would never have been
known. To all that earnestly strive for any good, the affliction they endure for the sake of
their hope in God is like a furnace to gold. 2600
Rouse ye, then, most excellent sirs, that the labours you are about to undertake may not
be unworthy of those which you have already sustained, and that on a firm foundation you
may be seen putting a yet worthier finish. Rouse ye, that ye may stand round about the
shepherd of the Church, when the Lord grants him to be seen on his own throne, telling
each of you in his turn. some good deed done for the sake of the Church of God. On the
great day of the Lord, each, according to the proportion of his labours, shall receive his recompense
from the munificent Lord. By remembering me and writing to me as often as
you can, you will be doing justice in sending me a reply, and will moreover give me very
great pleasure, by sending me in writing a plain token of a voice which it is delightful to me
to hear.
2598 Of the same date.
2599 χάριν ἔχειν τοῖς οικονομηθεῖσιν, with the Cod. Med., instead of ἐπὶ τοῖς οἱκονομηθεῖσιν. The Ben. note
points out that this expression of gratitude to the troubles themselves is of a piece with the expression of gratitude
to enemies in the De. Sp. S. vi. § 13. (p. 8), and concludes: “Sic etiam Machabæorum mater apud Gregorium
Nazianzenum orat. xxii. ait se tyranno pene gratias agere.
2600 cf. Prov. xvii. 3 and xxvii. 21.
To the Senate of Samosata.
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