To Bishop Theoctistus, for Celestinianus

If the God of all had at once punished everyone who goes astray, he would have destroyed the whole human race. But he spares; he is a merciful Judge. So some he chastises, and to others he gives the lesson of the punishment of those chastised. An example of this merciful dealing has been shown in our own times. Exiles from what was once known as Libya, but is now called Africa, have been brought by him to our doors. By showing us their sufferings he moves us to fear, and by fear he stirs us to sympathy. So he achieves two ends at once: he benefits us by their chastisement, and through us he brings them comfort. This comfort I now ask you to give to the most admirable and honorable Celestinianus, a man who was once an ornament of the chief city of the Africans, but who now has neither city nor home, nor any of the necessities of life. It is proper that those within Your Holiness’s jurisdiction who have been entrusted with the pastoral care of souls should put before their fellow citizens what is for their good, for they truly need such teaching. That, as we know, is why the divine apostle writes in his letter to Titus, “Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses.” For if our city, lonely as it is, with only a small population, and a poor one at that, helps strangers, how much more may Beroea, which has been nourished in true religion, be expected to do so, especially under the leadership of Your Holiness. [a]