To Ibas, Bishop of Edessa, for the Exiled Bishop Cyprianus

It is, I think, out of his providential care for the salvation of us all that the God of all brings certain calamities on some people: so that chastisement may be a healing remedy to those who have gone wrong, an encouragement to steadfastness for virtue’s athletes, and a helpful example to all who look on. For it is natural that when we see others punished, we are filled with fear ourselves. With this in mind I look on the trouble of Africa as a gain for everyone. In the first place, when I remember their former prosperity and now see their sudden overthrow, I see how changeable all human affairs are, and I learn a double lesson: not to rejoice in good fortune as though it would never end, and not to be distressed by calamities as though they were unbearable. Then I call to mind past errors, and I tremble for fear that I may fall into the same sufferings. [a]

My main reason for writing to you now is to introduce to your holiness the most God-beloved bishop Cyprianus, who set out from famous Africa and is now forced by the savagery of the barbarians to travel in foreign lands.

He has brought us a letter from the most holy bishop, the lord Eusebius, who wisely governs the Galatians. When your piety has received him with your usual kindness, I beg you to send him on with a letter to whatever devout bishops you think fit. So, while he enjoys their kind comfort, he may become the means of their receiving heavenly and lasting benefits. [c]