To Claudianus, Comptroller of Finances

Although we have not yet met in person, I think your excellency knows about the open slanders that have been published against me. You have often heard me preaching in church, when I proclaimed the Lord Jesus and pointed out the properties both of the Godhead and of the manhood. For we do not divide the one Son into two; we worship the only Son, and point out the distinction between flesh and Godhead. Even the Arians, I think, admit this much, for they do not call the flesh Godhead, nor speak of the Godhead as flesh. Holy Scripture clearly teaches us both natures. Yet although I have always spoken this way, certain men are spreading lies about me. But I rely on my conscience, and I have as witness to my teaching the one who looks into the heart. So, as the prophet says, I regard the schemes of slander as “a spider’s web.” I am waiting for the great judgment, which needs no words, but brings to light what for the present is unknown. [a]

I am sending this by the very devout bishops. I thought it worthwhile to greet your excellency through them and to remind you of your promise. For under attack as I am, I do not stop going hunting. I know that even the holy apostles, in the midst of the assaults made on them, did not stop casting the net of the spirit. [c]