To Lupicius

Even the enemies of the truth, I think, must be indignant at the injustice and lawlessness of the violence done to us. It is only reasonable that those nurtured by the truth, at whose head stands your excellency, should be still more distressed at this new and astonishing tragedy. And it is only right that those who grieve the more should show the more earnestness and zeal to undo what has been done against God and against the law, and to bring the body of the church, now in danger of being torn apart, back to its former harmony. So I beg your excellency to count the present crisis an opportunity for a spiritual exchange: to give, on your side, your earnestness on behalf of the truth, and to receive from our generous Master both his kindly care in this present life and, in the life to come, the kingdom of heaven. [a]