To the Presbyter Magnus Antoninus

Sailors at night are cheered by the sight of the harbor lights, and those who are in danger for the sake of the apostolic faith are cheered in the same way by the zeal of those who share that faith. We take great comfort in what we hear of your godliness’s efforts for the divine doctrines. For this mind has been given you by the Giver of all good gifts, and to keep these doctrines safe you go through every toil. Now I, comforted by your zeal, make a small return. I call on you to persevere in your divine labors, and to despise your opponents as an easy prey, for what is weaker than those who are empty of the truth? Trust in him who said, “I will not fail you or forsake you,” and, “Look, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Help me too with your prayers, so that I may say with confidence, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” [a]