To John, Bishop of Germanicia

I have always known, sir, that you do not forget our friendship. And it has always been my wish and prayer that your piety would pay heed to the exact truth, avoid communion with those who betray true religion, and give the Supreme Ruler the credit for the care he has taken of us. For indeed, while I have stayed silent and inactive, he has put an end to our very sharp and terrible sufferings, and has replaced the fierce storm with this bright calm. And now that the Lord’s loving-kindness has granted us this blessing, I find the quiet of my retreat delightful indeed; for I feel I must persuade those who have been led astray by the slanders launched against me, both convincing them of the truth of the teaching of the gospels and refuting the attack of falsehood. Once this refutation is finished, and the victory of the truth is secure, I mean to leave public life and withdraw to the rest I long for so much. Of the enemies of the truth I cry out with the prophet, “Their memorial has perished with a noise, but the Lord endures forever.” Of ourselves I sing with the psalmist, “He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters, he delivered me from my strong enemy.” [a]

This letter answers two I have received from your holiness, one brought by Anastasius, the presbyter of Beroea, and one by Theodotus the standard-bearer. In your last letter you mention another, but it has not been delivered. As for my journey there, I can say nothing until I know what orders the most pious emperor gives concerning me. His letter has not yet arrived. [e]