To Marcellus, a Second Letter

I have already written to your reverence in another letter, and have given it to your much respected brothers. Now I write to your holiness again. I am moved to do so both by your admirable life and by the praiseworthy zeal you have shown for the apostolic faith, fearing neither imperial power nor a league of bishops. For granting that most of the council consented under coercion, they still confirmed the newfangled heresy with their signatures. But your holiness was shaken by none of these things, and held to the ancient doctrines which the Lord, through both the prophets and the apostles, has taught the churches to hold. [a]

I pray that I may keep these decrees, and keep to the end my faith and confession in one Father, one Son and one Holy Spirit. For the incarnation of the only Son added nothing to the number of the Trinity. Even after the incarnation the Trinity is still a Trinity. This is the teaching I have received from the beginning; this has been my faith; in this I was baptized; this I have preached; in this I have baptized; this I still hold. Of those who utter a lie about the Father, the Lord has said, “When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own,” for what is said of the teacher fits the disciples. So these men who use lies against me speak from their own, and do not describe what is mine. I am comforted by my Master’s words: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” I beg your piety to pray that I may have my part not among the wrongdoers, but among those who suffer wrong for the truth of the Gospels.