To Andrew, on His Recovery from Sickness

Gregory to Andrew. When I heard that your glory had been severely afflicted with grief and sickness, I felt deeply for you. But when I learned soon after that the illness had entirely left you, I quickly turned my sorrow into joy, and gave great thanks to Almighty God that he struck you so that he might heal, and afflicted you so that he might lead you to true joys. For this is why it is written, “Whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12, verse 6). This is why the Truth himself says, “My Father is the vinedresser, and every branch in me that does not bear fruit he will take away; but every branch that bears fruit he will cleanse, so that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15, verses 1 and 2). For the unfruitful branch is taken away, because a sinner is rooted up altogether. But the fruitful branch is said to be cleansed, because it is cut back by discipline so that it may be brought to more abundant grace. So the grain in the ears, beaten with the threshing tool, is stripped of its bristles and chaff. So the olives, pressed in the oil press, flow out into rich oil. So the bunches of grapes, trodden by the heels, turn into wine. Rejoice, then, good man, that in this scourge of yours and this advancement of yours you see that you are loved by the eternal Judge. [a]

Further, I ask that my daughter Gloriosa, your wife, be greeted in my name. Now may Almighty God keep you under heavenly protection, and comfort you both, now with an abundance of gifts and hereafter with reward in return.