To Libertinus, Former Praetor, on Bearing Losses with Thanks

Gregory to Libertinus, and so on. [a] We are not unaware of the hardship you are in with regard to the things of this world. But since for those placed in the deepest distress the only comfort is the mercy of the Creator, rest your hope on him and turn to him with your whole heart. He justly allows whom he will to be afflicted, and he will mercifully deliver one who trusts in him. So give thanks to him, and patiently endure what has been brought on you. For it belongs to a right mind not only to bless God in prosperity, but also to join in praising him in adversity. In these things you are suffering, then, let no murmur against God creep into your heart, since we do not know for what purpose our Creator works in this way. For perhaps, magnificent son, you offended him in something when you were prosperous, and he would cleanse you of it by a kindly bitterness. So do not let this passing affliction break you down, nor the loss of your goods distract you. For if, by giving thanks in adversity, you make God propitious to you by your patience, the things that were lost are multiplied, and eternal joys are held out to you besides. I beg you, however, not to take it badly that we have written through Romanus the defensor to order twenty sets of clothing to be supplied from us to your servants. For things offered from the goods of the blessed apostle Peter, however small, are always to be taken as a great blessing, since he will have power both to give you greater things and to hold out to you eternal benefits with Almighty God. The month of June, in the third indiction. [b]