Letter XXXIX.
(a.d. 397.)
To My Lord Augustin, a FatherTruly Holy and Most Blessed, Jerome Sends Greeting in Christ.
Chap. I.
1. Last year I sent by the hand of our brother, the
subdeacon Asterius, a letter conveying to your Excellency a
salutation due to you, and readily rendered by me; and I think that
my letter was delivered to you. I now write again, by my holy
brother the deacon Præsidius, begging you in the first place not
to forget me, and in the second place to receive the bearer of this
letter, whom I commend to you with the request that you recognise
him as one very near and dear to me, and that you encourage and
help him in whatever way his circumstances may demand; not that he
is in need of anything (for Christ has amply endowed him), but that
he is most eagerly desiring the friendship of good men, and thinks
that in securing this he obtains the most valuable blessing. His
design in travelling to the West you may learn from his own
lips.
Chap. II.
2. As for us, established here in our
monastery, we feel the shock of waves on every side, and are
burdened with the cares of our lot as pilgrims. But we believe in
Him who hath said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the
world,” and are
confident that by His grace and guidance we shall prevail against
our adversary the devil.
I beseech you to give my respectful salutation to
the holy and venerable brother, our father Alypius. The brethren
who, with me, devote themselves to serve the Lord in this
monastery, salute you warmly. May Christ our Almighty God guard you
from harm, and keep you mindful of me, my lord and father truly
holy and venerable.