Letter 106

106. To a Soldier

Though we have much for which to give thanks to the Lord — among the things of which he counted us worthy during our sojourn — we judged it the greatest good to come to know your honoured self, granted to us by our good Master. For we came to know a man who shows that even in the soldier's life it is possible to preserve the perfection of love toward God, and that the Christian must be marked out not by the dress he wears but by the disposition of his soul.

At that time, then, we met you with all eagerness, and now too, as often as we call you to mind, we enjoy the greatest gladness. Be a man, therefore, and be strong, and be always zealous to nourish and multiply your love toward God, that the supply of good things from him may go forward to you in ever greater measure. That you, for your part, remember us, we need no further proof, having the testimony that comes from your deeds themselves.