Letter 254

254. To Pelagius, Bishop of Laodicea in Syria

May the Lord grant that I too may one day come into the presence of your true godliness, and that we may supply by our presence all that we have left wanting in our letter. For we have begun to write late, and we have great need of an excuse. But since our most beloved and most reverent brother Sanctissimus, our fellow-presbyter, is present, he himself will recount to you everything, both our affairs and those from the West. In these latter he will indeed gladden you; but in telling of the troubles that have held us fast, he will perhaps add some grief and care to those already laid up in your good heart. Yet it is not without use that you, who are able to move the Lord by your supplication, should grieve; for your care will turn out to our profit, and I know that we shall obtain help from God, having the cooperation of your prayers. And if you join in praying for us that we may be delivered from our cares, and ask for some increase to the strength of our body, the Lord will give us a prosperous way, so that our desire may be fulfilled and we may come into the presence of your good order.