Letter 290

290. To Nectarius

Many blessings be upon those who move your Honour to keep up this continual converse with us by letter. For do not think that we say such things out of mere custom; rather, it is from genuine affection that we set the highest value on your voice. For what could be more precious to me than Nectarius—who from childhood was known to us by his fairest qualities, and who has now run up, through virtue of every kind, to such a height of distinction? So that to me the dearest of all my friends is the one who brings me your letters.

But concerning the choice of those who are to be set over the company: if I do anything to gratify men, or yielding to entreaties, or giving way to fear, may I never do such things. For I shall be no steward, but a huckster, bartering the gift of God for human friendships. But if the votes that men cast are given on the strength of an outward appearance, of which they are able to bear witness in whatever they testify, while the judgements as to who are the more suitable are entrusted by our humble selves to Him who knows the hidden things of hearts, then perhaps it is altogether better, having deposited one's testimony, to stand aside from all zeal and partisanship—as though the persons testified to were one's own—and to pray to God that what is profitable may not escape us. For thus we shall no longer blame any man for the outcome, whichever way it falls, but shall render to God the thanks for what comes to pass. And yet, if these things are done after the manner of men, they are not really done at all, but are an imitation, and fall very far short of the truth.

Consider, too, that no small danger lies close at hand for the man who strives by every means to make his own opinion prevail—lest we ever draw upon ourselves a share in the sins committed. For many sins might be committed, even by those one would never have expected, through the frailty of human nature. Again, when in private we have often given our friends the best advice, and yet seem unpersuasive to those who consult us, we are not angry; but in matters that are not the counsel of men but the judgement of God, shall we be vexed if even the judgements of God are not preferred to ours? If, then, the office is given by men, why should it be sought from us, and not rather a man take it for himself? But if it is given by the Lord, it befits us to pray, not to be vexed; and in our prayer not to ask our own will, but to leave it to God, who dispenses what is profitable. And may the holy God lead away every trial of grievous affairs from your house, and measure out to you yourself and to all who belong to you a life free from sickness and harm, in all prosperity.