Letter 50

50. To Innocent, bishop.

And to whom else did it belong both to instil courage in the fearful and to waken those who sleep, than to your reverence — the reverence of our Master — who have made known your perfection in all things, in this also: that you deigned to condescend even to us, the lowly, as a true disciple of him who said, "I am there in the midst of you, not as one who reclines at table, but as one who serves"? For you yourself deigned to minister to us your spiritual gladness, and by your honoured letters to take up our souls, and, as it were, to embrace the infancy of children with your own greatness.

Pray, then — we beseech your good soul — that we may be worthy both to receive the benefits that come from your greatness, and to obtain a mouth and wisdom to dare to answer you, who are led by the Holy Spirit; of whom, hearing that you are a friend and a true glorifier, we acknowledge great thankfulness for your firm and unswerving love toward God; praying that our portion may be found among the true worshippers, among whom we are persuaded that your perfection also is. And of the great and true Bishop, who has filled the whole world with his own wonder, of the Lord, we make our entreaty.