Ep. CXXI.
(Written a little later, as a letter of thanks for an
Easter Gift. Theodore had quite recently been made Archbishop of
Tyana.)
We rejoice in the tokens of love, and especially
at such a season, and from one at once so young a man, and so perfect;
and, to greet you with the words of Scripture, stablished in your
youth,4764
for so it calls him
who is more advanced in
wisdom than his years lead us to expect.
The old Fathers
prayed for the dew of
heaven and fatness of the
earth4765
and other such things for their
children,
though perhaps some may understand these things in a higher sense; but
we will give you back all in a
spiritual sense. The
Lord fulfil
all thy requests,
4766
and mayest thou be
the
father of such
children4767
| 4767 It seems clear, as
Benoît remarks, that this expression refers to Spiritual
fatherhood. Theodore does not appear to have been married. |
(if I may pray for
you concisely and intimately) as you yourself have shewn yourself to
your own parents, so that we, as well as every one else, may be
glorified concerning you.
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