Isho'yahb to the pious men

Isho'yahb of Nineveh, letter #21.

To ditto about ditto by ditto: great greetings.

We have judged beautifully, as we have been judged beautifully {Mat 7:2}. But that we have granted nothing to the spirit is not very beautiful, indeed nohow. We are to be blamed - justly - when we lack a certain strength. For when we are entirely sufficient in the contest which has been provided, [we are] long victorious in this matter, although not adorned with the crown itself. Therefore spiritual is the contest, all of you! it is spiritual as is its fruit; and often to be found to blame is anxiety. And how does anyone believe, but by the very spirit, the vision of secret things? And who knows whether, as he blames Samuel, so [he blames] us? Who is accustomed to such things? And this, even should the adversary win presently - who perhaps cannot win, as I still hope.

For how could it be that he who contrary to conscience is the adversary, in manifest matters, of the religion of God; is he who worships God - unless he is overcome by confusion, of which it is spoken also that she is "laden with guilt" {Ben Sira 4:21} and by that [confusion] is carried off as by the force of cowardice to ignominious servitude.

When this aforementioned was relayed to him who was obliged in the matter: as noted I wrote to him not to be called to the laying on of hands, and not only that as noted - but also that it were better for his own good that consecration not be done, should he wish to do that. But if he were to turn aside from the way of the fear of God to stray from sense: he would do well by despising what I have written, that he alone may do what is not fitting to be done.

It is also beautiful for us, from afar only by hearing, to see what is done wrong. Be of good cheer, therefore, in the Lord, you pious men; and if it should happen that an adverse event may occur to somebody, put away from you the scandal that would in every way arise from such things; when you will remember that we are the dust that is proud today and will be scattered shortly after. Pray that we may be worthy of mercy at all times and that the grace of God may guide us wherever.