[Ishoʿyahb to the zealous in Nisibin, letter #11]]
I inform you, our brother, that by the grace of God I have begun a journey to the city of the Catholic throne, and that ecclesiastical affairs are governed beautifully by the providence of God around them. But you tell us those, who wish to know from you the state of our affairs, that there is something acceptable to the will of God, and this from the benevolence of God; and that we have again something else acceptable to the will of evil. - But how much we are concerned in that and in this matter, each of those who behold our works will talk as will please him. It is easy, of course, to find fault with the good; it is also easy to praise evil. And both are of those who say: our lips are our own; who is lord over us?
{Psalm 12:5 Lamsa} But know well that the avenger of every man for Divine matters by any man ought to suffer at any time; be there so few who wish to live. But if only one of a thousand such is found, behold, is written {Eccl. 7:29?} his praise in wisdom by God given, and the small number of the flock of which he is spoken of in the Gospel {Luke 12:32} to be blessed.
Do not therefore worry much, our brother, in a troublesome strife over the evil words which have been uttered. For if men had blasphemed the persecutor of the demons by the name of the prince of demons {Matt. 9:34, 12:24}, what remains of our honor from the part of what is transmitted to evil gain?
Give now rest to your soul by the memory of God's mercy. Be in peace and rejoice according to your will, because God is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
He will fulfil the desire of those who worship him;
he also will hear their cry and will save them.
The Lord preserves all who love him;
but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord;
let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
{Psalm 145:18-21 Lamsa} Be in peace, and the Lord help you.
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