32. К пресвитеру Симмаху 28

It is not at all new or strange that one who walks a narrow path suffers hardships. This is the natural property of virtue: its path is strewn with labors, toil, intrigues and dangers. But that is the way; and behind him - crowns, rewards, unspeakable and endless blessings. So console yourself with this. Moreover, both the joys and sorrows of the current life flow along with it and end with this life. Consequently, there is nothing to be puffed up by joys, nor is there anything to lose heart and be overwhelmed by sorrows. A good helmsman does not yawn during calm times, but does not become embarrassed during a storm. Knowing all this, console yourself and look for better reinforcement in this. Write to us constantly about your health. Although we are separated from you by a large expanse of space and have long since parted with your dimensionality, we have not parted with our love for you and always carry it with us unforgettably and unremittingly, wherever we are, because such is the nature of sincere friendship. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us. – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” Between 404 and 407, like the following letter. You might be interested in: