37. К Диогену 31

We knew about the sincerity of your love for us before; but we are much more convinced of it now, when, despite the obstacles presented by winter weather, you not only do not forget us, but have become even more attentive to us, showing even greater concern for us. We thank you for this and will not stop remembering this with praise every day. Without a doubt, you will receive an ineffable reward for this from the humane God, whose rewards immeasurably exceed everything that people can give in gratitude, in deed or word. But we pay you with what we can: with constant glorification, praise and pleasure of you, love, respect, reverence, constant remembrance of you, unity and inextricable connection with you according to the law of love. However, you yourself know very well, my dear and most venerable lord, that we have always been among your most zealous friends. Therefore, I earnestly ask you regarding the gifts you sent: do not worry about us at all. Having been satisfied and enjoying the honor of receiving them, we return them to you not out of disdain, not because we are not confident in your nobility, but because we do not tolerate need. We did the same in relation to many other persons, since many others, worthy of you in their nobility and ardently devoted to us, did the same to us, as your honor can easily ascertain: and before all of them it was enough for us to justify the same thing, that we ask you to respect yourself. If we really were in need, we would demand it with complete frankness, as if it were our property, and you will see this in experience. So, get everything back and take care of it carefully, so that if time ever dictates, we can safely ask your honor. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us. – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” From Kukuz in 404, like the next two letters. You might be interested in: