Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series II/Volume VIII/The Letters/Letter 75

To Aburgius.

have many qualities which raise you above the common run of men, but nothing is more distinctly characteristic of you than your zeal for your country.&#160; Thus you, who have risen to such a height as to become illustrious throughout all the world, pay a righteous recompense to the land that gave you birth.&#160; Yet she, your mother city, who bore you and nursed you, has fallen into the incredible condition of ancient story; and no one visiting C&#230;sarea; not even those most familiar with her, would recognise her as she is; to such complete abandonment has she been suddenly transformed, many of her magistrates having been previously removed, and now nearly all of them transferred to Podandus.&#160; The remainder, torn from these like mutilated extremities, have themselves fallen into complete despair, and have caused such a general weight of despondency, that the population of the city is now but scanty; the place looks like a desert, a piteous spectacle to all who love it, and a cause for delight and encouragement to all who have long been plotting for our fall.&#160; Who then will reach out a hand to help us?&#160; Who will drop a tear of pity over our faith?&#160; You have sympathised with a stranger city in like distress; will not your kindly excellency feel for her who gave you birth?&#160; If you have any influence, show it in our present need.&#160; Certainly you have great help from God, Who has never abandoned you, and has given you many proofs of His kindness.&#160; Only be willing to exert yourself in our behalf, and use all the influence you have for the succour of your fellow citizens.