The Sixth Book of the Select Letters of Severus, Patriarch of Antioch, in the Syriac Version of Athansius of Nisibis (Volume 2 - 1); PT. 1-2. Translation (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903. Excerpt: ... p. 227. 51938. 2. Of the same to John and John the presbyters. From those after banishment, from the i st book the 6th letter.) Your holinesses' letter, which was brought me by Zenobius the devout deacon, has refreshed me greatly, and has been to me, as in the words of the proverb, "as cool water that relieveth a thirsty soul."1 And after other things. As to what you say about those who are residing in Byzantium, the report that has been received is true, that they contended about precedence. In fact at an earlier time also they discussed this doubtful point, and the proper regulation" was given. Now however, when they are outside the phantasy3 of worldly sleep, they ought not to have contended as with a shadow and seen dreams. But may the hateful passion of jealousy and envy perish from among men, a passion that goes down with a man even to Hades itself and is a thing unendurable For this reason the God-inspired scripture says, "Wrath is merciless and anger sharp, but nothing endureth jealousy."4 For both the merciless wrath and the sharp anger eat away and destroy those against whom they are whetted: but still it is sometimes possible for us to assuage them and turn them aside, by lapse of time and by methods of treatment and by gifts. But jealousy there is nothing than can endure. This p. 228. passion knows one relief, the destruction of the man who is its object, and his ruin: and in the same fashion also the death of the man himself who is jealous: especially that of the soul before 'that of the body. For the very wise book of Job says, "Jealousy slayeth him that is in error."1 Such annoyances I received from the two aforesaid men: and He who came down from on high and humbled Himself for our sake and said, -" My peace I give unto you, my tranquillit...