Letter 13: To Paul the solitary who was called to the primacy of another habitation

Letter 13: To Paul the solitary who was called to the primacy of another habitation — Ishoʿyahb to Paul, my brother: In the Lord, peace. I heard about your coming, and I also read what you wrote to me. And in that you placed your coming under a bushel, you did not do well. For this is not so. For what always prevails in his spirit, in every change of circumstances, but rather because of the many simplicities of your custom, the teachings of the zealous, of the conduct, and of the name, your Ishoʿyahb considers that place to place. But it is not thus that it seemed to you, but rather the garment of hospitality and a common thought journey with you to every place, and they accompany you in all your actions, and you are relaxed. But your soul, always bow before the Lord, as you also do. And may your will always be in the will of God, so that he may guide you in all your actions on the path of his truth. And rely on truth, and fear nothing. For those who speak truth can also overcome the angels of the earth. Especially, moreover, if they are zealous for the truth of which they speak. But for the brothers who are with you, do not be a teacher as with yourself, but only a reminder of the commandments of the Lord and of the teachings of the fathers. And when you have reminded them, also persuade them to keep them. And if they are obedient, love them. And if they are hesitant, testify to them concerning your equality. And if they persuade you to relax, also persuade them to keep the commandments. And if they do not keep them, let them know from now that it is not fitting for you to relax with them. And if it is necessary to rebuke them, set before them openly the cause of equality. And speak without anger and without partiality, while you do not cease from behind you the bitter goad for hasty tongues. Behold, all these things are not to be borne with indifference.

I heard that you are rejoicing in the commands of the benefits, for there is no wealth greater than the virtue that is for you and for me. And I added that you might add and be enriched. And it was annulled for you, moreover, especially with everything, concerning the debt of teaching. And you gave the first demonstration in yourself, that the discourse might be received more and increase in inner benefits. Against the former customs of the place, however, which have long been constrained to change, you strove little by little, and first you persuaded concerning the mill, and now you have abolished that which is inferior, so that when they are brought together in harmony, those things that are sought may be made known. May the virtue of that which is said with you increase, so that if you preserve it, they will know that you have been a teacher of goodness to them; and if you do not preserve it, they will know that they have revelled in goodness. And the sum is to say: with benefits return, and with benefits depart. That benefit, however, shall be reckoned to you which is witnessed with your flock, and your mind shall not anticipate anything, but you shall bring everything into the court of thoughts, and examine wisely in the fear of God, and take hold of the hand of what is good. And may the God of peace give you peace in your habitation, and may He complete you in every good work to do His will, that you may be strengthened with all strength as a shepherd of His will, for His own glory and for the gladdening of yours. And pray also for me, that the remainder of my days in life may be spent in a manner pleasing to His will. Jesus shall greet you, my brother, my Lord Ḥaṭṭaishoʿ and the brothers of my monastery. Give greetings to the brothers with you, and persuade them to pray for my weakness.