Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Ser. II, Vol. VIII:
The Letters.: To a soldier.

Letter CVI. 2367

To a soldier.

I have many reasons for thanking God for mercies vouchsafed to me in my journey, but I count no blessing greater than the knowledge of your excellency, which has been permitted me by our good Lord’s mercy.  I have learnt to know one who proves that even in a soldier’s life it is possible to preserve the perfection of love to God, 2368 and that we must mark a Christian not by the style of his dress, but by the disposition of his soul.  It was a great delight to me to meet you; and now, whenever I remember you, I feel very glad.  Play the man; be strong; strive to nourish and multiply love to God, that there may be given you by Him yet greater boons of blessing.  I need no further proof that you remember me; I have evidence in what you have done.

Footnotes

Placed in 372.

Among others, conspicuous instances of the statement in the text are Cornelius, St. Martin, John de Joinville, Peter du Terreil, Sieur de Bayard, Henry Havelock, and Charles Gordon.