Letters of Saint Ambrose
Translated by H. Walford
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The opening
LETTER OF GRATIAN TO AMBROSE. A.D. 379.
THE EMPEROR GRATIAN TO AMBROSE BISHOP OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
1. GREAT is my desire that as I remember you though far away, and in spirit am present with you, so I may be with you in bodily presence also. Hasten then, holy Bishop of God; come and teach me, who am already a sincere believer; not that I am eager for controversy, or seek to apprehend God in words rather than with my mind, but that the revelation of His Godhead may sink more deeply into an enlightened breast.
2. For He will teach me, He Whom I deny not, but confess to be my God and my Lord, not cavilling at that created nature in Him, which I see also in myself. That I can add nothing to Christ I acknowledge, but I am desirous by declaring the Son to commend myself to the Father also; for in God I can fear no jealousy; nor will I suppose myself such an eulogist as that I can exalt His divinity by my words. Weak and frail, I proclaim Him according to my power, not according to His Majesty.
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About this edition
- The words
- H. Walford's English translation, copied word for word.
- Copied from
- Left out
- The source library's header, footer and license, in 2 places
- A preface, foreword or afterword
- The printed table of contents (the app makes its own)
- Notes and pages added by translators, editors or publishers, in 11 places
- The title page and opening pages before chapter 1
- The source website's menus, layout and notices, in 2 places
- The index
- The closing line “THE END.” (left out, as house style)