De bono pudicitiae On the Benefit of Chastity. c. 1.

Indeed, from whom all things proceed, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and honor for ever and ever. I desire, brothers, that you fare well.

II. ON THE BENEFIT OF CHASTITY.

original: "*** aliquas officiorum meorum partes praeterisse..." ...to have passed over some parts of my duties, while I always strive, or rather, especially in my daily expositions of the Gospels, to provide you at times with increments of faith and knowledge through the Lord. For what else can be more usefully carried out in the Church of the Lord, what can be found more appropriate to the duties of a bishop, than that the doctrine of the Lord, insinuated by him and brought together in words, might enable the faithful to reach the promised kingdom of heaven? This is certainly the daily, prayerful business of my work and office, which, though absent, I strive to obtain, and I attempt to return my presence to you through letters. While I address you in the usual manner with messages and appeals in faith, I do so to the end that, solidified by the strength of the evangelical root, you may stand always armed against all the battles of the devil. I shall not believe myself absent if I am secure. But nevertheless...