To Dracontius

Contents

Chapters 3–5 are mostly lost in the scan text used.

1. 1Athanasius rebukes Dracontius, a monk newly chosen bishop, for fleeing his appointment, and warns of the harm his flight will do.
2. 2Athanasius tells Dracontius that a bishop lives for his people, and that hiding the gift is like burying the talent.
3. 3Athanasius urges Dracontius not to serve the times but the Lord, and points to Moses, Jeremiah and Jonah, who tried to refuse their calling but obeyed.
4. 6Athanasius urges Dracontius to fear the judgment and take up the charge entrusted to him.
5. 7Athanasius reminds Dracontius of other monks who became bishops, served well, and turned many to Christ.
6. 8Athanasius argues that the saints grew in holiness precisely by fulfilling the ministries to which they were sent.
7. 9Athanasius answers the claim that the episcopate leads to sin: bishops can be as ascetic as monks, and the crown depends on deeds, not on place.
8. 10Athanasius urges Dracontius to return before Easter, and sends Hierax and Maximus to persuade him.