To Donatus

Contents

1. 1Cyprian, in a vine-covered garden during the autumn holidays, begins to keep his promise to talk with his friend Donatus.
2. 2Cyprian will speak plainly, for God's mercy needs truth, not eloquence.
3. 3Before his baptism Cyprian could not believe that a person could be reborn and leave behind ingrained habits.
4. 4At baptism Cyprian was cleansed and reborn by the Spirit, and what had seemed impossible became possible, all by God's gift.
5. 5God's Spirit is given without measure to those who remain faithful, and gives power to heal and to drive out demons.
6. 6From a mountain top Donatus should view the world's violence, where murder is called valour when done by nations.
7. 7The gladiatorial games teach killing as an art and make spectators accomplices in murder.
8. 8The theatre keeps ancient crimes alive, teaches adultery and effeminacy, and makes vice religious by showing the gods' immorality.
9. 9In private, people commit shameful acts, including men with men, which they condemn in public.
10. 10Even the law courts are corrupt: advocates cheat, judges take bribes, and the innocent are condemned.
11. 11Worldly honours and offices are bought with humiliation and end in ruin when flatterers leave.
12. 12The rich are tormented by fear for their wealth, possessed by it, and share it with no one.
13. 13Rulers surrounded by guards live in greater fear than anyone, and their power turns against them.
14. 14True security is found only in God's free gift, which lifts a person above the world.
15. 15Donatus should pray and read Scripture, adorning his soul, the temple of the Holy Spirit, which will last into the resurrection.
16. 16Cyprian ends the talk and invites Donatus to sing psalms at their evening meal.