Letter 18

Isidore of PelusiumZosimus|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk
To: Zosimus
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore sharply rebukes an old man who persists in wickedness.

Wretched Zosimus, it is the last hour. Why do you act as though you are just starting out in life, when you are nearly finished? Old age should bring wisdom, but yours has only hardened your vices. A young man who sins may plead the heat of youth — what is your excuse? You have one foot in the grave and both hands in wickedness. The time for repentance is not infinite. If you will not change now, at the very threshold of judgment, when will you? The door is still open, but not for long. Walk through it.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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