"Paul does not say merely, 'to be encouraged,' but, 'to be encouraged by each other's faith.' He was not content with this but he puts in a further mitigation, when he says, 'both yours and mine' (Rm 1:12). Oh how great was his humility! He showed himself also to be in need of them, and not them only in need of him. And he puts the disciples in the position of teachers, not letting any superiority remain on his own side, but pointing out their full equality. For the gain is mutual, he means: 'I need the comfort from you, and you that from me.' And how does this happen? 'By each other's faith, both yours and mine.' For as in the case of fire, if someone gathers together many flames, it is a bright blaze that he kindles, so it also naturally happens with the faithful. For when we are by ourselves, torn away from others, we are somehow in worse spirits. But when we see one another, and are entwined with the members of our own selves, great is the comfort we receive. You must not look to the present time, during which, by God's grace, both in city and in the desert itself, there is a great host of believers, and all impiety has been driven out. Consider, at Paul's time, how great a good it was both for disciples to see their master, and for brothers, who had come from another city, to be seen by brothers.