"Because of something uncertain, there should not be a definite abandonment of duty — for, in that event, there is certain ruin for the people, not only in things pertaining to this life, but also in those of that other life which must be cared for with incomparably greater attention and anxiety." In his Letter to Honoratus, Augustine writes in response to a question put to him by a fellow bishop: is it permissible for bishops and their clergy to flee oncoming persecution?

Augustine exhorts bishops to place their trust in God, emphasizing the power of God to protect, and the primacy of prayer. He underlines that concern for eternal life takes precedence over the preservation of temporal life, and he insists that bishops and their clergy are beholden to serve the laity in their charge. If the laity remain, the clergy are obliged to do similarly.

After all, Augustine points out, it is during the times of most danger that the sacraments are most needed — and in most demand. Links

Alternate Translation at CatholicCulture.org: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=3143

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