142 (418). To the Accountant of the Prefects
LETTERS
self know, do not grant administrative power of such a kind to one man? Yet, what remedy have I not employed? Of what decision have I not reminded them, now through letters, and again through personal conferences? They even came as far as the city at the report of my death. But, since it was pleasing to God that they should find us alive, we spoke to them as was proper. In my presence they are respectful and make all reasonable promises, but, after they have left, they again return to their own opinions. In these matters we, too, have the benefit of the general state of affairs, since clearly the Lord has abandoned us whose charity has grown cold because of the increase of wickedness. But, against all these things let your great and powerful petition to God suffice for us. For, perhaps, we may either become somewhat useful in the circumstances, or, if we fail in the object of our desires, we may escape condemnation.
142. To the Accountant of the Prefects1 At the synod of the blessed martyr Eupsychius2 I brought together all our brothers, the suffragan bishops, 3 to make them known to your Honor. But, since you were absent, they must be introduced to your Perfection by letter. I would like you, therefore, to know this brother, who is worthy of being trusted by your Wisdom because of his fear of the Lord. And in whatever matters he may have recourse to your good will as regards the poor, do not refuse to trust him as one who is telling the truth, and to furnish your powerful assistance for the oppressed. Without doubt, you will also deign to visit the 1 There were two numerarii, or accountants of the prefect, in every provo ince. This letter was written in 373.
2 For the martyr Eupsychius, d. Letter 100 n. 2.
3 For suffragan bishops, d. Letter 53 n. I.