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Translated by Bl. Jackson.
This Part: 128 Pages
Page 41
Letter CXLII. [2470]
To the prefects' accountant. [2471]
I assembled all my brethren the chorepiscopi at the synod of the blessed martyr Eupsychius [2472] to introduce them to your excellency. On account of your absence they must be brought before you by letter. Know, therefore, this brother as being worthy to be trusted by your intelligence, because he fears the Lord. As to the matters on behalf of the poor, which he refers to your good-will, deign to believe him as one worthy of credit, and to give the afflicted all the aid in your power. I am sure you will consent to look favourably upon the hospital of the poor which is in his district, and exempt it altogether from taxation. It has already seemed good to your colleague to make the little property of the poor not liable to be rated.
Letter CXLIII. [2473]
To another accountant. [2474]
Had it been possible for me to meet your excellency I would have in person brought before you the points about which I am anxious, and would have pleaded the cause of the afflicted, but I am prevented by illness and by press of business. I have therefore sent to you in my stead this chorepiscopus, my brother, begging you to give him your aid and use him and to take him into counsel, for his truthfulness and sagacity qualify him to advise in such matters. If you are so good as to inspect the hospital for the poor, which is managed by him, (I am sure you will not pass it without a visit, experienced as you are in the work; for I have been told that you support one of the hospitals at Amasea out of the substance wherewith the Lord has blessed you), I am confident that, after seeing it, you will give him all he asks. Your colleague has already promised me some help towards the hospitals. I tell you this, not that you may imitate him, for you are likely to be a leader of others in good works, but that you may know that others have shown regard for me in this matter.
[2470] Placed in 373.
[2471] On the exemption of hospitals from taxation.
[2472] cf. Letters c. and cclii., and note on p. 184.
[2473] Of the same date as the preceding.
[2474] On the same subject.
Reference address : https://www.elpenor.org/basil/letters-2.asp?pg=41