Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers Series 2 - The Still Small ...

Without address on the same subject. 2296
Letter LXXXVII. 2295
I am astonished that, with you to appeal to, so grave an offence should have been committed
against the presbyter as that he should have been deprived of his only means of
livelihood. The most serious part of the business is that the perpetrators transfer the guilt
of their proceedings to you; while all the while it was your duty not only not to suffer such
deeds to be done, but to use all your authority to prevent them in the case of any one, but
specially in the case of presbyters, and such presbyters as are in agreement with me, and are
walking in the same way of true religion. If then you have any care to give me gratification,
see that these matters are set right without delay. For, God helping you, you are able to do
this, and greater things than this to whom you will. I have written to the governor of my
own country, 2297 that, if they refuse to do what is right of their own accord, they may be
compelled to do so on pressure from the courts.
2295 Of the same date as the preceding.
2296 Probably to Elias.
Without address on the same subject.
2297 Πατρίς. The Ben. Ed suppose the reference to be here to Annesi. cf. Letters viii. and li.
517