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

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To Modestus, the prefect.<br />

Letter CXI. 2375<br />

Under any ordinary circumstances I should have lacked courage to intrude upon your<br />

excellency, for I know how to gauge my own importance <strong>and</strong> to recognise dignities. But<br />

now that I have seen a friend in a distressing position at having been summoned before you,<br />

I have ventured to give him this letter. I hope that by using it, as a kind of propitiatory<br />

symbol, he may meet with merciful consideration. Truly, although I am of no account,<br />

moderation itself may be able to conciliate the most merciful of prefects, <strong>and</strong> to win pardon<br />

for me. Thus if my friend has done no wrong, he may be saved by the mere force of truth;<br />

if he has erred, he may be forgiven through my entreaty.<br />

How we are situated here no one knows better than yourself, for you discern the weak<br />

parts in each man <strong>and</strong> rule all with your admirable forethought.<br />

2375 Placed in 372.<br />

To Modestus, the prefect.<br />

548

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