NPNF2-08. Basil: Letters and Select Works - Holy Bible Institute

To the prefect Modestus.Letter CIV. 2362To the prefect Modestus. 2363Merely to write to so great a man, even though there be no other reason, must be esteemeda great honour. For communication with personages of high distinction confersglory upon all to whom it is permitted. My supplication, however, is one which I am drivenby necessity to make to your excellency, in my great distress at the condition of my wholecountry. Bear with me, I beg you, kindly and in accordance with your own characters andreach a helping hand to my country, now beaten to the knee. The immediate object of myentreaty is as follows. By the old census, the clergy of God, presbyters and deacons, 2364were left exempt. The recent registrars, however, without any authority from your lordship,have enrolled them, except that in some cases a few were granted immunity on the score ofage. I ask, then, that you will leave us this memorial of your beneficence, to preserve throughall coming time your good fame; that in accordance with the old law the clergy be exemptfrom contribution. I do not ask the remission to be conceded personally and individuallyto those who are now included, in which case the grace will pass to their successors, whomay not always be worthy of the sacred ministry. I would suggest that some general concessionbe made to the clergy, according to the form in the open register, so that the exemptionmay be given in each place to ministers by the rulers of the Church. This boon is sure tobring undying glory to your excellency for your good deeds, and will cause many to prayfor the imperial house. It will also really be profitable to the government, if we afford therelief of exemption, not generally to all the clergy, but to those who from time to time arein distress. This, as any one who chooses may know, is the course we actually pursue whenwe are at liberty.1862362 Placed in 372.2363 On the rating of the clergy.2364 τοῦς τοῦ θεοῦ ἱερωμένους, πρεσβυτέρους καὶ διακόνους. The Ben. note points out that the wordspriests and deacons probably crept into the mss., in all of which it is found, from the margin, inasmuch as byἱερωμένους and cognate words Basil means the whole clergy. cf. Letter liv. and note on p. 157.541