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

To the Count Helladius.Letter CIX. 2372To the Count Helladius.I shrink from troubling your good nature, on account of the greatness of your influence,for fear of seeming to make an unwarrantable use of your friendship; however, the necessityof the case prevents my holding my peace. Our sister, who is a relative of mine, and nowin the sorrowful position of a widow, has to look after the affairs of her orphan boy. Onseeing her above measure oppressed by intolerable responsibilities, I felt great compassionfor her, and, feeling deeply on the subject, I have hastened to invoke your aid, in order thatyou may, if possible, deign to support the messenger whom she has sent, to the end thatwhen she has paid what she promised in person in my presence, she may be freed from anyfurther pressure. She had agreed that she should be relieved from the interest on paymentof the capital. Now, however, those who are looking after the affairs of her heirs are tryingto exact the payment of the interest as well as that of the capital. The Lord, you know, makesthe care of widows and orphans His own, and so do you strive to use your best endeavoursin this matter, in the hope of the recompense which God Himself will give you. I cannothelp thinking that, when our admirable and kindly prefect has heard of the discharge of thecapital, he will feel for this afflicted and unhappy house now stricken to the knee, and nolonger able to cope with the injuries inflicted upon it. Pardon, then, the necessity whichcompels me to intrude upon you; and give your help in this matter, in proportion to thepower which Christ has given you, good and true man as you are, and using your talentsfor the best.1882372 Of the same date as the preceding.546