Letter 104: All The Other favours which I have received I know to be due to your kindness; and may God reward you for them with His own mercies; and may one of these be, that you may discharge your office of prefect with good fame and splendour from beginning to end. In what I now ask I come rather to give than to receive, if it is not arrogant to say so. I...
Gregory to a prefect.
All the other favors I have received from you I know to be the product of your kindness, and may God repay you with His own mercies. May one of those mercies be this: that you discharge your office of prefect with good reputation and splendor from beginning to end.
In what I now ask, I come rather to give than to receive -- if that is not too bold a claim. I bring you an opportunity for generosity, which is the noblest exercise of power. The bearer of this letter needs your help. Grant it, and you add to the treasury of good deeds that will stand to your credit before God, where the only accounting that ultimately matters takes place.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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