Letter 108

108. To the Guardian of the Heirs of Julitta

I was astonished to hear that, forgetting those kind promises so befitting your generous spirit, you are now pressing this sister with a most severe and inexorable demand; and I cannot guess from what is reported what to make of it. For I know the great generosity attested of you by those who have had dealings with you, and I remember the promises you made before me and this man — saying that you would set down a shorter term but would in fact allow a longer one, since you wished to accommodate the necessity of the case and to show indulgence to the freewoman, compelled as she was to give up at one stroke so great a sum from her household.

What, then, is the cause of so great a change I cannot understand. But whatever it may be, I beg you — remembering your own generosity, and looking to the Lord who repays good intentions — to grant the time of relief you promised from the first, so that they may be able to sell their property and so discharge the debt. And it is plain that I remember this also, that you promised, if you received the agreed sum of money, to hand over to the said woman all the agreed documents — both those executed before the magistrates and those drawn up privately.

I beg you, then: honour us, and gain for yourself with the Lord a great blessing, calling to mind your own promises, and knowing that you too are a man, and must yourself await the times in which you will have need of the help that comes from God. Do not shut that off from yourself by your present hardness, but prepare the mercies of God for yourself, by showing all kindness and forbearance toward those who are worn down.