Letter 259

259. To Palladius and Innocent, Monks

How much I love you, you ought to guess from the love you yourselves bear toward us. I have always desired to be an arbiter of peace, and when I fail in this I am grieved — how could I not be? Yet I cannot for this reason bear enmity toward any, knowing that long ago the blessing of peace was taken away from us. And if the cause of the division lies with others, may the Lord grant that those who make the dissensions may cease. Nor indeed do I ask for your continual presence among us; so do not on this account even make excuses to me. For I know that men who have chosen the life of toil, and who always provide themselves the necessities by their own hands, cannot be long absent from their own homes. But wherever you may be, remember us, and pray for us, that we at least may have peace with ourselves and with God, no disturbance dwelling in our thoughts.