Letter 284

284. Concerning Monks, to a Tax-Assessor

I think that some rule has already prevailed with your Honour concerning monks, such that we have no need to ask any special favour on their behalf, but that it is enough for them if they enjoy the common humanity shown to all. Nevertheless, judging it incumbent upon me also to take what care I can for such men, I write to your perfect discernment to ask that those who long ago renounced the world, and have so mortified their own bodies that they can furnish nothing useful to the public treasury either from money or from bodily service, be released from the tax-payments. For if indeed they live according to their profession, they have neither money nor bodies, having parted with the one for fellowship with the needy, and having worn out the other in fasting and prayer. And I know that you will hold men who have so lived in the highest reverence, and will wish to gain for yourself powerful helpers, men able by their Gospel manner of life to move the Lord on your behalf.