Letter
CCLIX.
3142
To the monks Palladius and Innocent.
From
your affection for me you
ought to be able to conjecture my affection for you. I have
always desired to be a herald of peace, and, when I fail in my object,
I am grieved. How could it be otherwise? I cannot feel
angry with any one for this reason, because I know that the blessing of
peace has long ago been withdrawn from us. If the responsibility
for division lies with others, may the Lord grant that those who cause
dissension may cease to do so. I cannot even ask that your visits
to me may be frequent. You have therefore no reason to excuse
yourselves on this score. I am well aware that men who have
embraced the life of labour, and always provide with their own hands
the necessities of life, cannot be long away from home; but, wherever
you are, remember me, and pray for me that no cause of disturbance may
dwell in my heart, and that I may be at peace with myself and with
God.
3142
Placed in
377.