Letter
CVIII.
2371
To the guardian of the heirs of Julitta
.
I am
very much astonished to
hear that, after the kind promises which you made and which were only
such as might be expected from your generous character, you have now
forgotten them and are putting violent and stern pressure on our
sister. What to think, under the circumstances, I really do not
know. I know from many who have experienced your
liberality, and bear testimony to it, how great it is; and I remember
the promises which you made before me and the ex-prefect. You
said that you were naming a shorter time in writing, but that you would
grant a longer term of grace, from your wish to meet the necessities of
the case, and do a favour to the widow, who is now compelled to pay out
of her substance such a large sum of money at once. What is the
cause of this change I cannot imagine. However, whatever it is, I
beg you to be mindful of your own generous character, and to look to
the Lord Who requites good deeds. I beg you to grant the time of
remission, which you promised at the outset, that they may be able to
sell their property and discharge the debt. I perfectly well
remember that you promised, if you received the sum agreed on, to
restore to the widow all the stipulated documents, as well those which
had been executed before the magistrates as the private papers. I
do beg you then, honour me and win great blessing for yourself from the
Lord. Remember your own promises, recognizing that you are human
and must yourself look for that time when you will need God’s
help. Do not shut yourself off from that help by your present
severity; but, by showing all kindness and clemency to the afflicted,
attract God’s pity to yourself.
2371
Placed in
372.