Pope Martin I, Letter 17

LETTER XVII, ON THE SAME SUBJECT AS THE PRECEDING.

We have every desire always to console your charity by our letters, and to relieve you of the anxiety which you have on our account: and together with you all the saints and our brethren also, who for the Lord's sake have care of us. Behold, even at present I write to you the things that press upon us. I speak the truth in the name of Christ our God. For, removed from all worldly disturbance, and put down by our sins, behold, we have been deprived even of life itself. For those who dwell in this region are all pagans, and those who are known to live here have taken on pagan ways, having no charity at all, [the charity] which human nature continually shows even among the barbarians themselves by frequent compassion. God knows, therefore, [that we have nothing] except from the little ships which come from the parts of Romania, as those who are here call them: that is, calling the parts of the Greeks the Pontic parts. For not once have I been able to buy from this region so much as a single trimisium's worth of corn, nor yet any commodity of any other kind, except, as has been said, from the little ships which come here rarely, in order to go back laden with salt. Thus we were able to buy three or four modii for a numisma, up to the present month of September. Until now, however, we have not been able to buy of the new crops except four modii for one numisma. But I have wondered, and I still wonder, at the heedlessness and lack of compassion of all who once belonged to me, and of my friends and kinsmen, that they have so utterly forgotten my misfortune, and do not even wish to know, as I find, whether I am upon the earth or not. Much more also have I wondered at those who belong to the most holy Church of the apostle Peter, that they have taken such care for their own body and member, that is, concerning their love for us, to render us free from anxiety. At least concerning bodily use and daily

expense. For although the Church of Saint Peter has no gold, yet by the grace of God it does not lack corn, and wine, and other necessaries for expense, so that they might at least have taken care of a modest maintenance. What sort of conscience do you think we [shall] have to show before the judgement-seat of Christ, when all are then accusing, and we rendering account to men who consist of the same clay and lump? What fear is this that has fallen upon men, so that the commandments of God are by no means done, or fear where there is no fear? Or have the evil spirits so overwhelmed us by withdrawal? Or have I appeared so much an enemy to the whole fullness of the Church, and an adversary to them? Nevertheless may God, Who wills all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, through the intercessions of Saint Peter establish their hearts in the orthodox faith, and strengthen them against every heretical person and every person adverse to our Church, and keep them immovable, especially the pastor who is now shown to preside over them; so that, falling away in nothing at all, nor turning aside, nor letting go the least thing of those [things] which they have professed in writing in the sight of the Lord and of His holy angels, they may receive together with my lowliness the crown of the justice of the orthodox faith from the hand of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For of this lowly body of mine the Lord Himself will have care, as it pleases Him to govern it, whether in unceasing tribulations or in some small refreshment. For the Lord is near, and why am I anxious? For I hope in His mercies, that He will not delay to finish my course in whatever way He shall have commanded. Greet all of yours for the Lord's sake, and all who for the love of God have had compassion on my bonds. May God most high with His mighty hand protect you from every temptation, and save you into His kingdom.