Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 205

Felicissimus and Vincentius, deacons of the Church of Lamiggia, by a petition presented, which is contained in the subjoined matter, have suggested that they suffered grave injustice from Argentius, bishop of that same city, and that, a bribe having been accepted, Donatists were set over the Churches; and they relate that he, among other things, committed another no light crime which it is unlawful even to name. On this account we have deemed it right to enjoin upon your Experience by the page of this present precept, that you do not fail to bind the aforesaid bishop to a suitable satisfaction, and that by your insistence a council be gathered in those places according to custom, and that all things, according to the text of the petition presented, be canonically investigated with subtle inquiry in the presence of the parties set forth.

And whatever shall be determined by their judgement, let it be by all means fulfilled, you carrying it into effect. Therefore we wish you to lend your insistence to this cause with all liveliness, so that no delay may be interposed to the examining of what we have commanded; knowing that you incur no light offence, if our precept shall be trifled with under any excuse whatever. Gregory to Gennadius, patrician of Africa. Droculfus, the bearer of these presents, coming to the commonwealth from among the enemy, kindled by the good report of you which is spread far and wide, hastened with the utmost desire to run to the service of your Excellency.

And since our letter feeds him with the hope of being commended to you, greeting you with fatherly sweetness, we ask that your Excellency may deign to appoint him, as God shall put it into your heart and as it may be useful, so that the good things which he heard about you even while still set among the enemy he may grow warm to experience in himself, and so that this also may be added to your Excellency's account among your other rewards before the eyes of almighty God.