Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 348

Gregory to Dominicus, bishop of Carthage. Prosper, the bearer of the present letter, your representative, coming to us, after conveying the other tokens of your charity's affection, presented to us your second letter with the allegation of the imperial commands, and the document of the synod held among you. When we had read these through, we both gave thanks for your zeal, which you exercise pastorally, and rejoiced that the most pious lords had removed, on occasion of religion, the calumnies brought against certain persons. Most of all, because Your Fraternity has so striven to preserve the African province that you have in no way neglected to restrain the erring sects of heretics with priestly fervor.

Concerning the quieting of all these matters as well, whenever we were consulted by the letters of your charity, we remember to have defined the point more subtly at length, so that we deem it unnecessary to reply anything further to you about these things. Although, therefore, these things are so, and we desire that all heretics be always restrained by catholic priests with vigor and reason, yet, looking subtly, one thing has quite touched us: lest through the things that have been done among you a scandal be generated, which the Lord avert, for the primates of other councils. For a sentence was pronounced by you in the conclusion of the proceedings, in which, while you admonish that those heretics are to be sought out, you added that those who neglect this are to be punished with the deprivation of their substance and dignities.

It is best therefore, most dear brother, that in those things which are to be corrected by law, inner charity be first preserved, and that we be subject in mind (which we judge to be especially proper to your gravity) even to persons lesser in dignity. For then, when all forces are united, you more readily oppose the errors of heretics, when, according to the custom of your priesthood, you have striven to keep ecclesiastical concord within.