Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 623

Since for the most part what in laymen is only a fault, this is a crime in those constituted in sacred orders, with how great strictness an expiatory disgrace is to be punished in them, he who burns with zeal for rectitude is not ignorant. For it has been brought to us by the report of certain persons that Sisinnius, a presbyter of the city of Regium — which is exceedingly intolerable even to hear — is a venerator and worshiper of idols, to such a degree that he presumed to keep a certain idol set up in his house. But also — which is a wickedness not unlike — that he is stained with the sin of sodomy. And therefore, since the iniquity of so great an offense is to be sought out and punished with strict and subtle investigation, we charge you by this authority to inquire with vigilant zeal and altogether diligent care;

and if you are able to lay hold of any evidence of this matter, reduce him to strict custody until you report to us, so that we may be able to deliberate in what manner so monstrous an offense ought to be examined and punished. But know that this cause will without doubt show what your zeal and eagerness are against most abominable crimes — the cause through which you shall know yourself either to be much commended before us for your solicitude, or dangerously accused of neglect. Whence it is necessary that you strive to show yourself so vigilant in this investigation, that you may both gladden us by your solicitude, and make God to be propitious to you.

This too has been announced to us concerning the aforesaid presbyter: that a certain presbyter Victorianus had entrusted to him money, along with divers goods or ornaments, on his own authority; who, when he denied the deposit, was convicted by judgment held, and was adjudged that he ought to restore it. And since — while he delays to restore that for which he was condemned — the man who is said to have made the deposit has died, and his sons are reported to labor under his necessity, let this too your experience diligently inquire into, and so, with reason safeguarded, bring this cause to an end; provided that, if it is so, neither may he retain another's goods with a treacherous mind, and the orphans may receive what is theirs even though their father is lost.