Having learned the things which were done at Ephesus by the presumption of one man, we were indeed affected with great grief over those things which were impiously and furiously committed; but directing our minds to our Lord, we conceive much confidence from that very truth which we follow, not omitting to do all things which, with the help of God's grace, we believe will profit. We must therefore hold what we hold, and, while the storm of one man's disturbance rages, the tranquillity of a most serene faith is to be embraced; until the truth spread its rays throughout all things and consume the darkness of unbelief. But what things have been arranged you will learn from the discourse of the bearer. Given on the third day before the Ides of October, in the consulship of the most illustrious men Asturius and Protogenes.
What and how great things your Charity suffers for the defence of the catholic faith we have learned through Piacon, who slipped away by stealth from Ephesus. And although we magnify God, who strengthens you by the virtue of His grace, it is nevertheless necessary that we grieve over the ruins of those through whom the truth is assailed and the very foundations of the whole Church are shaken. But since the providence of God ever provides to His own the necessary aid, your Fraternity ought to know that we, for the common cause, pass over none of those things which are to be done: so that we may first merit to attain to those things which profit the whole body of the faithful.
It remains that meanwhile your Charity bravely endure those things which it does not doubt will profit it unto eternal glory. The bearer indeed of this brief letter will be able to relate in faithful speech whatever that is toward which, with the Lord's help, we strive in zeal of faith and charity. Given on the Ides of October, in the consulship of the most illustrious men Asturius and Protogenes.