教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 206 章

Gregory to Peter the notary. We have learned, as the bearer of these presents indicates, that the monastery of Saint Archangel, which is established at Tropaea, is in want of sustenance. And therefore let your Experience diligently keep watch; and if you know that the monks of that place conduct themselves well, in the matters wherein they shall by manifest truth be shown to have need, you shall by all means hasten, supported by this authority, to succour them, knowing that whatever you shall furnish by our precept is to be charged to your accounts. But also the small parcel of land near it belonging to our Church, for which they assert they pay one solidus and two tremisses—if this is so, grant that it be held under a lease-holder's title up to the sum of one tremissis.

Let it therefore be your study so to fulfil all these things, if, as we have said, the monks of that place persist diligently in the service of God as is fitting. (Compare John the Deacon, Book II, chapter 55.) Gregory to Praejectus, bishop of Narni. It has reached us that, as our sins press upon us, a mortality is altogether raging in your city of Narni, which matter has greatly grieved us. Wherefore, greeting your Fraternity in every way, we counsel that you by no reasoning cease from the admonition or exhortation of the Lombards or Romans who dwell in that place, and especially of the heathen and heretics, that they may be converted to the true and right catholic faith.

For thus either the divine mercy will perhaps, for the sake of their conversion, come to their aid even in this life; or, if it should befall them to depart, they will pass over, absolved from their misdeeds, which is even more to be desired. (Compare John the Deacon, Book II, chapter 50.)