教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 370 章

Gregory to the tenant-farmers of the estates throughout Gaul. Although you are set amid the tumults of the nations, yet reason itself compels us to suspect much that you stand apart from others in good conduct. For as the appellation of Saint Peter, prince of the apostles, shows the household of the Church more illustrious than so great a multitude, so you ought to precede the rest in brightness of character, and continually to admonish those over whom you preside to act well, that they may recognize whom they serve, that they may abstain from the plunderings and depravities of the nations, and that the household of the Church may be honoured not only in name but also in merits. But know that we think most studiously concerning you.

For we have arranged to transmit our man, who may be able to protect and govern you, with letters of commendation to the most excellent king, with Christ's aid. But the winter season has impeded the journey. Therefore we have foreseen that you be commended to the glorious Arigius the patrician, to whom in the meantime, with the utmost benignity and obedience, as it becomes the servants of blessed Peter, take care to obey, and fulfil those things which are enjoined upon you for ecclesiastical advantage. But it has seemed good to us that, excepting the customary dues, you ought to render to his advantage. But let the payments faithfully, with all diligence of collection, lie deposited with each one of you whom you shall choose by common consent;

so that from him, when he shall come whom we shall send from our side, they may be received. For we are not doubtful that through the one who shall have seemed fit to you, they can be faithfully preserved. Thus therefore in all things show yourselves irreproachable and obedient, so that he who comes to you, who is to govern that patrimony, may know how he ought to requite each one of you according to his diligence. (See Bk. VI, ep. 57; Bk. IX, ep. 118.)