教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 597 章

Gregory to the inhabitants dwelling on the island of Capraria in the province of Istria. Our Redeemer, the Mediator of God and men, not unmindful of the human condition, so joins the lowest to the highest that he himself, abiding in eternity, thus disposes temporal things by hidden prompting, providing with holy moderation, that the ancient enemy may by no means snatch from his hand those whom before the ages he foreknew were to be gathered together within the bosom of Mother Church. For even if any of them, among whom he bodily dwells, moved by the blasts, should for a time totter like a vine-shoot, yet the root of right faith, which springs from what is hidden, remains green by divine judgment, so that in due time it may be able to show forth from itself the fruit which lay concealed.

And that this has now been wrought in you out of your own desire, we recognize by the illumination of the heavenly regard, since you, refuting the obstinacy of the schismatics among whom you dwell, show by the very working of the deed, with most ready mind, that you are being gathered into the Lord's fold. For those to whom the cleavage is displeasing bear witness that they wish to be sound; and, reproving error, you show that you love what is right and shun what is astray.

Hence it is that both your petition, directed to us some time ago, and the arrival of the bearers of the present letter, your representatives asking for wholesome things, have gladdened us; for through them you have signified both that you reprove the crooked steps of those who err, and that you seek the right path of salvation, by which, reforming yourselves to the unity of the holy Church, you might press on toward the recompense due to those who work well, who are established within her bosom. Wherefore we have with all joy gladly embraced your will, so praiseworthy and destined to profit your soul unto eternity;

arranging this with the Lord's help: that if indeed the bishop whom you had petitioned to be restored to you in your Church, separating himself from the fall of the schismatics, shall be willing to be joined to the unity of the Church, we have written plainly to our brother and fellow bishop Marinianus how he ought by our authority to confirm your petition. But if, which we do not wish, he shall be unwilling to separate himself from their schism, we have written to our aforesaid brother and fellow bishop how your Church may be able to have its own priest; so that in either case both the pious devotion of your mind may obtain its effect, and the Lord's flock may be secure against the darts of the plotting enemy.