教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 772 章

Gregory to Stephen, bishop. Although the very nature of his office admonishes your Fraternity of your own accord to lend aid for the benefit of the churches, yet it is not amiss if, out of abundance, we exhort by this letter to that which it befits you to do with ready will. Accordingly, we have thought it right to indicate to your Fraternity that beams are very necessary in the churches of the blessed Peter and Paul.

And since we have enjoined upon Savinus the subdeacon that he ought to cut some and drag them to the sea, whence they may be brought hither, and in that matter it is manifest that he has need of assistance, let your Holiness, as shall be fitting, take pains with all zeal and all intention to bring him aid, and send oxen and men to his assistance, so that he may find no excuse, but with you aiding may be able to fulfill what we have charged upon him. So therefore let your Fraternity act, as to expend upon him as much as you are able.

For as much as it is the fault of the aforesaid subdeacon, if with you cooperating he should prove slothful, so much the more blameworthy and grievous will it be if your Fraternity should be willing, on any occasion, either to excuse yourself, or—which we do not believe—to show yourself undevoted. You ought, moreover, to know that this care vehemently rests upon your Fraternity, whose church's beams you were formerly wont to provide by your own attendance.