教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 799 章

Gregory to Januarius, bishop of Cagliari. When among religious persons a controversy arises concerning earthly matters, it is to be so ended by priestly solicitude that the contention may not be able to grow from delay. For Desideria, an abbess, the bearer of these presents, coming hither, has complained that the substance of her parents, and likewise of her own brother, reasonably belonging to her, is being unduly withheld by John, an abbot.

And since she asks that this same cause be terminated by intervening judgment, let your Fraternity, having summoned to yourself Innocentius and Libertinus, our brothers and fellow-bishops, together with them diligently examine the quality of this business, and with equal counsel and common deliberation, hasten so to show yourselves solicitous on every side in the deciding, that both she herself may be free from all envy of favor and negligence, and between those parties no litigation may be able to remain after your determination.

But if from the law any doubt shall have arisen for you as to pronouncing the sentence, seek out a wise man, and one whom you know to have the fear of God before his eyes, so that, being instructed by him as to what is lawful, the reckoning of your determination may be able to sustain no reprehension. In the month of November, indiction 6.