Epistle
XLIX.
To Januarius, Archbishop.
Gregory to Januarius, archbishop of Caralis
(Cagliari).
If with integrity of heart we consider the priestly
office which we administer, the concord of personal charity ought so to
unite us with our sons that, as we are fathers in name, so we should be
proved by our affection to be so in deed. While, then, we ought
to be such as has been said above, we wonder why such a mass of
complaints has arisen against thy Fraternity. We still indeed
hesitate to believe it: but, that we may be able to ascertain the
truth, we have sent to your parts John the notary of our See, supported
by our injunction, who may compel all parties to abide the judgment of
chosen arbitrators, and by his own execution carry their judgments into
effect. Wherefore we exhort thy Fraternity by this present
writing to consider well with thyself beforehand the merits of the
cases; and, if you find that you have taken or hold anything unjustly,
in consideration of your priesthood to restore it before trial.
Now, among numerous complaints, the most distinguished
Isidore has complained of having been excommunicated and anathematised
by thy Fraternity for invalid reasons. And, when we had wished to
learn from one of thy clergy who was here for what cause this had been
done, he gave us to understand that it had been done for no other cause
than that the man had done thee an injury. This distresses us
exceedingly; since, if it is so, thou shewest that thou dost not think
of heavenly things, but givest signs of having thy conversation among
things of earth, having brought to bear
the malediction of anathema to avenge a private
wrong; which is a thing forbidden by the sacred rules. Wherefore
for the future be thoroughly circumspect and careful, and presume not
to inflict any such penalty again for vindication of thine own
wrongs. For, shouldest thou do anything of the kind, know that it
will afterwards be avenged on thyself.