Epistle LXVIII.
(To Virgilius, Bishop of Arelate (Arles).)
Gregory to Virgilius, &c.
What affection should be bestowed on brethren who come
to us of their own accord is apparent from the fact that they are
usually invited to visit us for the sake of charity. And so, if
our common brother the bishop Augustine should chance to come to you,
let your Love, as is fit, so affectionately and sweetly receive him as
both to refresh him with the boon of your consolation and teach others
also how fraternal charity should be cultivated. And, since it
often happens that those who are placed at a distance learn first from
others of things that require amendment, if he should perchance
intimate to your Fraternity any faults in priests or others, do you, in
concert with him, enquire into them with all subtle
investigation. And do you both shew yourselves so strict and
solicitous against things that offend God and provoke Him to wrath
that, for the amendment of others, both vengeance may smite the guilty
and false report not afflict the innocent. God keep thee safe,
most reverend brother. Given the 10th day of the Kalends of July,
the 19th year of the empire of our most pious lord Mauricius Tiberius
Augustus, the 18th year after the same our lord’s consulship,
Indiction 4.