Letter 9067: Maximus, the prevaricator of the Church of Salona, after he had failed to obtain anything through the greater powers of the world, has betaken himself to the lesser ones; and by a superfluity of prayers and by attestation to his good works he strives to prevail with us. This being so, I have thought it would be inhuman in me, if he who says that...

Gregory to Constantius, Bishop of Milan. Maximus, the interloper in the Church of Salona, having failed to accomplish anything through the greater powers of the world, has now turned to lesser ones. Through an excess of appeals and by citing his own good works, he is trying to prevail upon us. Given the circumstances, I thought it would be unkind of me if a man who professes such fear and respect for me could find me not even slightly more lenient. I have therefore decided that our most reverend brother and fellow bishop Marinianus should hear his case in the city of Ravenna. If, however, there is any question about Marinianus's impartiality, we would like Your Fraternity as well -- if it is not too burdensome -- to make the journey to the same city and sit with our brother as a joint panel for the trial. Whatever seems right to both of Your Holinesses, know that it will seem right to me. I accept your judgment as my own. Whatever you both agree should be pardoned, rest assured that I pardon it -- provided, however, that you take care we do not appear either sinfully lenient or so severe as to harm the interests of Holy Church. We have assigned the execution of this matter to the secretary Castorius, who will report to us in full on everything that takes place.

Book IX, Letter 67 To Constantius, Bishop of Milan . Gregory to Constantius, etc. Maximus, the prevaricator of the Church of Salona, after he had failed to obtain anything through the greater powers of the world, has betaken himself to the lesser ones; and by a superfluity of prayers and by attestation to his good works he strives to prevail with us. This being so, I have thought it would be inhuman in me, if he who says that he fears me much were quite unable to find me in some degree more indulgent. And I have therefore decided that our most reverend brother and fellow bishop Marinianus should take cognizance of his cause in the city of Ravenna. If, however, by any chance his person is suspected, we desire that your Fraternity also, if it is not too laborious for you, should take the trouble of repairing to the same city, and sit together with our aforesaid brother in the same trial. Whatever, then, may seem good to each of your Holinesses, know that it will seem good to me; and your judgment I accept as my own; and what things you both think should be remitted, be assured that I remit; taking, however, careful heed that we may not appear to be either sinfully remiss or austere to the injury of Holy Church. We have enjoined the execution of this matter on the Chartulary Castorius, that he may fully report to us all that has been done. About this page Source. Translated by James Barmby. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 13. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1898.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/360209067.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Advent is Kevin Knight. My email address is feedback732 at newadvent.org. (To help fight spam, this address might change occasionally.) Regrettably, I can't reply to every letter, but I greatly appreciate your feedback — especially notifications about typographical errors and inappropriate ads.