Epistle
LVI.
To Stephen, Abbot.
Gregory to Stephen, &c.
The account given us by Augustine, servant of
, the bearer of these presents, has made us
joyful, in that he has told us that your Love is vigilant as you ought
to be; and he further affirms that the presbyters and deacons and the
whole congregation live in unanimity and concord. And, since the
goodness of presidents is the salutary rule of their subjects, we
implore Almighty to enkindle thee always
in good works by the grace of His loving-kindness, and to keep those
who are committed to thee from all temptation of diabolical deceit, and
grant to them to live with thee in charity and in the manner of life
that pleases Him.
But, since the enemy of the human race never rests
from plotting against our doings, so as to deceive in some part souls
that are serving , therefore, most beloved
son, we exhort thee to exercise vigilantly thy anxious care, and so to
keep those who are committed to thee by prayer and heedfulness that the
prowling wolf may find no opportunity for tearing the flock: to
the end that, when thou shalt have rendered to our unharmed those of whom thou hast undertaken the charge, He may both of His grace repay thee with rewards for thy labour and multiply in thee longings for eternal life.
We have received the
spoons and plates which thou hast sent us, and we thank thy Charity, because thou hast shewn how thou lovest the poor in having sent for their use such things as they need.