To Stephen the Abbot, on Guarding His Monks

Gregory to Stephen, and so on. [a] The account given us by Augustine, the servant of God, who carries this letter, has made us glad, since he has told us that your love is watchful as you ought to be. He also declares that the presbyters and deacons and the whole community live in unity and harmony. And since the goodness of those who preside is a wholesome rule for those under them, we implore Almighty God by the grace of his loving-kindness always to kindle you in good works, to keep those committed to you from every temptation of the devil’s deceit, and to grant them to live with you in love and in the way of life that pleases him. But since the enemy of the human race never stops plotting against what we do, so as to deceive in some part souls that are serving God, we urge you, most beloved son, to exercise your anxious care watchfully, and to guard those committed to you by prayer and attentiveness so well that the prowling wolf may find no chance to tear the flock. Then, when you have handed back to our God unharmed those you took charge of, he may both repay you by his grace with rewards for your labor and multiply in you the longing for eternal life. We have received the spoons and plates you sent us, and we thank your love, because you have shown how you love the poor in sending for their use such things as they need.