To Columbus, Bishop of Numidia, Commending Bishop Paul

Gregory to Columbus, bishop of Numidia. How far we may count on your love we gather from the disposition of our own mind toward you. Nor do we think that you love the Apostolic See otherwise than it loves you. So it must follow that we should commend especially to you those we know to be devoted, as they should be, to the church of the blessed Peter, prince of the apostles: to you, whose life is adorned by the conduct as well as the dignity of a priest, and of whose sincerity we already have proof from past experience. [a]

As for our brother and fellow bishop Paul, then, the bearer of this letter, he tells us that your holiness is not unaware of the waves and hardships by which he is tossed in your region. He asserts that the complaints against him, which you have told us have reached your ears, are not true, but were raised against him at the urging of his enemies. And he trusts that, with the Lord’s help, he will be able to overcome them all, with the truth to support him and with you to hear the case. So we urge you, most beloved brother, that in whatever points the claims of justice are clearly on his side, you give him a helping hand, as is fitting, and aid him with a priest’s sympathy. Let no circumstance, then, and no influence of any persons turn you aside from careful regard for fairness. But, leaning on the Lord’s commands, treat as nothing whatever is opposed to what is right. In defending one party or the other, hold steadily to justice. Do not shrink from incurring ill will, if there is any, on behalf of the truth. Then, at the coming of our Redeemer, you will find so much the greater fruit of reward, as, not neglecting his commands, you have devoted yourself to the support and defense of justice. In the month of March, in the first indiction. [b]