To Marcellus, Proconsul of Dalmatia, on His Part in the Affair of Maximus

Gregory to Marcellus, and so on. [a]

We have received the letter of your greatness, in which you say that you have incurred our displeasure and wish to come into our favor by making amends directly. And in truth we have heard such things of your greatness as a faithful man ought never to have done. For everyone asserts that you are the author of all that great mischief in the case of Maximus, and that the plundering of that church, the ruin of so many souls, and the daring of that unheard-of presumption all had their beginning through you. And indeed, as to your seeking to be in favor with us, it is fitting that you make amends to our Redeemer for such things as these with your whole heart and soul, and with tears, as becomes you. For unless amends are made to him, what sure good can our forgiveness or favor do you? But while we see you still entangled in the ruinous conduct of usurpers, or in pleading for those who have gone astray, we do not see what kind of amends you are making either to God or to men. For your greatness may know that you are openly and plainly making amends to God and men when you bring back both what is crooked to what is right and what is presumptuous to the rule of humility. If this is done, you may know that you will in this way be in favor both with God and with men. [b]