NPNF212. Leo the Great, Gregory the Great_Schaff... · 2006. 12. 31. · From Eutyches to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 63 The first from

NPNF212. Leo the Great, Gregory the Great

by

Philip Schaff

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About NPNF212. Leo the Great, Gregory the Great by Philip Schaff

NPNF212. Leo the Great, Gregory the GreatTitle:http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf212.htmlURL:Schaff, PhilipAuthor(s):Gregory the Great (Author of Part)Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal LibraryPublisher:Public DomainRights:2004-09-05Date Created:All; Early Church; ProofedCCEL Subjects:BR60LC Call no:

ChristianityLC Subjects:Early Christian Literature. Fathers of the Church, etc.

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf212.htmlhttp://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/authInfo.html

Table of Contents

p. iiAbout This Book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 1Title Page.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 2The Letters and Sermons of Leo the Great.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 2Title Page.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 2Prefatory Note.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 3Introduction.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 3Life.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 12Manuscripts.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 13Editions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 13Translations.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 14Authorities and Materials.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 15Letters.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 15To the Bishop of Aquileia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 17To Septimus, Bishop of Altinum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 17From Paschasinus, Bishop of Lilybæum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 17To the Bishops appointed in Campania, Picenum, Etruria, and all theProvinces.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 20To the Metropolitan Bishops of Illyricum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 20To Anastasius, Bishop of Thessalonica.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 23To the Bishops throughout Italy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 24The Ordinance of Valentinian III. concerning the Manichæans.. . . . . .p. 25To Dioscorus, Bishop of Alexandria.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 27To the Bishops of the Province of Vienne. In the matter of Hilary, Bishopof Arles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 33An Ordinance of Valentinianus III.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 33To All the Bishops of Mauritania Cæsariensis.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 39To the Metropolitan Bishops in the Provinces of Illyricum.. . . . . . . . .p. 39To Anastasius, Bishop of Thessalonica.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 44To Turribius, Bishop of Asturia, upon the errors of thePriscillianists.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 54To the Bishops of Sicily.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 59To All the Bishops of Sicily.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 60To Januarius, Bishop of Aquileia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 61To Dorus, Bishop of Beneventum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 63To Eutyches, an Abbot of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Philip SchaffNPNF212. Leo the Great, Gregory the Great

p. 63From Eutyches to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 66The first from Flavian, Bp. of Constantinople to Pope Leo.. . . . . . . . .p. 67To Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 68To Theodosius Augustus II.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 69From Peter Chrysologus, Bishop of Ravenna, to Eutyches, thePresbyter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 70A Second One from Flavian to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 72To Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 72To Flavian commonly called “the Tome.”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 80To Theodosius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 81To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 81To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 84To the Archimandrites of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 85To the Synod of Ephesus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 86To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 88To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 90To Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 91To Theodosius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 91To Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 92To Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 93To the Bishops of the Province of Arles in Gaul.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 93To Ravennius, Bishop of Arles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 94To Ravennius, Bishop of Arles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 94To Theodosius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 96To Theodosius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 98To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 99From Hilary, then Deacon (afterwards Bishop of Rome) to PulcheriaAugusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 99To Anastasius, Bishop of Thessalonica.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 100To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 100To Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 100To the people of Constantinople, by the hand of Epiphanius and Dionysius,Notary of the Church of Rome.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 100To Faustus and other Presbyters and Archimandrites inConstantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 100From Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus, to Leo. (See vol. iii. of this Series, p.293 . ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 103A Fragment of a Letter from Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . .p. 103To Theodosius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 104A Series of Letters.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 105To the Clergy and People of the City of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . .p. 108To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 109To Martinus and Faustus, Presbyters.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 109A Series of Letters.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 109From the Bishops of the Province of Arles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 109Leo's Reply to Letter LXV.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 110To Ravennius, Bishop of Arles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 111From Three Gallic Bishops to St. Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 112To Theodosius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 114To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 114To the Archimandrites of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 114To Faustus, One of the Archimandrites at Constantinople.. . . . . . . . .p. 114From Valentinian and Marcian.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 115To Martinus, Another of the Archimandrites at Constantinople.. . . . . .p. 115To Faustus and Martinus Together.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 115From Marcianus Augustus to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 115From Pulcheria Augusta to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 115Leo's Answer to Marcianus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 116To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 117To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 119To Bishop Julian.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 119To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 120To the Same Marcian.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 120To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 120To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 122To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 122To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 122To Paschasinus, Bishop of Lilybæum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 124To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 124To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 124To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 125To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 125To the Synod of Chalcedon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 126To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 126To Pulcheria Augusta by the Hand of Theoctistus the Magistrian.. . . . .p. 128To Ravennius, Bishop of Arles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 128From Eusebius, Bishop of Milan, to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 128From the Synod of Chalcedon to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 131From Ravennus and Other Gallic Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 131From the Emperor Marcian.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 132From Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople, to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 132To the Gallic Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 133To the Gallic Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 133Leo, the Bishop, to Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 135To Pulcheria Augusta about the self-seeking of Anatolius.. . . . . . . . .

p. 137To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople, in rebuke of hisself-seeking.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 140To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 141To Theodore, Bishop of Forum Julii.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 143To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 145From Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 145To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 145To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 145To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 147To the Bishops Assembled in Synod at Chalcedon.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 148To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 148To Pulcheria Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 148To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 150To the Same Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 150To Maximus, Bishop of Antioch, by the hand of Marian the Presbyter,and Olympius the Deacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 153To Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus, on Perseverance in the Faith.. . . . . .

p. 157The former to Marcian Augustus, and the other to Julian theBishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 157To Eudocia Augusta, about the Monks of Palestine.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 159To the Monks of Palestine.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 165To Julian, the Bishop, by Count Rodanus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 166To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 166To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 166To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 166To Proterius, Bishop of Alexandria.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 168To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 168To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 169From Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople, to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 169From Proterius, Bishop of Alexandria, to Leo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 169To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 169To Anatolius.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 170To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 170To the same, and on the same day.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 170To the Bishops of Gaul and Spain.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 170To Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 172To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 172To the Same.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 173To Marcian Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 173To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 173To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 173To Leo Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 174To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 174To Julian, Bishop of Cos, and Aetius, the Presbyter.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 174To Leo Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 174To Basil, Bishop of Antioch.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 174To Euxitheus, Bishop of Thessalonica (and Others).. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 175To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 175To Julian, Bishop of Cos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 175To Aetius, Presbyter of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 175To the Egyptian Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 175To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 176To Leo Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 179To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 179To the Catholic Bishops of Egypt Sojourning in Constantinople.. . . . .p. 180To Nicætas, Bishop of Aquileia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 182See Letter CLVIII.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 183To the Presbyters, Deacons and Clergy of the Church ofConstantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 183To Leo Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 185To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople. By Patritius the Deacon theDeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 185To Leo Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 188To Leo Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 189To Neo, Bishop of Ravenna.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 190To Rusticus, Bishop of Gallia Narbonensis, with the replies to hisQuestions on various points.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 196To all the Bishops of Campania, Samnium and Picenum.. . . . . . . . .p. 196To Leo Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 197To Gennadius, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 198To Timothy, Bishop of Alexandria.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 199To the Presbyters and Deacons of the Church of Alexandria.. . . . . . .p. 199To Certain Egyptian Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 199Sermons.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 199Preached on his Birthday, or day of Ordination.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 200On his Birthday, II.: Delivered on the Anniversary of hisConsecration.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 202On His Birthday, III: Delivered on the Anniversary of his Elevation to thePontificate.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 204Upon the Collections, IV.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 207On the Collections, V.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 210On the Fast of The Tenth Month, I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 212On the Fast of the Tenth Month.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 216On the Fast of the Tenth Month, VI.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 218On the Fast of the Ten Month, VIII.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 219On the Feast of the Nativity, I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 221On the Feast of the Nativity, II.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 225On the Feast of the Nativity, III.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 228On the Feast of the Nativity, IV.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 232On the Feast of the Nativity, VI.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 236On the Feast of the Nativity, VII.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 239On the Festival of the Nativity, VIII.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 243On the Feast of the Epiphany, I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 245On the Feast of the Epiphany, III.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 248On the Feast of the Epiphany, IV.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 252On the Feast of the Epiphany, VI.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 255On Lent, I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 258On Lent, II.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 261On Lent, IV.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 264On Lent, VIII.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 267On Lent, XI.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 270A Homily delivered on the Saturday before the Second Sunday in Lent--onthe Transfiguration, S. Matt. xvii. 1-13.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 274On the Passion, III.; delivered on the Sunday before Easter.. . . . . . .p. 277On the Lord's Passion IV., delivered on Wednesday in Holy Week.. . . .p. 280On the Passion, VII.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 283On the Passion, VIII.: on Wednesday in Holy Week.. . . . . . . . . . . .p. 287On the Passion, XI.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 290On the Passion, XII.: preached on Wednesday.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 293On the Passion, XVI.: delivered on the Sunday.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 297On the Passion, XVII.: delivered on the Wednesday.. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 300On the Lord's Resurrection, I.; delivered on Holy Saturday in the Vigil ofEaster.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 303On the Lord's Resurrection, II.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 307On the Lord's Ascension, I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 309On the Lord's Ascension, II.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 312On Whitsuntide, I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 315On Whitsuntide, III.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 318On the Whitsuntide Fast, I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 319On the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29).. . . . . . . . . .p. 322Concerning the Neglect of the Commemoration.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 323On the Feast of S. Laurence the Martyr (Aug. 10).. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 325On the Fast of the Seventh Month, III.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 328On the Fast of Seventh Month, V.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 330On the Fast of the Seventh Month, VI.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 332A Homily on the Beatitudes, St. Matt. v. 1-9.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 338The Book of Pastoral Rule, and Selected Epistles, of Gregory theGreat.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 338Title Page.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 338Prefatory Note.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 339Prolegomena.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 364The Book of Pastoral Rule.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 364Preface.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 366Part I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 366Prologue.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 367That the unskilful venture not to approach an office of authority.. . . . .

p. 368That none should enter on a place of government who practise not inlife what they have learnt by study.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 369Of the weight of government; and that all manner of adversity is to bedespised, and prosperity feared.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 370That for the most part the occupation of government dissipates thesolidity of the mind.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 371Of those who are able to profit others by virtuous example in supremerule, but fly from it in pursuit of their own ease.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 372That those who fly from the burden of rule through humility are thentruly humble when they resist not the divine decrees.. . . . . . . . . . .

p. 372That sometimes some laudably desire the office of preaching, whileothers, as laudably, are drawn to it by compulsion.. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 373Of those who covet pre-eminence, and seize on the language of theApostle to serve the purpose of their own cupidity.. . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 374That the mind of those who wish for pre-eminence for the most partflatters itself with a feigned promise of good works.. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 375What manner of man ought to come to rule.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 376What manner of man ought not to come to rule.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 378Of the Life of the Pastor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 378How one who has in due order arrived at a place of rule ought to demeanhimself in it.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 379That the ruler should be pure in thought.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 380That the ruler should be always chief in action.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 381That the ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable inspeech.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 383That the ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in compassion,and exalted above all in contemplation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 385

That the ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers,but, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices ofevildoers.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 389

That the ruler relax not his care for the things that are within in hisoccupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to providefor the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that arewithin.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 392That the ruler should not set his heart on pleasing men, and yet shouldgive heed to what ought to please them.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 393That the ruler ought to be careful to understand how commonly vicespass themselves off as virtues.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 394What the ruler's discrimination should be between correction andconnivance, between fervour and gentleness.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 397How intent the ruler ought to be on meditations in the SacredLaw.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 398How the Ruler, While Living Well, Ought to Teach and Admonish Thosethat are Put Under Him.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 398Prologue.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 399What diversity there ought to be in the art of preaching.. . . . . . . . .p. 400How the poor and the rich should be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 402How the joyful and the sad are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 402How subjects and prelates are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 404How servants and masters are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 404How the wise and the dull are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 405How the impudent and bashful are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . .p. 406How the forward and the faint-hearted are to be admonished.. . . . .p. 407How the impatient and the patient are to be admonished.. . . . . . . .p. 410How the kindly-disposed and the envious are to be admonished.. . . .p. 411How the simple and the crafty are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . .p. 413How the whole and the sick are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 415How those who fear scourges and those who contemn them are to beadmonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 417How the silent and the talkative are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . .p. 419How the slothful and the hasty are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . .p. 420How the meek and the passionate are to be admonished.. . . . . . . .p. 422How the humble and the haughty are to be admonished.. . . . . . . .p. 424How the obstinate and the fickle are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . .

p. 425How those who use food intemperately and those who use it sparinglyare to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 427How to be admonished are those who give away what is their own, andthose who seize what belongs to others.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 430

How those are to be admonished who desire not the things of others,but keep their own; and those who give of their own, yet seize on thoseof others.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 432How those that are at variance and those that are at peace are to beadmonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 434How sowers of strifes and peacemakers are to be admonished.. . . . .

p. 436How the rude in sacred learning, and those who are learned but nothumble, are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 438

How those are to be admonished who decline the office of preachingout of too great humility, and those who seize on it with precipitatehaste.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 441How those are to be admonished with whom everything succeedsaccording to their wish, and those with whom nothing does.. . . . . . .

p. 443How the married and the single are to be admonished.. . . . . . . . . .

p. 445How those are to be admonished who have had experience of the sinsof the flesh, and those who have not.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 448How they are to be admonished who lament sins of deed, and thosewho lament only sins of thought.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 450

How those are to be admonished who abstain not from the sins whichthey bewail, and those who, abstaining from them, bewail themno t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 452

How those are to be admonished who praise the unlawful things ofwhich they are conscious, and those who while condemning them, inno wise guard against them.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 453How those are to be admonished who sin from sudden impulse andthose who sin deliberately.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 455

How those are to be admonished who commit very small but frequentfaults, and those who, while avoiding such as are very small, aresometimes plunged in such as are grievous.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 456How those are to be admonished who do not even begin good things,and those who do not finish them when begun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 459How those are to be admonished who do bad things secretly and goodthings openly, and those who do contrariwise.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 460

Concerning the exhortation to be addressed many at once, that It mayso aid the virtues of each among them that vices contrary to such virtuesmay not grow up through it.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 461Of the exhortation to be applied to one person, who labours undercontrary passions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 462That sometimes lighter vices are to be left alone, that more grievousones may be removed.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 462That deep things ought not to be preached at all to weak souls.. . . . .p. 463Of the work and the voice of preaching.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 464How the Preacher, When He Has Accomplished All Aright, Should Returnto Himself, Lest Either His Life or His Preaching Lift Him Up.. . . . . . .

p. 466Register of the Epistles of St. Gregory the Great.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 466The Month of September, Indiction IX., Being the First Year of HisOrdination.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 466To all the Bishops of Sicily.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 466To Justinus, Prætor of Sicily.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 467To Paul, Scholasticus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 468To John, Bishop of Constantinople.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 468To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 470To Narses, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 471To Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 472To Peter the Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 473To Bacauda and Agnellus, Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 473To Clementina, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 474To John, Bishop of Urbs Vetus (Orvieto).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 474To Severus, Bishop of Aquileia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 475To all the Bishops of Italy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 475To Peter the Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 476To Natalis, Bishop of Salona.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 477To Honoratus, Deacon of Salona.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 477To Natalis, Bishop of Salona.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 477To John, Bishop of Constantinople, and the Other Patriarchs.. . . . .p. 480To Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 481To Anastasius, Archbishop of Corinth.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 481To Sebastian, Bishop of Rhisinum [in Dalmatia].. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 482To Aristobulus, Ex-Prefect and Antigraphus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 482To Romanus, Patrician, and Exarch of Italy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 483To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 485To Peter, Bishop of Terracina.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 485To Peter the Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 487To Anthemius, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 487To Peter, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 488To Anthemius, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 488To Leander Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 490To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 496To Peter the Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 497To Virgilius, Bishop of Arelate (Arles) and Theodorus, Bishop of Massilia(Marseilles).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 497To Theodorus, Duke of Sardinia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 498To Honoratus, Deacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 498To Anthemius the Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 499To Symmachus the Defensor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 500To Peter, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 500To Severus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 501To Arsicinus Duke, the Clergy, Nobility, and Common People (ordini etplebi) of the City of Ariminum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 501To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 502To Januarius, Archbishop of Caralis (Cagliari) in Sardinia.. . . . . . . .p. 503To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari) in Sardinia.. . . . . . . . . . .p. 503To Felix, Bishop of Messana (Messene).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 504To Peter, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 504To Peter, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 505To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 506To Gennadius, Patrician, and Exarch throughout Africa.. . . . . . . . .p. 506To All the Bishops of Numidia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 507To Leo, Bishop in Corsica.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 508To Martinus, Bishop in Corsica.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 509To the Clergy and Nobles of Corsica.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 509Book II.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 509To Velox, Magister Militium.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 510To the Neapolitans.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 511To Maximianus, Bishop of Syracuse.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 511To the Neapolitans.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 512To Paulus, Bishop of Naples.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 512To Castorius, Bishop of Ariminum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 513To Paul, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 513To Natalis, Bishop of Salona.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 514To all the Bishops of Dalmatia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 515To Antoninus, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 516To all the Bishops of Illyricum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 517To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 518To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 519To Rusticiana, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 519To Maurilius and Vitalianus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 520To Maurilius and Vitalianus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 520To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 524To Justinus, Prætor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 525To Maximianus, Bishop of Syracuse.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 525To the Abbot Eusebius.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 526To John, Bishop of Squillacium (Squillace, in Calabria).. . . . . . . . .p. 526To Castorius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 528To Luminosus, Abbot.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 528To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 530To Dominicus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 532To Columbus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 533To Januarius, Archbishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 534To All Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 535To Natalis, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 538

Here follows the Epistle of Saint Licinianus, bishop, concerning theBook of Rules, addressed to Saint Gregory, pope of the city ofRome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 540Book III.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 540To Peter, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 541To Paulus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 542To John, Abbot.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 542To Peter, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 543To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 545To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 547To Natalis, Archbishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 547To Antoninus, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 548To Savinus, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 549To Maximianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 549To Scholasticus, Judge.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 549To Antoninus, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 550To the Presbyters and Clergy of Mediolanum (Milan).. . . . . . . . . . .p. 552To John, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 552To Romanus, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 553To Honoratus, Archdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

xiv


p. 553To Dynamius, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 554To Peter, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 555To Sabinus, Guardian (Defensorem).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 555To Libertinus, Præfect.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 556To Andrew, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 557To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 557To the Clergy of the Church of Salona.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 559To Columbus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 560To Adeodatus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 561To Maximianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 561To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 563To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 566From John, Bishop of Ravenna to Pope Gregory.. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 567To Secundinus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 568To Italica, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 569To Mauricius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 570To Theodorus, Physician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 571To Domitian, Metropolitan.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 573Book IV.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 573To Constantius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 573To Constantius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 574To Constantius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 575To Queen Theodelinda.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 576To Boniface, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 577To Cyprian, Deacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 577To Gennadius, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 578To Januarius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 578To Januarius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 580To All the Bishops of Dalmatia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 581To Maximianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 582To Januarius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 582To Maurus, Abbot.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 583To Maximus, Pretender (Præsumptorem).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 584To Venantius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 585To Hospito, Duke of the Barbaricini.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 585To Zabardas, Duke of Sardinia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 586To the Nobles and Proprietors in Sardinia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 586To Januarius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 588To Januarius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 589To Januarius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

xv


p. 590To Constantina Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 591To Theodorus, Physician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 593To Narses the Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 593To Anthemius, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 594To Pantaleo, Præfect.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 595To Victor and Columbus, Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 596To Leo, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 596To Queen Theodelinda.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 597To Constantius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 599To Rusticiana, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 599To Sabinianus, Deacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 600Book V.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 600To Felix, Bishop, and Cyriacus, Abbot.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 601To Constantius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 602To Dominicus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 603To Cyprian, Deacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 604To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 604To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 606To Cyprian, Deacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 606To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 610To Sabinianus, Deacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 611To Mauricius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 614To Constantina Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 616To Castorius, Notary.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 616To Severus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 617To the people of Ravenna.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 617To Vincomalus, Guardian (Defensorem).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 618To Mauricius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 618To Severus, Scholasticus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 619To Anastasius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 620To Mauricius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 622To Constantina Augusta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 624To Sebastian, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 624To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 627To Andrew, Scholasticus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 628To Leander, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 628To John, Archbishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 630To Virgilius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 632To all the Bishops of the Kingdom of Childebert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 633To King Childebert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 634To Marinianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 635To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 636To all the Bishops throughout Helladia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 638Book VI.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 638To Marinianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 638To the Clergy and People of Ravenna.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 639To Maximus of Salona.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 640To Queen Brunichild.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 641To King Childebert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 641To Candidus, Presbyter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 642To the Bishops of Epirus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 643To Donus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 643To Montana and Thomas.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 644To the Count Narses.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 645To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 646To Mauricius, Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 647To Theotistus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 648To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 648To Peter, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 648To Marinianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 649To Maximus of Salona.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 651To the Salonitans.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 652To the Clergy and People of Jadera.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 653To Marinianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 654To Secundus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 655To Fortunatus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 655To Castorius, Notary.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 656To Anthemius, Subdeacon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 657To Columbus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 658To Venantius, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 659To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 659To Felix, Bishop of Pisaurum (Pesaro).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 660To Urbicus, Abbot.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 660To Palladius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 660To Queen Brunichild.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 661To the Brethren going to England (Angliam).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 662To Pelagius and Serenus, Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 662To Virgilius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 663To Desiderius and Syagrius, Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 663To Protasius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 664To Stephen, Abbot.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 665To Arigius, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 665To Theodoric and Theodebert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 666To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 667To Eulogius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 668To Castorius, Notary.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 669To Gennadius, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 669To Mauricius, Emperor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 670To Athanasius, Presbyter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 672Book VII.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 672To Columbus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 672To Cyriacus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 676To Cyriacus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 677To Mauricius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 677To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 679To Rufinus, Bishop of Ephesus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 680To Respecta, Abbess.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 680To Fortunatus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 681To George, Presbyter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 682To Sabinianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 683To Marinianus, Archbishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 684To the Clergy and People Ariminum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 684To Fortunatus and Anthemius.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 685To Gregoria.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 686To Theoctista, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 689To Anastasius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 690To Theodore, Physician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 690To Narses, the Religious (Narsæ Relegioso).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 692To Cyriacus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 693To Anastasius, Presbyter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 694To Mauricius Augustus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 695To Eulogius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 697To Dominicus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 698To Donus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 698To John, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 699To Eulogius, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 700To Marinianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 701To Marinianus, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 701Book VIII.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 701To Peter, Bishop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 702To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 704To Donus, Bishop of Messana (in Sicily).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 705To various Metropolitans and Bishops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 706To Amos, Patriarch of Jerusalem.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 706To Sabinianus, Bishop of Jadera.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 707To Columbus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 708To Boniface, First Guardian (Defensorem).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 708To Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 710To Maurentius.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 710To Agnellus, Bishop of Terracina.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 711To Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 711To John, Bishop of Syracuse.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 712To Rusticiana, Patrician.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 713To Fantinus, Guardian (Defensorem).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 714To Sabinianus, Bishop of Jadera.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 715To Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 716To Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 717To Dominicus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 718To John Bishop of Scyllacium.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 719To Leontius, Ex-Consul.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 722Indexes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 722Index of Scripture References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 727Greek Words and Phrases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 729French Words and Phrases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 729Index of Pages of the Print Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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ia

A SELECT LIBRARYOF THE

NICENE ANDPOST-NICENE FATHERS

OFTHE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

SECOND SERIESVOLUME XII

Leo the Great, Gregory the Great

T&T CLARKEDINBURGH

__________________________________________________WM. B. EERDMANS PUBLISHING COMPANY

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN


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i

THE

LETTERS AND SERMONS

OF

LEO THE GREAT

BISHOP OF ROME,

TRANSLATED, WITH INTRODUCTION, NOTES, AND INDICES,

BY THE

REV. CHARLES LETT FELTOE, M.A.,

LATE FELLOW OF CLARE COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.

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Prefatory Note.

————————————

EXCEPT for such valuable help—chiefly however in the way of comment and explanation—asCanon Bright’s volume (S. Leo on the Incarnation) has supplied, both the selection and the translationof the Letters and Sermons of Leo Magnus are practically original. It is even more difficult to feelsatisfied oneself, than to satisfy others either with a selection from a great man’s works or with atranslation of them. The powers of Leo as a preacher both of doctrine and of practice are veryremarkable, and in my anxiety to keep within the limits imposed by the publishers, I have erred in

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presenting too few rather than too many of the Sermons to the English reader. Only those that aregenerally held genuine are represented, though several of the doubtful ones are fine sermons, andthose translated are in most cases no better than those omitted. Even when the same thought isrepeated again and again (as is often the case), it is almost always clothed in such different language,and surrounded with so many other thoughts of value, that every sermon has an almost equal claimto be selected.

With regard to the Letters, the series connected with the Eutychian controversy—the chiefoccupation of Leo’s episcopate—is given nearly complete, whereas only specimens of his modeof dealing with other matters have been selected for presentation. With one or two exceptions,however, I feel more confident about the Letters than about the Sermons that the omitted are lessimportant than the included. I wish I could make even a similar boast about the merits of thetranslation.

The text rendered is for the most part that of the Ballerinii as given by Migne (Patrologie, Vol.LIV.), though a more critical edition is much to be desired.

CHARLES LETT FELTOE.

FORNHAM ALL SAINTS’,Eastertide, 1894.

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Introduction.

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Life.

THE details of Leo’s early life are extremely scanty and uncertain. It is probable that he wasborn between 390 and 400 A.D. There is a tradition that his father was a Tuscan named Quintian,and that Volaterræ1, a town in the north of Etruria, was his birthplace. Of his youth we knownothing: his writings contain no allusions to that or to any other part of his personal history. Onemay reasonably infer from the essentially Roman character of his literary style, from the absenceof quotations out of pagan literature, and from his self-confessed ignorance of Greek, that hiseducation was, though thorough after its kind, limited to Christian and Latin culture. A referenceto the pages of any secular history of the Roman empire will give the reader an idea of the scenesamidst which, and no doubt by the aid of which, Leo the boy was formed and moulded into LeoMagnus, the first great Latin-speaking pope and bishop of Rome, the first great Italian theologian,

1 The objection that Prosper and Leo himself both speak of Rome as his patria does not seem of sufficient weight tooverthrow a tradition, which it is somewhat hard to account for the existence of. To a native of central Italy under the Empire,who had spent all his public life in Rome, the Eternal city was equally patria, whether it was his actual birthplace or not. At thesame time there is no evidence that Volaterræ any more than Rome or any other Italian city can claim the honour with certainty.

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“the final defender of the truth of our LORD’S Person against both its assailants2” (i.e. Nestorius andEutyches), whom it pleased GOD in His providence to raise up in the Western (and not as oftenesthitherto in the Eastern) portion of His Church. Politically, intellectually, and theologically theperiod in which this great character grew up, lived and worked, was one of transition: the RomanEmpire, learning and thought, paganism were each alike at the last gasp, and neither in Church norState was there any other at all of Leo’s calibre. This consideration will account for the wonderfulinfluence, partly for good and partly for bad, which his master-mind and will was permitted toexercise on the after-ages of Christendom.

During his early manhood the Pelagian controversy was raging, and it is thought that the acolytenamed Leo, whom Augustine mentions in his letters on this subject as employed by pope Zosimusto carry communications between Rome and the African church, is the future pope. Under Celestine,who was pope from 422 to 432, he was archdeacon of Rome, and he seems already to have madea name for himself: for Cassian, the Gallican writer whom he had urged to write a work on theIncarnation, in yielding to his suggestion, calls him “the ornament of the Roman church and of theDivine ministry,” and S. Cyril (in 431, the date of the Council of Ephesus) appeals to Leo (as Leohas himself recorded in Letter CXIX., chap. 4) to procure the pope’s support in stopping theambitious designs of Juvenal, bishop of Jerusalem. Under the next pope, Sixtus (432–440), wehear of him in Prosper’s Chronicon (under the year 439) again in connexion with Pelagianism3: he seems to have stirred up the vigilance of the pope against the crafty designs of one Julius ofEclanum, who, having been deprived of his bishopric for holding that heresy, was attempting tobe restored without full proof of orthodoxy.

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Next year (440) was a momentous one in the life of Leo, and in the history of the papacy. Leowas away on one of those political missions, which bear out our estimate of him as perhaps themost conspicuous and popular figure of his times4. The powerful general Aetius Placidia, thequeen-regent’s chief adviser and aide-de-camp, was quarrelling (a not unusual occurrence at thisstage of the empire) with Albinus, a rival general in Gaul. Leo was sent to bring about areconciliation, and apparently with success. In his absence Sixtus died, and it is not surprising thatwithout any hesitation clergy and people should have elected Leo into his place. A deputation wassent after him to hasten his return, and after an interval of forty days he arrived. The whole churchreceived him with acclamation, and on Sept. 29 he was ordained both priest and 47th bishop ofRome. His brief sermon on the occasion is the earliest in the collection, and will be found translatedon p. 115 of our selection. His earliest extant letter belongs likewise to the first year of hisepiscopate, which we have also included in our selection: it is addressed to the bishop of Aquileiain reproof of his and his fellow-bishops’ remissness in dealing with Pelagianism in that province. Thus early did he give proof of his conception of his office, as investing him with an authoritywhich extended over the whole of Christendom as the successor of S. Peter. Still clearer proofswere soon forthcoming. Not to speak of a letter in a similarly dictatorial strain to the bishops ofthe home provinces of Campania, Picenum, and Etruria, which belongs to the year 443, we find

2 Wilberforce on Doctrine On The Holy Eucharist, p. 246, quoted by Bright.3 The chief error of Pelagius (=Morgan), who is commonly thought to have been of British origin, was, as is well-known,

the denial of original or birth-sin: see Article ix.4 This is seen still more clearly when we remember how completely he held the Western, if not always the Eastern, Emperors

in his power, and made them support and carry out his wishes.

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him in 444 interfering, though more guardedly, with the province of Illyricum, which was thendebatable ground between the East and West; in 445 dictating church regulations to S. Cyril’s newsuccessor at Alexandria, Dioscorus, his future adversary; and in 446 and 447 asserting his authorityon various pretexts, now in Africa, now in Spain, now in Sicily; while in 444 also occurred hisfamous and not very creditable encounter with Hilary, bishop of Arles in Gaul. The incidents inthis quarrel are briefly these: Hilary in a provincial synod had deposed a bishop, Celidonius, fortechnical irregularities in accordance with the Gallican canons. Celidonius appealed to Rome. Thereupon Hilary set out in the depth of winter on foot to Rome, but, after an ineffectual statementof his case and some rough treatment from Leo, returned to Gaul. Leo gave orders that Celidoniuswas to be restored, and Hilary deprived of all his metropolitical rights in the province of Vienne. How far the sentence was carried out is not clear. In a later letter he desires that the bishop ofVienne should be regarded as metropolitan, and yet he seems to recognize Hilary’s successor,Ravennius, as still metropolitan in Letter XL., while in 450 the bishops of the one district addresseda formal petition for the restoration of Arles to its old rank, and the bishops of the other acounter-petition in favour of Vienne; whereupon Leo effected a temporary modus vivendi by dividingthe jurisdiction between the two sees.

Returning to the year 444, besides consulting S. Cyril and Paschasinus, bishop of Lilybæum,on the right day for keeping Easter that year (a moot point which recurred in other years) we findLeo still taking active measures against heresy, this time that of the Manichæans5. The followersof this sect had since 439 greatly increased at Rome, owing to the number of refugees who cameover from Carthage after its capture by Genseric and his Vandal hosts (see Sermon XVI. 5). Theywere an universally abhorred body, and deservedly so, if all we read about them be really true. In444, therefore, it was determined, if possible, to stamp them out. By Leo’s order a strict searchwas instituted throughout the city, and the large number of those who were discovered, were broughtup for trial before a combined bench of civil and ecclesiastical judges. The most heinous crimes

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were revealed. Those who refused to recant were banished for life and suffered various otherpenalties by the emperor Valentinian’s decree, while Leo used all his influence to obtain similartreatment for them in other parts of Christendom. Three years later the spread of Priscillianism, aheresy which in some points was akin to Manichæism among other heresies, and a long accountof which will be found in Letter XV., was the occasion to which we have referred as giving a pretextfor his interference in the affairs of the Spanish church.

We now reach the famous Eutychian controversy, on which Leo’s chief claim to our thanksand praise rests: for to his action in it the Church owes the final and complete definition of thecardinal doctrine of the Incarnation. The heresy of Eutyches, as was the case with so many otherheresies, sprang from the reaction against a counter heresy. Most of the controversies which haveagain and again imperilled the cause of Christianity, have been due to human frailty, which hasbeen unable to keep the proportion of the Faith. Over-statement on the one side leads toover-statement on the other, and thus the golden mean is lost sight of. Eutyches, an archimandrite(or head of a monastery) at Constantinople, had distinguished himself for zeal during the years 428to 431 in combating the heresy of Nestorius, who had denied the perfect union of the Godhead and

5 The essential point in the Manichæan heresy (which took its rise in the far East) was the existence of two independentand conflicting principles: good, whose kingdom was light and the spiritual world, and evil, whose kingdom was over theelements of matter.

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the Manhood in the one Person, Christ Jesus. He had objected to the Virgin being called Theotokos(God-bearing), and said that Christotokos (Christ-bearing) would be more correct. This position,as involving two persons as well as two natures in our LORD, was condemned by the 3rd GeneralCouncil, which met at Ephesus in 431, S. Cyril being its chief opponent. But Eutyches in hiseagerness to proclaim the Unity of the Person of Christ fell into the opposite extreme, and assertedthat though the two natures of Christ were originally distinct, yet after the union they became butone nature, the human being changed into the Divine. Eutyches appears to have been a highlyvirtuous person, but possessed of a dull, narrow mind, unfit for the subtleties of theologicaldiscussion, and therefore unable to grasp the conception of two Natures in one Person: and nothingworse than stupidity and obstinacy is brought against him by his stern but clear-headed opponentLeo.

The person, however, who first brought the poor recluse’s heretical statements prominentlyinto notice was much more reckless and intemperate in his language. This was Eusebius, bishopof Dorylæum, who took the opportunity of a local synod held in Constantinople under the presidencyof the gentle Flavian, in November, 448, for other business, to petition against his former friendand ally as a blasphemer and a madman. The synod, after expostulating with the accuser for hisviolence, at last reluctantly consented to summon Eutyches to an account. The summons was atleast twice repeated and disobeyed under the pretext first that he might not leave the monastery,then that he was ill. At last Eutyches yielded, and appeared accompanied by a crowd of monksand soldiers and by Florentius, a patrician for whom the weak Emperor (Theodosius II.) had beeninfluenced by the eunuch Chrysaphius, Eutyches’ godson, to demand a seat at the council. Aftera long conversation, in which Eutyches tried to evade a definite statement, he was at last forced toconfess that our LORD was of two natures before the union, but that after the union there was butone nature (see Letter XXVIII. (Tome), chap. vi.). As he persisted in maintaining this position, hewas condemned and thrust out of the priesthood and Church-communion. During the reading ofthe condemnation and the breaking up of the conclave, Eutyches is alleged to have told Florentiusthat he appealed to the bishops of Rome, Alexandria, and Jerusalem. Flavian, as president of thecouncil, thought it his duty to acquaint the bishops of Rome and other Sees of the first rank withwhat had taken place. For some unknown reason his letter to Leo was delayed, and the appeal ofEutyches and a letter from the Emperor was the first information that he received. As might beexpected from Leo’s conception of his office, he was much incensed at this apparent neglect, and

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wrote to the Emperor explaining his ignorance of the facts, and to Flavian, complaining of beingkept in ignorance, and prima facie of Eutyches’ treatment. Meanwhile the delayed epistle arrivedfrom Flavian, and the account given was enough to satisfy Leo, who thereupon (May, 449) repliedbriefly expressing his approval and promising a fuller treatment of the question. This promise wasfulfilled next month in the shape of the world-famous “Tome,” which forms Letter XXVIII. in theLeonine collection. The proper significance of this document is well expressed by Mr. Gore6: itis, he says, “still more remarkable for its contents than for the circumstances which produced it,”though “in itself it is a sign of the times: for here we have a Latin bishop, ignorant of Greek,defining the faith for Greek-speaking bishops, in view of certain false opinions of Oriental origin.” Without reviewing in detail the further correspondence that Leo carried on with the various civil

6 Leo the Great, p. 53 (S.P.C.K.): this writer should also be consulted (pp. 53 to 70), on the merits and importance of theEutychian controversy generally.

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and ecclesiastical authorities at Constantinople (among them being the influential and orthodoxPulcheria the Emperor’s sister), we pass on to the events connected with the second council ofEphesus. Through the influence of Chrysaphius, as we have already seen, the Emperor was allalong on the side of Eutyches, and it was apparently at his instigation and in spite of Leo’s guardeddissuasion that the council was now convened and met in August, 449. The bishop of Rome excusedhimself from personal attendance on the score of pressing business at home, and sent three legateswith instructions to represent his views, viz. Julius, bishop of Puteoli, Renatus, a presbyter, andHilary, a deacon, together with Dulcitius, a notary7. They started about the middle of June, and theSynod opened on the 8th of August, in the church of the B.V.M. By the Emperor’s order Dioscorus,patriarch of Alexandria, was president, Leo’s chief representative sat next him, and Flavian wasplaced only 5th, the bishop of Antioch and Jerusalem being set above him: 130 bishops in all wereadmitted, those who had condemned Eutyches being excluded. Owing partly to the presence ofthe soldiery and a number of turbulent monks under the Syrian archimandrite Barsubas, theproceedings soon became riotous and disorderly. The “Tome” was not read at all, though that wasthe purpose of its composition. Eutyches was admitted to make his defence, which was receivedas completely satisfactory. The acts of the Synod of Constantinople on being read excited greatindignation. Amid tremendous uproar Eutyches was formally restored to communion and hisformer position, and the president pronounced deposition upon Flavian and Eusebius. Flavianappealed, and Hilary8, after uttering a monosyllabic protest, “contradicitur,” managed to makegood his escape and carry the lamentable tidings to his anxiously-expectant chief at Rome. Theother bishops all more or less reluctantly subscribed the restoration of Eutyches and the depositionof Flavian and Eusebius. The end of Flavian is variously recorded, but the most accurate versionappears to be that amid many blows and rough usage he was cast into prison, then driven into exile,and that within a few days he died of the bodily and mental injuries he had received at Epypa, avillage in Lydia. These calamitous proceedings Leo afterwards stigmatized as Latrocinium(brigandage), and the council is generally known as the Robber council of Ephesus.

At the time when the disastrous news arrived at Rome, Leo was presiding over a council whichhe had convened; in violent indignation he immediately dispatched letters right and left in his ownand his colleagues’ name. There is a letter to Flavian, of whose death of course he was not yetaware; there are others to the archimandrites and the whole church of Constantinople, to Julian,bishop of Cos, and to Anastasius, bishop of Thessalonica. He used all his influence to prevail on

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the Emperor to summon a fresh council, this time in Italy, writing to him himself, and gettingPulcheria on the spot, and Valentinian, his mother Placidia and his wife Eudoxia, by letters fromRome, to assist his cause. As yet, however, the very stars in their courses seemed to fight againsthim, and the outlook grew yet darker. In the spring of 450 Dioscorus’ predominance in the Easthad become so great that ten bishops were found to join with him in actually excommunicating thebishop of Rome. At the Court, though Pulcheria remained true to the Faith, Chrysaphius still seemsto have swayed the Emperor, and to have obtained from him the edict which was issued confirmingthe acts of the Ephesine council. The fact, too, that Flavian’s successor, Anatolius, had in the pastbeen associated with Dioscorus caused him not unnatural anxiety, and this feeling turned to one of

7 Of these Renatus is said to have died at Delos on the way, and Hilary is the future pope of that name. Julius of Puteolimust be carefully distinguished from Julian of Cos, who was also a confidant of Leo’s.

8 What happened to Julius and Dulcitius is not known, though Leo does not express any disapproval of their action.

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actual offence on receiving a letter from Anatolius, in which he simply announces his consecrationwithout asking his consent. Thereupon Leo demanded of the Emperor that Anatolius should makesome public proof and profession of his orthodoxy on the lines of the Tome and other catholicstatements, and in the month of July sent legates to support this demand.

At this moment the horizon suddenly brightened. Before the arrival of the legates, Theodosiuswas killed by a fall from his horse, and to the triumph of the orthodox cause, his sister, Pulcheria(the first Roman Empress), succeeded him. The whole aspect of things was soon changed. Chrysaphius was almost at once executed, and shortly afterwards Pulcheria married and shared theEastern empire with Marcian, who was for bravery, wisdom and orthodoxy an altogether suitablepartner of her throne.

Leo’s petition for a new Synod was now granted, but the place of meeting was to be in the East,not in the West, as more convenient for the Emperor. In the interval S. Flavian’s body was broughtby reverent hands to Constantinople and buried in the church of the Apostles, and a still morehopeful sign of the times—Anatolius and many other bishops signed the Tome. Hitherto Leo hadasked that both councils (that which had condemned and that which had acquitted Eutyches ofheresy) should be treated as null and void, and that the matter should be discussed de novo. Now,however, he shows a significant change of front: the Faith, he maintains, is decided: nothing needsnow to be done but to reject the heretics and to use proper caution in re-admitting the penitents: there is no occasion for a general council. And consequently he sends bishop Lucentius and Basila presbyter as legates to assist Anatolius in this matter of rejection and re-admission. But, as theEmperor adhered to his determination, Leo was obliged to give way, and though still declining toattend in person, sent bishop Paschasinus of Sicily and Boniface a presbyter with written instructionsto act with the former two as his representatives; Julian of Cos, who from his knowledge of Greekand Eastern affairs was a most useful addition, was also asked to be of the number. Nicæa inBithynia had been fixed upon as the rendezvous, and there on Sept. 1, 451, 520 bishops assembled9. The Emperor, however, was too busy and too anxious over his military operations against Attilaand the Huns to meet them there, and therefore invites them to Chalcedon, which being on theBosporus was much nearer to Constantinople. There accordingly on Oct. 8, in the church of S.Euphemia the Martyr, the council was at last opened. The Emperor himself was still absent, buthe was well represented by a goodly number of state officials. In accordance with Leo’s request,Paschasinus, with his brother legates, presided: next sat Anatolius, Dioscorus, Maximus of Antiochand Juvenal of Jerusalem, with a copy of the Gospels in the midst. Leo’s representatives began bytrying to have Dioscorus ejected: they only succeeded in getting him deposed from his seat ofhonour and placed in the middle of the room together with Eusebius of Dorylæum, his accuser, and

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Theodoret of Cyrus, the eminent theologian, who was suspected of Nestorianizing language. Theremainder of the first day was spent in reading the acts of the Ephesine council, which in the midstof much uproar were provisionally condemned.

At the second session (Oct. 10), the Tome was read by the Imperial secretary, Veronician, andenthusiastically received: “Peter has spoken by Leo,” they said. But objections being raised bythe bishops of Palestine and Illyria that the twofold Nature was over-stated, its final acceptancewas postponed for a few days, that a committee which was nominated might reason with thedissentients.

9 110 others voted by proxy in absence through their metropolitans (Gore).

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At the third Session (Oct. 13), Dioscorus, who refused to appear, was accused by Eusebius andby general consent condemned, being deprived of his rank and office as bishop, and the Emperorhaving confirmed the sentence, he was banished to Gangra in Paphlagonia, and there three yearslater (in 454) died. His successor at Alexandria was the orthodox Proterius, who was howevernever recognized by a large portion of the Egyptian Church: even in the Synod of Chalcedon manyof the Egyptian bishops refused to sign the “Tome” at the fourth session, on the plea that the customof their church forbade them to act without the consent of the archbishop, who was not yet appointed,and the still surviving “Jacobite” schism originated with the deposition of Dioscorus.

The fourth session was held on the 17th, and the misgivings of the Palestinian and Illyrianbishops having been quieted in the interval, the Tome was adopted.

In the fifth session (Oct. 24), a difficulty arose over a definition of the Faith which had beencomposed, but did not satisfy the Roman legates with regard to Eutychianism. However a committee,which was appointed, took it in hand again, and the result of their labours was accepted as fullyguarding against the errors both of Nestorius and Eutyches. The remaining sessions were occupiedwith less important matters, and with drawing up the canons of the Council, of which one—the28th—was designed to settle the precedence of the patriarch of Constantinople (“New Rome” asit was called), and to give him a place second to the bishop of old Rome. Against this audaciousinnovation the Roman legates in vain protested; the bitter pill, enwrapped in much sugar, wasconveyed to Leo in the synodal letter, and produced the most lamentable results.

The last meeting of the Council on Nov. 1 was graced by the attendance in full state of Marcianand Pulcheria. The Emperor delivered an address, and at its conclusion he and the Empress werevociferously applauded, Marcian being styled the “second Constantine.”

To return to Leo, we have letters from Marcian, Anatolius, and Julian, all trying to carry offthe difficulty of the 28th Canon under the triumph of the Roman views in other respects. But Leorefused to be conciliated. The canon, he maintains, is in direct violation of the decrees of Nicæa(in which statement he makes an unpardonable10 confusion between the Nicene canons and thoseof Sardica, which were often appended to them). With Anatolius he was especially displeased,considering that his doubtful precedents ought to have made him extremely careful not to offend. He therefore ceased all communication with him, eagerly seizing at pretexts of complaint againsthim, and appointing Julian his apocrisiarius or resident representative and correspondent. All thistime Marcian continued pleading and Leo inflexible, until Anatolius at last yielded, and the matterfor the time is satisfactorily settled, though it must not be imagined that the disputed canon wasever annulled.

Eutychianism still lingered on and caused disturbances in various parts of the East, especiallyamong the monks. In Palestine, Juvenal, the bishop of Jerusalem, was deposed, and the EmpressEudocia, Theodosius II.’s widow, who was living in retirement in that city, was suspected of

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favouring the rioters. Leo therefore wrote letters to her and to others, in which he restates thedoctrine of the Incarnation, endeavouring to clear up any misconceptions which the inaccuracy ofthe Greek version of the Tome may possibly have caused. Eventually he was able to congratulatethe Emperor on the restoration of peace and order in that quarter of their empire.

10 Unpardonable in any case from one in his position, but especially so, if he was really connected with the church of Rome,as we have suggested, under Zosimus, in whose time the confusion, already existing then, was completely cleared up: see Gore’sLife, pp. 113 and 114. The Canon itself professed only to confirm one already passed in 381.

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Similar riots were reported in Cappadocia, where the monks were led by one of their numbernamed George, in Constantinople itself, where the ringleaders were Carosus and Dorotheus, andin Egypt.

But before we narrate the final victory of the orthodox cause throughout Christendom againstthe Eutychians, there are two events in the political world, belonging one to the year 452 and theother to 455, to which reference must be made, as showing the remarkable prestige which Leo’scharacter had gained for him among all classes of society. When he was m

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