Letter 3007: King Theodoric to Januarius, Venerable Bishop of Salona [modern Split, Croatia].
King Theodoric to Januarius, Venerable Bishop of Salona [modern Split, Croatia].
We command everyone to cultivate and observe justice, but especially those who are raised to divine honors -- so that they may draw near to heavenly grace by distancing themselves from earthly greed.
John has come to us with a tearful complaint that Your Holiness received from him sixty jars of olive oil for the church lamps, and he requests that the price be repaid to him. A good act, if nothing improper is mixed in. For although justice ought to be preserved everywhere, it is especially necessary in matters offered to God's eyes -- lest we imagine God to be ignorant of the source of what He receives, or think He will accept offerings obtained through fraud.
Therefore, if you find the petitioner's complaint to be true, see to it -- out of that justice you preach by holy law -- that what is legally owed is repaid without delay. Let no one groan that losses have been inflicted on him through you, when it is your part to provide help rather than harm. Take care, then, that you who are not accustomed to offend in great matters should not now be seen -- God forbid -- to sin in a small one.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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