Letter 2034: I remember to have often admonished you to be by no means hasty in passing sentence. And lo, I have now learned that your Fraternity in a fit of anger has excommunicated the most reverend abbot Eusebius. Now I am much astonished that neither his former conversation, nor his advanced age, nor his long-continued sickness, could turn your mind from...

Book II, Letter 34 To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily. Gregory to Peter. We have received your report about the situation of various church properties. Regarding the estate of Languenses: we direct that whatever has been customary there should remain unchanged. Do not allow any innovation that might burden the tenants or diminish the property's value. As for the matter of the defensor [legal advocate] whom you mentioned, if he has acted unjustly in managing church affairs, investigate the charges carefully. If the accusations prove true, remove him from his duties and appoint a suitable replacement. We also want you to know that your accounts must be brought to us in proper order. Whatever expenses you have incurred, whether for grain purchases, building repairs, or charitable distributions, ensure they are clearly documented so they can be properly reviewed. Come to us before Easter with your full accounting, that everything may be settled without delay.

Book II, Letter 34 To Maximianus, Bishop of Syracuse. Gregory to Maximianus, etc. I remember to have often admonished you to be by no means hasty in passing sentence. And lo, I have now learned that your Fraternity in a fit of anger has excommunicated the most reverend abbot Eusebius. Now I am much astonished that neither his former conversation, nor his advanced age, nor his long-continued sickness, could turn your mind from wrath. For, whatever his transgression may have been, the very affliction of sickness ought to have sufficed as a scourge for him. For to one crushed by divine discipline it was superfluous to add human scourges. But perhaps you have been allowed to exceed in the case of such a person, in order that you might become more cautious in the case of others of less account, and ponder long when you are disposed to smite any one through a sentence. Yet still comfort this same man with a sweetness proportionate to the fury with which you have exasperated him, since it is very unjust that the very persons who have loved you most should find you without cause most bitter against themselves.