Letter 8018: It has come to our ears — a thing shocking to be told — that some in your parts worship trees, and perpetrate many other unlawful things contrary to the Christian faith. And we wonder why your Fraternity has delayed correcting this by strict punishment. On this account we exhort you by this present writing to cause these persons to be sought out...
Gregory to Agnellus, Bishop of Terracina.
I have received shocking reports: some people in your area are worshipping trees and engaging in other practices utterly contrary to the Christian faith. I am at a loss to understand why your Fraternity has not already moved to stamp this out with firm discipline.
I urge you by this letter: launch a thorough investigation, find these people, and punish them severely enough that God may be appeased and their example serves as a warning to others.
I have also written to the Viscount Maurus, instructing him to provide you with whatever support you need -- so you will have no excuse for failing to apprehend them.
One more matter: I hear that many people are claiming exemptions from keeping watch on the city walls. Your Fraternity must not allow anyone to be exempted -- whether under the name of our church, your church, or any other pretext. Everyone must take their turn on the walls, so that the city's defense may be properly maintained with the Lord's help.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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