Rather, it is proper that you should endure empty billows that swell in moderation, by putting up with them patiently, and you should scatter the foaming waves with the virtue of perseverance. For patience knows how to lighten what is heavy and conquer with constancy what is savage.
And so, do not let adversity depress your spirits, but let it inspire them. Let your priestly vigor show you to be more dating in all things. For it is certainly evidence of the truth, when anyone shows himself more prepared for hardships, and braver in adversities.
Therefore, so that the strength of rectitude cannot be torn from the goodness of deliberation, by any impact, settle the movements of your mind on the solidity of that rock, as you have begun to do, on which you know our Redeemer has founded the Church throughout the world, so that the righteous footsteps of a sincere heart should not stumble on a devious path.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 520
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