Quote from Letter 9.111 to Romanus, defender, Fantinus, defender, Sabinus, sub-deacon, Hadrian, notary, Eugene, notary, Felix, sub-deacon, Sergius, defender, Boniface, defender, equally, and to the protectors of the patrimony. February 599
Thus the caution of this learned man [Possidius] ought to be a major lesson to us. For it is a sign of incautious presumption for a weaker man not to fear what a brave man fears. For he wisely overcomes illegal acts, when he has learnt not to make use of even those that arre allowed. And indeed, we bind no one to this against his will, but just as doctors usually do, although the cure is bitter at the time, yet we recommend it to restore health. And for that reason, we do not make it necessary, but we leave it to their decision, should they choose to imitate this learned and saintly man.
Therefore, let your Experience apply zeal and concern so that what we have asked to be prohibited should be observed.
Thus the caution of this learned man [Possidius] ought to be a major lesson to us. For it is a sign of incautious presumption for a weaker man not to fear what a brave man fears. For he wisely overcomes illegal acts, when he has learnt not to make use of even those that arre allowed. And indeed, we bind no one to this against his will, but just as doctors usually do, although the cure is bitter at the time, yet we recommend it to restore health. And for that reason, we do not make it necessary, but we leave it to their decision, should they choose to imitate this learned and saintly man.
Therefore, let your Experience apply zeal and concern so that what we have asked to be prohibited should be observed.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 609
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