Gregory to Boniface, bishop of Reggio. From certain persons who came, I have learned that your fraternity vehemently persists in works of mercy; and I have given thanks to almighty God, because, according to the voice of the excellent preacher, we now live, if you stand fast in the Lord (1 Thess. 3:8). But this, I confess, gnawed my mind not lightly, that you yourself announce these same works to many; from which thing I gathered that your mind strives to please not the eyes of God, but human judgment. Hence it is necessary, dearest brother, that when you do good outwardly, you should guard these things inwardly with great caution, lest the appetite for pleasing men creep in, and all the labor of the good work be rendered void. For who are we, by whom it is sought to be pleased by men?
For what else are we but dust and ashes? But let your fraternity desire to please Him who does not require that it should be seen, and everything which He shall repay will in no way have an end. In the month of October, in the eleventh indiction.