Gregory to John, bishop of Syracuse. Felix, a man to be remembered, has complained to us in his letters that the agents of Your Fraternity have unlawfully and against the order of law seized possessions which he had held, asking that what was taken from him be restored, and that he is ready, if only they are willing to plead the cause, to stand in judgment with them without any delay. If this is so, since you are not ignorant of what legal reason requires, it behoves you, all delay set aside, to appoint the proctors of your Church, so that they may choose judges together with him, who may be able to hear and settle the question both of the pending matter and of the principal one;
lest, if by any occasion it be deferred, both he seem to suffer prejudice, and the party of the Church seem not to have justice. So act, therefore, that with all speed a judgment be chosen. For we wish the causes of your Church so to be conducted that it neither sustain loss against equity, nor be able to sustain anything to your discredit.