Gregory to Ecclesius, bishop of Clusium. Our glorious son Aufridus has transmitted writings to us, indicating that in the fortress of Balneum-Regis, together with the inhabitants of that place, he has chosen John the Deacon to be ordained bishop, of whose good life he has borne witness in every respect. But because they do not know what things are canonical, and we do not dare rashly to lay hands upon men untried or unknown, let your fraternity with all solicitude and vigilance take care to inquire, by various means as you are able, concerning his life and deeds. And if there is nothing that can canonically stand against him, it must also be inquired whether he had zeal in the work of God, or knows the psalms.
And if he prove to be such, let him send him to us with a letter of his testimony. But if it be otherwise, indicate it to us likewise by your letters, and exhort the inhabitants of that place that, if this man be not suitable—as we have also written to our aforesaid son Aufridus—they choose for themselves another who by the grace of God may be found suitable for this office.