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THE same
venerable pope also sent at the same time a letter to Aetherius, archbishop of
Arles,’ exhorting him to give favourable entertainment to Augustine on his way
to Britain; which letter was in these words:
‘To his
most reverend and holy brother and fellow bishop Aetherius, Gregory, the
servant of the servants of God. Although religious men stand in need of no
recommendation with priests who have the charity which is pleasing to God; yet
because an opportunity of writing has occurred, we have thought fit to send
this letter to you, Brother, to inform you, that with the help of God we have
directed thither, for the good of souls, the bearer of these presents,
Augustine, the servant of God, of whose zeal we are assured, with other
servants of God, whom it is requisite that your Holiness readily assist with
priestly zeal, affording him all the comfort in your power. And to the end that
you may be the more ready in your help, we have enjoined him to inform you particularly
of the occasion of his coming; knowing, that when you are acquainted with it,
you will, as the matter requires, for the sake of God, dutifully dispose
yourself to give him comfort. We also in all things recommend to your charity,
Candidus, the priest, our common son, whom we have transferred to
the administration of a small patrimony in our Church. God keep you in safety,
most reverend brother. Given the 23rd day of July, in the fourteenth year of
the reign of our most religious lord, Mauritius Tiberius Augustus, the
thirteenth year after the consulship of our lord aforesaid, and the fourteenth
indiction."
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