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| To the Bishops of the Province of Arles in Gaul.
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Letter XL.
To the Bishops of the Province of Arles
in Gaul.
To his well-beloved brethren Constantinus
Audentius, Rusticus, Auspicius, Nicetas, Nectarius, Florus, Asclepius,
Justus, Augustalis, Ynantius, and Chrysaphius364
| 364 These twelve bishops
do not include the Bishop of Vienne, according to Perthel (p. 29),
following apparently Quesnel, whose wish-fathered thought, though
possibly right, has little evidence to go upon. Cf. Letters LXV.
and LXVI. below. | ,
Leo the pope.
He approves of their having unanimously elected
Ravennius, Bishop of Arles.
We have just and reasonable reason for rejoicing,
when we learn that the Lord’s priests
have done what is agreeable both to the rules of the Father’s
canons and to the Apostles’ institutions. For the whole
body of the Church must needs increase with a healthy growth, if the
governing members excel in the strength of their authority, and in
peaceful management. Accordingly, we ratify with our sanction
your good deed, brethren, in unanimously, on the death of
Hilary365
| 365 It will be noticed
that Leo speaks of Hilary not only with respect, but as if he
acquiesced in his sentence (passed against Hilary in Lett. X. above)
not having been carried out. | of holy memory, consecrating our brother
Ravennius, a man well approved by us, in the city of Arles, in
accordance with the wishes of the clergy, the leading citizens, and the
laity. Because a peace-making and harmonious election, where
neither personal merits nor the good will of the congregation are
wanting, is we believe the expression not only of man’s choice,
but of God’s inspiration. So
dearly beloved brethren, let the said priest use God’s gift, and understand what self-devotion is
expected of him, that by diligently and prudently carrying out the
office entrusted to him, he may prove himself equal to your testimony,
and fully worthy of our favour. God keep
you safe, beloved brethren. Dated 22 August in the consulship of
Asturius and Protogenes (449).E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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