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| To Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch.
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Epistle XXVI.
To Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch.
[The beginning of this epistle is the same as that of
Epistle VII. to the same Anastasius as far as the words “stand on
the shore of virtue”; after which it is continued as
follows.]
But, as to your calling me the mouth and lantern
of the Lord, and alleging that I profit many
by speaking, and am able to give light to many, I confess that you have
brought me into a state of the greatest doubt in my estimate of
myself. For I consider what I am, and detect in myself no sign of
all this good. But I consider also what you are, and I do not
think that you can lie. When, then, I would believe what you say,
my infirmity contradicts me. When I would dispute what is said in
my praise, your sanctity contradicts me. But I pray you, holy
man, let us come to some agreement in this our contest, that, though it
is not as you say, it may be so because you say it. Moreover, I
have addressed my synodical epistle to you, as to the other patriarchs,
your brethren1324
| 1324 The Benedictine
Editors adopt the reading patribus instead of
fratribus. But the sense seems to require the latter. | ; inasmuch as
with me you are always what it has been granted you to be by the gift
of Almighty God, without regard to what you
are accounted not to be by the will of men1325
. I have given some instructions to
Boniface the guardian (defensori), who is the
bearer of these presents, for him to communicate to your holiness in
private. Moreover, I have sent you keys of the blessed apostle
Peter, who loves you, which are wont to shine forth with many miracles
when placed on the bodies of sick persons1326
| 1326 Keys of St.
Peter’s sepulchre, in which had been inserted filings from his
alleged chains preserved at Rome, were often sent by Gregory to
distinguished friends (cf. III. 48; VI. 6; VII. 26; VIII. 35; IX. 122;
XI. 66), to be hung round the neck (VI. 6) or deposited (XI. 66), or
used for healing. For an account of how the filings were
obtained, see IV. 30. In one instance the key is described as
being of gold (VII. 26). To Eulogius of Alexandria is sent a
small cross containing filings from the chains, to be applied to his
sore eyes. | .E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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