41. Wherefore, they which
will not do right things, let them give over at least to teach
wrong things. Howbeit they be others whom in this speech we
reprove: but as for those who by this one fault, of letting their
hair contrary to apostolic precept grow long, offend and trouble
the Church, because when some being unwilling to think of them any
thing amiss are forced to twist the manifest words of the Apostle
into a wrong meaning, others choose to defend the sound
understanding of the Scriptures rather than fawn upon any men,
there arise between the weaker and the stronger brethren most
bitter and perilous contentions: which things perchance if they
knew, these would correct without hesitation this also, in whom we
admire and love all else. Those then we not reprove, but ask and
solemnly beseech by the Godhead and the Manhood of Christ and by
the charity of the Holy Ghost, that they no more put this
stumbling-block before the weak for whom Christ died, and aggravate
the grief and torment of our heart when we bethink us how much more
readily evil men can imitate this evil thing for deceiving of
mankind, when they see this in them whom on the score of other so
great good we with deserved offices of Christian love do honor. If
however, after this admonition, or rather this solemn entreaty of
ours, they shall think fit to persevere in the same, we shall do
nothing else but only grieve and mourn. This let them know; it is
enough. If they be servants of God, they have pity. If they have
not pity, I will not say any thing worse. All these things,
therefore, in the which peradventure I have been more loquacious
than the occupations both of thee and of me could wish, if thou
approve the same, make thou to be known to our brethren and sons,
on whose behalf thou hast deigned to put this burden upon me: but
if aught seem to thee meet to be withdrawn or amended, by reply of
your Blessedness I shall know the same.
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