11. Gesta—^records of judicial procedure.
248 ST. AUGUSTINE hearken to me as a bishop commanding with authority, my noble and justly distinguished lord and much-loved son. I am aware that the principal charge of law cases connected with the affairs of the Church has been devolved on your Excellency, but as I believe that this particular case belongs to the very illustrious and honourable proconsul,
I have written a letter to him also, which I beg you not to refuse to give to him, or, if necessary, recommend to his attention; and I entreat you both not to resent our intercession, or counsel, or anxiety, as ofl&cious. And let not the sufferings of
Catholic servants of God, which ought to be useful in the spiritual upbuilding of the weak, be sullied by the retaUation of injuries on those who did them wrong, but rather, tempering the rigour of justice, let it be your care as sons of the Church to commend both your own faith and your Mother's clemency.
May almighty God enrich your Excellency with all good things, my noble and justly distinguished lord and dearly beloved son!
Marcellinus, My Lord Justly Distinguished, My Son Very Much Beloved and Longed For, Augustine sends greeting in the Lord.
The Acts^^ which your Excellency promised to send I am eagerly expecting, and I am longing to have them read as soon as possible in the church at Hippo, and also, if it can be done, in all the churches estabUshed within the diocese, that all may hear and become thoroughly familiar with the men who have confessed their crimes, not because the fear of God subdued them to repentance, but c. Letters, CXXXDC, 1-2.
11. Gesta—^records of judicial procedure.