Peter, to the brethren beloved and established in the faith of God, peace in the Lord. Since I have found out that Meletius acts in no way for the common good, -- for neither is he contented with the letter of the most holy bishops and martyrs, -- but, invading my parish, [2351] hath assumed so much to himself as to endeavour to separate from my authority the priests, [2352] and those who had been entrusted with visiting the needy; [2353] and, giving proof of his desire for pre-eminence, has ordained in the prison several unto himself; now, take ye heed to this, and hold no communion with him, until I meet him in company with some wise and discreet men, and see what the designs are which he has thought upon. Fare ye well.

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Footnotes:

[2350] From Gallandius.

[2351] [See p. 240, supra. But note, the parish was greater than the diocese in ancient terminology.]

[2352] [Presbyters.]

[2353] [Deacons.]