Hormisdas to Timothy, Bishop of Constantinople:

Your love should not be surprised by my past silence if you consider all that has occurred, nor should you be surprised by this present address if you weigh the strength of charity. For we have learned from the teaching of the Apostle to the Gentiles (1 Cor. 13) that love endures all things; and if love does not seek its own, as this very doctrine teaches, is it inappropriate for me to use my privilege to provide what might benefit you?

It was fitting for me to wait until you were free from the association with those who err, and only then to love you when corrected: to see you separated from the reproved, and thus to embrace you with a letter. But why should I delay in calling back one whom I desire to return? Why should there not be room for moderation when nothing is taken away from justice? Efforts that benefit those who struggle should be made, provided we are not defiled by the contagion of association.

This is the reason for my present letter: to urge you, to admonish you, so that we may not allow our land to lie neglected and unfruitful. The diligent farmer does not permit an unproductive tree to occupy the soil for long: he waits patiently, but does he endure forever? When called to what brings salvation, do not delay. He who quickly returns to innocence does not stray far from it. Be moved by the admonitions of the Fathers, and by steadfastly following in the faithful steps without faltering or error, rectify the past through what is yet to come.

It now falls to you, sometimes by encouraging people towards righteousness, and sometimes by pleading for faith with the steps of the leading authorities, to guide what is astray and to strengthen what is uncertain. You must diligently work to ensure that the zeal of your actions in the present covers the faults of past times. Whoever contributes something to the Universal Church thereby benefits his own soul.

Thus, if you are diligent and steadfast in your efforts, the cause of the community will also be to your advantage.

Given as above (in the year of our Lord 517).