280Fragments from the Writings of Peter.

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I.—Letter to the Church at Alexandria.^23502350    From Gallandius.

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,^23512351    [See p. 240, supra. But note, the parish was greater than the diocese in ancient terminology.] hath assumed so much to himself as to endeavour to separate from my authority the priests,^23522352    [Presbyters.] and those who had been entrusted with visiting the needy;^23532353    [Deacons.] 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.