Letter CCXXX. To the Bishops of Ostia, Tusculum, and Pr/ENESTE

Bernard warns them to do their duty in driving the wolves from the flock in the Diocese of Metz^ God has raised you to an exalted position, in order that the more eminent the dignity you possess, the more you¹ may use i² for the good of His Church. Otherwise the great Father will put down from their seat the mighty whose usefulness has not been equal to the power that they have received. I do not think that you can be ignorant of how great loss the Spouse of Christ is suffering in the Diocese of Metz, though we here are the more horrified because we are nearer. See how great a wolf is daily endeavouring, not only by craft, but also by open assaults, to break through into the fold of Christ, and to scatter the sheep which have been brought together by the blood of Christ. And it is not of yesterday or the day before yesterday, but •ever since the time that he was a little wolf he has not •ceased with all his might to assail and to harass that flock of the Lord with robberies, fires, and murders. Therefore I, so far as in me lies, point out the wolf, urge on the dogs. What your duty is you will see. It is not my place to teach my teachers.