“This is the Third time I write to your Meekness (_ad Mansuetudinem tuam_) intreating you to correct and rectify the iniquitous Proceedings that have been carried on against _John_ Bishop of _Constantinople_. But nothing, I find, has been hitherto done in his Behalf. Having therefore much at Heart the Peace of the Church, which will be attended with that of our Empire, I write to you anew by these holy Bishops and Presbyters, earnestly desiring you to command the Eastern Bishops to assemble at _Thessalonica_. The Western Bishops have sent Five of their Body, Two Presbyters of the _Roman_ Church, and One Deacon, all Men of the strictest Equity, and quite free from the Byass of Favour and Hatred. These I beg you would receive with that Regard which is due to their Rank and Merit: If they find _John_ to have been justly deposed, they may separate me from his Communion; and you from the Communion of the Orientals, if it appears that he has been unjustly deposed. The Western Bishops have very plainly expressed their Sentiments, in the many Letters they have written to me on the Subject of the present Dispute. Of these I send you Two, the one from the Bishop of _Rome_, the other from the Bishop of _Aquileia_; and with them the rest agree. One thing I must above all beg of your Meekness; that you oblige _Theophilus_ of _Alexandria_ to assist at the Council, how averse soever he may be to it; for he is said to be the first and chief Author of the present Calamities. Thus the Synod, meeting with no Delays or Obstructions, will restore Peace and Tranquillity in our Days[1421].” [Sidenote: _The Pope’s Legates not allowed to touch at_ Thessalonica.]