From the Synodal Letter of the Same, to the African Bishops, A.D. 386

Decree IV. That a cleric not marry a widow as wife.

Decree V. That he who, as a layman, has married a widow not be admitted to the clergy.

Decree IX. What is worthy and modest and honorable we persuade: that priests and Levites not have intercourse with their wives, because, placed in the ministry, they are occupied with daily necessities.

Why here does Siricius persuade what elsewhere (see above) he commands? Is "we persuade" the same as "we command," with a seasoning of sweetness? Or because in Africa there was no manifest prevarication in this matter, there was no need of a more vehement formula of commanding, but rather of an exhortation that they should remain in the discipline received? Cf. the following Decree IX of Innocent to Victricius.