12. Ep. 21.1–6 (CCL 31:48–51); trans. Parsons, FOTC 12:47–51.
The Bishop 85 a man of God may learn and hold so as to act with authority in ecclesiastical matters, or, if not that, at least to live with safer conscience in the midst of sinners or to die without losing that life which meek and humble Christian hearts alone aspire to. How can this be done, except as the Lord Himself says, by asking, seeking, knocking: that is, by praying, reading, weeping? For this purpose, I wanted the brethren to secure for me from your most sincere and venerable Charity a little time, at least until Easter, and this I myself now ask. . . .
(6) Therefore, I beg you, by that charity and affection, to take pity on me and grant me as much time as I have asked, for the reason I have asked. Help also with your prayers, that my desire may not be in vain nor my absence unprofitable to the Church of Christ and the service of my brethren and fellow servants. I know that the Lord does not despise the charity of prayers for such a case, but perhaps He will accept them as a sacrifice of sweetness and will restore me in a shorter time than I have asked, armed with saving knowledge from the Scriptures.12
Presbyter as Preacher
Augustine's leave of absence did not last long. By Lent 391, he had returned, and gave his first sermons to catechumens preparing for baptism. In the Latin West, unlike the Greek East, presbyters were not allowed to preach whenever the bishop was present. But Valerius was a Greek and appealed to Eastern customs to allow Augustine, with all his enormous skills as an orator, a platform to preach from. In the following passage, Possidius notes Augustine's growing reputation as a preacher and writer. He also notes that the wealthy used to bring along personal stenographers to transcribe Augustine's sermons. From Possidius of Calama, Life of St. Augustine:
(5) The holy Valerius, who had ordained [Augustine], being a good, God-fearing man, rejoiced and gave thanks to God. He said that the Lord had heard his repeated prayers imploring Divine Providence to send a man of such a character as could edify the Church of the Lord by the salutary teaching of His word. Since Valerius was a Greek by birth and less versed in the Latin language and literature, he realized his limitations in that respect. Therefore, he gave his presbyter the right to preach the Gospel in his presence in church and to hold frequent public discussions, a procedure contrary to that usually practiced in African churches. As a consequence, the criticism of some bishops was incurred. The venerable and prudent Valerius, however, fully cognizant of the fact that such was the custom in Eastern churches, and in consideration
12. Ep. 21.1–6 (CCL 31:48–51); trans. Parsons, FOTC 12:47–51.