10. 1 Sam. xxiv. 7.
POLITICAL WRITINGS 247 all good works love to be set in the light, not in order to obtain glory from men, but, as the Lord saith, "that they seeing your good works may glorify your Father who is in heaven." ^ And, for the same reason, the apostle was not satisfied with merely exhorting us to practise moderation, but also commands us to make it known: "Let your moderation," he says, "be known unto all men;" ^ and in another place, "Showing all meekness unto all men." ^ Hence, also, that most signal forbearance of the holy David, when he mercifully spared his enemy when delivered into his hand,^^ v/ould not have been so conspicuous had not his power to act otherwise been manifest. Therefore let not the power of executing vengeance inspire you with harshness, seeing that the necessity of examining the criminals did not make you lay aside your clemency. Do not call for the executioner now when the crime has been found out, after having forborne from calling in the tormentor when you were finding it out.
In fine, you have been sent hither for the benefit of the Church. I solemnly declare that what I recommend is expedient in the interests of the
Catholic Church, or, that I may not seem to pass beyond the boundaries of my own charge, I protest that it is for the good of the Church belonging to the diocese of Hippo. If you do not hearken to me asking this favour as a friend, hearken to me offering this counsel as a bishop; although, indeed, it would not be presumption for me to say —since I am addressing a Christian, and especially in such a case as this—that it becomes you to
7. Matt. V. 16.
8. Phil. iv. 5.
9. Titus iii. 2.
10. 1 Sam. xxiv. 7.