CHAPTER XI The lust of domination is to be cast out of the soul of a Priest
CHAPTER XI
The lust of domination is to be cast out of the soul of a Priest
But no one can always hold out; for fearful, truly fearful is the coveting of this honour.
228. I speak not in opposition to the blessed Paul, but thoroughly in harmony with his words;—and what says he? “If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” Now I do not say it is a fearful thing to desire the work, but authority and power.
229. And this desire I think should be expelled from the soul with all earnestness, and not suffered to prevail over it even at the outset, in order that one may be allowed to do everything with freedom.
230. For he who desires not to be exhibited as one who has this authority, does not fear removal from it; and not fearing this, he would be able to do everything with the freedom befitting Christians.
231. Whereas, those who fear and tremble lest they should be deposed, endure a bitter servitude and one full of all evils, and are oftentimes driven to offend against both God and men.
232. Now the mind ought not to be thus affected; but as in wars we see the nobler soldiers fighting willingly and falling manfully; so they who attain to this ministry, should be both consecrated and removed from office in a manner befitting Christian men, knowing that such a removal brings a crown not inferior to that of the office.
233. For when any one suffers something of this kind for not enduring anything unbecoming or unworthy of that dignity, he procures punishment for such as unjustly depose him, and a greater reward for himself. “Blessed,” says our Lord, “are ye, when men shall revile and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven.”
234. And these things happen when any one is expelled by those of his own order, either through envy, or in favour of others, or through enmity, or from any other motive which is not right.
235. Now when it befalls one to suffer thus from such as are opposed to him, I think it does not require a word to show the profit which by their wickedness they confer upon him.
236. Therefore we must every way attend to and carefully search into this,—that no spark of that desire be secretly smouldering anywhere.
237. It were to be wished also, that those who were at first free from this affection, should be able to avoid it when they come into office; but if, before attaining the honour, any one cherishes in himself this dreadful and obstinate wild beast, it is impossible to say into what a furnace he will throw himself after he has attained it.
238. Now I, (and think not that I would ever lie to you in underrating myself), possessed very much of this desire; and this, with other things, frightened me no little, and put me to flight.
239. For as they who cherish human love, endure a severer torment of passion, while suffered to be near the objects of their affection, but throw aside their madness when they remove as far as possible from those they long after; so those who desire this office find the evil intolerable while they are near it; but extinguish the desire along with the expectation, when they cease to hope for it.