CHAPTER XIII Other requirements besides abstinence are looked for in a priest
CHAPTER XIII
Other requirements besides abstinence are looked for in a priest
245. Wonder not if in connection with such endurance I require another test of excellence of soul.
246. For, we see that to be indifferent about meats and drinks and a soft bed, is no hard matter to many, and especially to such as are rudely constituted, and have been thus trained from early youth; and in many others, discipline of body and custom mitigate the severity of these performances. But contempt, insolence, harsh speeches, and sarcasms from inferiors, whether rashly or righteously uttered, and rebukes vainly and idly spoken by rulers and the ruled,—it is not many who can endure, but only one or two here and there.
247. And you may see those who are strong for the former, so agitated by the latter, that they are more furious than savage wild beasts.
248. We should keep out of the enclosures of the priesthood men of this sort especially. That a minister should not obstinately repudiate food, nor go barefoot, would be no injury whatever to the community of the Church; but a furious temper causes great misfortune both to its possessor and his neighbours.
249. There is no threatening from God against such as do not do the things referred to; but they who are angry without reason are menaced with Gehenna and the fire of Gehenna.
250. As therefore, the lover of vain-glory adds fresh fuel to the fire when he undertakes the oversight of a multitude; so he who while alone or in company with a few is unable to control his temper but is easily carried away, when he is entrusted with the rule of an entire congregation, like some wild beast goaded on every side by myriads, will never be able to abide in peace himself, and will scatter innumerable evils among those who are committed to him.