CHAPTER II He that is appointed to the Priesthood ought to despise applause, and to be a powerful speaker
CHAPTER II
He that is appointed to the Priesthood ought to despise applause, and to be a powerful speaker
453. Here then is a demand for a noble soul, and one which far surpasses my mediocrity, in order to chastise this unruly and profitless pleasure of the multitude, and be able to divert their attention to something more beneficial: so that the people may follow and yield to him, and not he be led by their likings.
454. This however, can in no wise happen, except by these two means,—by despising applause, and by power in speaking.
455. If one of these should be wanting, that which remains becomes useless by being disjoined from the other. If he who despises applause, should not give out a doctrine which is “with grace, and seasoned with salt,” he is readily contemned by the many, and gains nothing by his nobleness of mind: but if he fairly succeeds in this respect, and yet happens to be overcome by the glory of plaudits, precisely the same mischief involves both him and the people; since he is more anxious to speak for the gratification of his hearers, than for their profit, owing to his love of praise.
456. And as he who is neither affected by commendation, nor skilled in speaking, does not yield to the pleasure of the crowd, nor can render them any benefit worth mentioning, through having nothing to say; so too, he who is carried away with desire for praise, and yet, while having ability to improve the multitude, instead of this, administers rather what shall please them—purchases therewith only the clamour of plaudits.