CHAPTER V The learned priest requires more diligence than the unlearned
CHAPTER V
The learned priest requires more diligence than the unlearned
467. What troubles and vexations, think you, will be his who enters upon the conflict of teaching with the desire of praise? It is not possible for the ocean ever to be free from waves, nor the soul of that man from cares and grief.
468. For even should one have great ability in speaking (and this is what we find in few), he is not on this account released from constant labour. For since speaking comes not by nature but by learning, although one may attain to perfection in it, he would certainly turn out destitute of it who did not cultivate the faculty with constant zeal and practice.
469. Therefore the greater labour falls to the more wise rather than to the more unlearned; for the evil is not the same to both if they are alike neglectful, but the difference is as great as the interval between their respective endowments.
470. Indeed, nobody would blame some men for producing nothing worthy of account; but there are others who are pursued by many accusations from everybody, unless they are continually producing what exceeds the estimation which all men have concerning them. Moreover, the former receive from everybody great praise for trifles; but what the latter do, unless it be amazing and astounding, is not only bereft of applause, but meets with many to blame it.
471. For listeners sit and judge, not by what is spoken, but by the reputation of speakers. So that when a man surpasses all in speaking, then most of all is indefatigable application required of him; for he is not allowed to have the common experience of human nature,—not to succeed in everything. And if what he says does not altogether accord with the great expectations of men, he goes away after receiving from many ten thousand scoffs and reproaches.
472. Nobody reasons with respect to him, that an attack of low spirits, pain, and care, and not seldom even anger, has obscured the brightness of intellect, and has not allowed its productions to come forth uneclipsed. Nobody considers at all, that as a man, it is not possible for him to be always the same, nor to succeed in everything; but that he will probably sometimes err, and appear inferior to his actual power. As I said, they will notice none of these things; but heap up accusations as if they sat in judgment upon an angel.
473. And, on the other hand, it is natural for a man to overlook the excellencies of his neighbour, even though they be many and great. But if a fault should happen to show itself, even though a common one, or occurring after a long time, it is quickly perceived, and forthwith laid hold of, and always remembered; and this trifling and insignificant thing has often injured the fame of many great men.