CHAPTER IV The priest is entrusted with authority over the world, and with other solemn duties
CHAPTER IV
The priest is entrusted with authority over the world, and with other solemn duties
516. Most of those who are placed under the priest, are fettered by worldly cares, and this makes them more sluggish in the performance of spiritual duties. It is therefore necessary for the teacher to sow every day, if I may thus speak, in order that by his perseverance the word of doctrine may be retained by those who hear it. For a load of wealth, greatness of influence, the indifference which springs from luxury, and many other things besides, choke the seed scattered, aud oftentimes the abundance of thorns does not allow what is sown to fall even to the surface of the earth. And then, excess of trouble, pressure from poverty, constant afflictions, and other such things contrary to the foregoing, divert men from anxiety after divine affairs; and not even the smallest fraction of their people’s sins can become visible to them. And how should they, when they do not know most of them even by sight?
517. Such is the difficulty which the concerns of the people cause him; and if any one were to search into things which pertain to God, he would discover the others to be as nothing, so much more great and diligent is the care which these demand.
518. What a man ought he to be who is ambassador for a whole city! and why do I say, for a city?—for ail the world! and who prays that God will be propitious to the sins of all men, not of the living only, but of the departed? I do not think the boldness of speech of Moses and of Elijah, by any means adequate to such supplication. For he draws nigh to God, as though the whole world were committed to his care, and he himself the father of all men, praying that wars may be extinguished everywhere, and that troubles may be brought to an end, and entreating for every man peace and prosperity, and speedy deliverance from impending evils, both privately and publicly. And he must in all things excel all for whom he prays, as much as the ruler must excel the ruled.
519. If he has invoked the Holy Ghost, and performed that most awful sacrifice, and constantly touched with his hands the common Lord of all, tell me, where we shall rank him? What purity and what piety shall we demand of him? for consider what his hands ought to be which minister these things! What his tongue, which utters such words! and what should be so pure and holy as his soul which receives so great a Spirit!
520. Angels are then present with the priest, and the whole tribune and space around the altar is filled with heavenly powers in honour of Him that is there.
521. And this may be believed in consequence of what is then celebrated. I once heard somebody relate, that an aged and excellent man who was accustomed to witness revelations, told him he had been counted worthy of such a vision, and on that occasion had suddenly seen a multitude of angels, (as far as it was possible for him to do so) clothed in glittering robes, surrounding the altar, and bowing down, as one might see soldiers who stand where the king is present; and I believe it.
522. Another told me, not what he learned from somebody else, but was himself privileged both to see and hear of those who are about to depart hence that,—if they partake of the sacraments with a pure conscience,—when they are going to expire, angels keep guard over them because of that which they have received, and take them away.
523. Do you never shudder when you admit a soul to so sacred a function, and raise to the dignity of priests him that was clothed in defiled raiment, and was excluded by Christ from the remainder of the guests?
524. As a light which lightens all the world, ought the soul of a priest to shine. But mine, has so much darkness surrounding it, through an evil conscience, that it is always depressed, and never able to look at its Master with boldness.
525. Priests are the salt of the earth; but who would easily bear with my folly and inexperience in all things, except you who have been wont to love me to excess?
526. For (a priest) ought not only to be thus pure, seeing he is counted worthy of such a ministry, but also very wise, and experienced in many things; and he ought to understand all worldly matters no less than those who are engaged in them, and to be separated from them all more than the monks who occupy the mountains.
527. For since he must converse with men who have wives, bring up children, possess servants, are surrounded with great wealth, discharge public functions, and are in power, he ought to be accommodating.
528. Accommodating, I say, not disingenuous, not a flatterer and a hypocrite, but endued with much freedom and boldness, and understanding how to adapt himself with advantage, when the state of affairs requires it, and to be at the same time kind and severe.
529. For one method is not to be followed with all who are under authority; because it would not do for physicians to prescribe to all their patients according to one rule, or for a pilot to know but one way of contending with the winds;—and constant storms beset this ship as well. But these storms assail not only from without, but spring up even within; and there is need both of much condescension and strictness.