CHAPTER VI To rule well in the Church is a greater proof of endurance than to be a monk
CHAPTER VI
To rule well in the Church is a greater proof of endurance than to be a monk
536. Now the priest will require to attend to none of these things on his own account; but is unoccupied by trifles, and takes his part in everything which is not injurious, having all his wisdom stored in the treasuries of his soul.
537. If any one should admire those who live alone and avoid converse with the many, I should say myself, it was a token of self-endurance, but not a sufficient evidence of all virtue in the soul. For he who sits at the helm in port, gives no strict proof of his capability; but nobody would deny him to be an excellent steersman who could save the vessel in the ocean and in the midst of a storm.
538. Therefore I should not say that a monk is to be excessively and inordinately admired, because he has nothing to disturb him, while he remains in solitude, and the sins he commits are neither many nor great; for he has nothing to incite and stir up his soul.