CHAPTER III The Priesthood requires a large and admirable spirit
CHAPTER III
The Priesthood requires a large and admirable spirit
102. But, in the first place, it is not easy for a man to detect the infirmities of men; for “no man knoweth the things of a man, but the spirit of a man which is in him.” How then is any one to apply the remedy for a disease of which he knows not the symptoms, and is often unable to understand whether a man is really sick?
103. And even when this becomes apparent, it causes him yet more difficulty; for all men cannot be prescribed for with as much authority as a shepherd doctors his sheep. Now in this case also, there is need of binding, and restraining from food, and of cautery, and incision; but the power to administer the medicine, is not with him who supplies the remedy, but rather with the patient. That wonderful man (St. Paul) recognising this also, said to the Corinthians: “Not that we have dominion over your faith, but we are helpers of your joy.”
104. It is permitted to Christians less than any, to correct by force the faults of those who sin. But secular judges, when they bring malefactors under the laws, show their authority to be great, and prevent them, even against their will, from following their own courses. Here, however, we must make such a man better, not by compulsion but by persuasion.
105. Because we have not received from the laws such great authority to restrain them that sin; even if they gave it us, we should not have opportunity to use the power, because God crowns, not such as abstain from evil through necessity, but by choice.
106. Therefore, much art is needed that the sick may willingly persuade themselves to submit to the remedies provided by the priests; and not only so, but that they may be thankful to them for the cure.
107. If any one that is bound should be restive (for he is master of himself in this), he would make the mischief worse; and if he should reject the words which cut like a knife, he would inflict a new wound by his contempt, and the intention to heal becomes the occasion of a worse disease; because no one, by using compulsion, can cure an unwilling man.