On the Duties of the Clergy, Book II

Book II

• On the Duties of the Clergy II.1 — Happiness in life is to be gained by living virtuously, inasmuch as thus a Christian, whilst despising glory and the favour of men, desires to please God alone in what he does. 1. In the first book we spoke of the…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.2 — The different ideas of philosophers on the subject of happiness. He proves, first, from the Gospel that it rests on the knowledge of God and the pursuit of good works; next, that it may not be thought that this idea…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.3 — The definition of blessedness as drawn from the Scriptures is considered and proved. It cannot be enhanced by external good fortune, nor can it be weakened by misfortune. 8. As, then, knowledge, so far as it stands…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.4 — The same argument, namely, that blessedness is not lessened or added to by external matters, is illustrated by the example of men of old. The same argument, namely, that blessedness is not lessened or added to by…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.5 — Those things which are generally looked on as good are mostly hindrances to a blessed life, and those which are looked on as evil are the materials out of which virtues grow. What belongs to blessedness is shown by…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.6 — On what is useful: not that which is advantageous, but that which is just and virtuous. It is to be found in losses, and is divided into what is useful for the body, and what is useful unto godliness. 22. In the…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.7 — What is useful is the same as what is virtuous; nothing is more useful than love, which is gained by gentleness, courtesy, kindness, justice, and the other virtues, as we are given to understand from the histories of…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.8 — Nothing has greater effect in gaining good-will than giving advice; but none can trust it unless it rests on justice and prudence. How conspicuous these two virtues were in Solomon is shown by his well-known…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.9 — Though justice and prudence are inseparable, we must have respect to the ideas of people in general, for they make a distinction between the different cardinal virtues. 48. It is clear also, according to the sacred…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.10 — Men entrust their safety rather to a just than to a prudent man. But every one is wont to seek out the man who combines in himself the qualities of justice and prudence. Solomon gives us an example of this. (The…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.11 — A third element which tends to gain any one's confidence is shown to have been conspicuous in Moses, Daniel, and Joseph. A third element which tends to gain any one’s confidence is shown to have been conspicuous in…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.12 — No one asks counsel from a man tainted with vice, or from one who is morose or impracticable, but rather from one of whom we have a pattern in the Scriptures. 60. We note therefore that in seeking for counsel,…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.13 — The beauty of wisdom is made plain by the divine testimony. From this he goes on to prove its connection with the other virtues. The beauty of wisdom is made plain by the divine testimony. From this he goes on to…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.14 — Prudence is combined with all the virtues, especially with contempt of riches. 66. Prudence, therefore, works through all things, she has fellowship with all that is good. For how can she give good advice unless she…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.15 — Of liberality. To whom it must chiefly be shown, and how men of slender means may show it by giving their service and counsel. Of liberality. To whom it must chiefly be shown, and how men of slender means may show it…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.16 — Due measure must be observed in liberality, that it may not be expended on worthless persons, when it is needed by worthier ones. However, alms are not to be given in too sparing and hesitating a way. One ought…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.17 — What virtues ought to exist in him whom we consult. How Joseph and Paul were equipped with them. What virtues ought to exist in him whom we consult. How Joseph and Paul were equipped with them. 86. Such, then, ought…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.18 — We learn from the fact of the separation of the ten tribes from King Rehoboam what harm bad counsellors can do. We learn from the fact of the separation of the ten tribes from King Rehoboam what harm bad counsellors…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.19 — Many are won by justice and benevolence and courtesy, but all this must be sincere. 95. It is plain, then, that equity strengthens empires, and injustice destroys them. How could wickedness hold fast a kingdom when…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.20 — Familiarity with good men is very advantageous to all, especially to the young, as is shown by the example of Joshua and Moses and others. Further, those who are unlike in age are often alike in virtues, as Peter and…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.21 — To defend the weak, or to help strangers, or to perform similar duties, greatly adds to one’s worth, especially in the case of tried men. Whilst one gets great blame for love of money; wastefulness, also, in the case…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.22 — We must observe a right standard between too great mildness and excessive harshness. They who endeavour to creep into the hearts of others by a false show of mildness gain nothing substantial or lasting. This the…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.23 — The good faith of those who are easily bought over with money or flattery is a frail thing to trust to. The good faith of those who are easily bought over with money or flattery is a frail thing to trust to. 117. Who…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.24 — We must strive for preferment only by right means. An office undertaken must be carried out wisely and with moderation. The inferior clergy should not detract from the bishop’s reputation by feigned virtues; nor…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.25 — Benefits should be conferred on the poor rather than on the rich, for these latter either think a return is expected from them, or else they are angry at seeming to be indebted for such an action. But the poor man…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.26 — How long standing an evil love of money is, is plain from many examples in the Old Testament. And yet it is plain, too, how idle a thing the possession of money is. 129. But man’s habits have so long applied…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.27 — In contempt of money there is the pattern of justice, which virtue bishops and clerics ought to aim at together with some others. A few words are added on the duty of not bringing an excommunication too quickly into…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.28 — Mercy must be freely shown even though it brings an odium of its own. With regard to this, reference is made to the well-known story about the sacred vessels which were broken up by Ambrose to pay for the redemption…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.29 — The property of widows or of all the faithful, that has been entrusted to the Church, ought to be defended though it brings danger to oneself. This is illustrated by the example of Onias the priest, and of Ambrose,…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy II.30 — The ending of the book brings an exhortation to avoid ill-will, and to seek prudence, faith, and the other virtues. The ending of the book brings an exhortation to avoid ill-will, and to seek prudence, faith, and the…vatican.va