On the Duties of the Clergy, Book III

Book III

• On the Duties of the Clergy III.1 — We are taught by David and Solomon how to take counsel with our own heart. Scipio is not to be accounted prime author of the saying which is ascribed to him. The writer proves what glorious things the holy prophets…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.2 — The discussions among philosophers about the comparison between what is virtuous and what is useful have nothing to do with Christians. For with them nothing is useful which is not just. What are the duties of…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.3 — The rule given about not seeking one’s own gain is established, first by the examples of Christ, next by the meaning of the word, and lastly by the very form and uses of our limbs. Wherefore the writer shows what a…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.4 — As it has been shown that he who injures another for the sake of his own advantage will undergo terrible punishment at the hand of his own conscience, it is referred that nothing is useful to one which is not in the…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.5 — The upright does nothing that is contrary to duty, even though there is a hope of keeping it secret. To point this out the tale about the ring of Gyges was invented by the philosophers. Exposing this, he brings…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.6 — We ought not to allow the idea of profit to get hold of us. What excuses they make who get their gains by selling corn, and what answer ought to be made to them. In connection with this certain parables from the…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.7 — Strangers must never be expelled the city in a time of famine. In this matter the noble advice of a Christian sage is adduced, in contrast to which the shameful deed committed at Rome is given. By comparing the two…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.8 — That those who put what is virtuous before what is useful are acceptable to God is shown by the example of Joshua, Caleb, and the other spies. 53. When could our fathers ever have thrown off their servitude, unless…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.9 — Cheating and dishonest ways of making money are utterly unfit for clerics whose duty is to serve all. They ought never to be involved in a money affair, unless it is one affecting a man’s life. For them the example…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.10 — We are warned not only in civil law, but also in the holy Scriptures, to avoid fraud in every agreement, as is clear from the example of Joshua and the Gibeonites. 66. In everything, therefore, good faith is seemly,…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.11 — Having adduced examples of certain frauds found in a few passages of the rhetoricians, he shows that these and all others are more fully and plainly condemned in Scripture. 70. I shall say nothing of the snapping of…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.12 — We may make no promise that is wrong, and if we have made an unjust oath, we may not keep it. It is shown that Herod sinned in this respect. The vow taken by Jephtha is condemned, and so are all others which God does…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.13 — Judith, after enduring many dangers for virtue's sake, gained very many and great benefits. Judith, after enduring many dangers for virtue’s sake, gained very many and great benefits. 82. See! Judith presents herself…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.14 — How virtuous and useful was that which Elisha did. This is compared with that oft-recounted act of the Greeks. John gave up his life for virtue’s sake, and Susanna for the same reason exposed herself to the danger of…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.15 — After mentioning a noble action of the Romans, the writer shows from the deeds of Moses that he had the greatest regard for what is virtuous. 91. It is related as a memorable deed of a Roman general, that when the…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.16 — After saying a few words about Tobit he demonstrates that Raguel surpassed the philosophers in virtue. After saying a few words about Tobit he demonstrates that Raguel surpassed the philosophers in virtue. 96. Tobit…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.17 — With what virtuous feelings the fathers of old hid the sacred fires when on the point of going into captivity. With what virtuous feelings the fathers of old hid the sacred fires when on the point of going into…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.18 — In the narration of that event already mentioned, and especially of the sacrifice offered by Nehemiah, is typified the Holy Spirit and Christian baptism. The sacrifice of Moses and Elijah and the history of Noah are…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.19 — The crime committed by the inhabitants of Gibeah against the wife of a certain Levite is related, and from the vengeance taken it is inferred how the idea of virtue must have filled the heart of those people of old.…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.20 — After the terrible siege of Samaria was ended in accordance with Elisha’s prophecy, he relates what regard the four lepers showed for what was virtuous. 117. Why need we wonder that the people of the Lord had regard…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.21 — Esther in danger of her life followed the grace of virtue; nay, even a heathen king did so, when death was threatened to a man most friendly to him. For friendship must ever be combined with virtue, as the examples…vatican.va
• On the Duties of the Clergy III.22 — Virtue must never be given up for the sake of a friend. If, however, one has to bear witness against a friend, it must be done with caution. Between friends what candour is needed in opening the heart, what…vatican.va