r a large vessel in the dangerous Egaen or
Tyrrhenian sea, I should be alarmed and struck with fear, and rather fly
than drown both myself and crew." The saint proceeds to mention the
principal temptations to which a pastor of souls is himself exposed, and
the storms by which he is assailed; as vain-glory, for instance, a more
dreadful monster than the sirens of the poets, which passengers, by
standing on their guard, could sail by and escape. "This rock," says he,
"is so troublesome to me even now, when no necessity drives me upon it,
that I do not quite escape being hurt by it. But if any one had placed
me on so high a pinnacle, it would have been as if, having tied my hands
behind my back, he had exposed me to wild beasts to be torn in pieces."
He adds the danger of human respect, fear of the great ones, contempt or
neglect of the poor; observing that none can encounter such dangers, but
such as are perfect in virtue, disinterested, watchful over themselves,
inured to mortification by great abstinence, resting on hard beds, and
assiduous labor: lastly, what is most rare, dead to themselves by
meekness, sweetness, and charity, which no injuries or reproaches, no
ingratitude, no perverseness, or malice, can ever weary or overcome: for
a perfect victory over anger is a most essential part of the character
of a good pastor, without which all his virtues will be tarnished, and
he will reap no fruit of his labors. He makes this dreadful remark, that
within the circle of his own acquaintance he had known many who in
solitude led lives pleasing to God, but being advanced to the
priesthood, lost both themselves and others. If no Christian can call to
mind, without trembling, the dreadful account which he is to give at the
tribunal of Christ for his own sins, how must he tremble at this
thought, who sees himself charged with the sins and souls of others?
Heb. xiii. 17. In the fourth book he proves that one unfit for the
pastoral charge is not excused because it is imposed on him by others,
as one unacquainted with the rules of architecture can by no means
undertake to build, nor one to practise medicine who is a stranger to
that profession. He speaks of the crime of those who choose unworthy
pastors, and of the learning necessary for this charge, especially in
applying suitable remedies to every spiritual disorder, in confuting
Pagans, Jews, and heretics, and in instructing the faithful. A talent
for preaching is an indispensabl