Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Life Of Ximenes, Archbishop Of Toledo.
will comply . It is my intention to enjoin in this church , and in every diocese , an exact conformity to the precepts of the gospel , a stricter observance of the woiship of God , and a more studious attention to moral discipline , which , if not entirely res . ored to primitive purity , may at least bear some resemblance to the piety of our fathers : to which , my very dear brethren , nothing can contribute so much as your example . From your rank and possessions it is just to demand
a superior degree of virtue . What can be expected from the people by way of connection , if you depatt from your duty;—if , b \ your manner of life , your conduct , your unanimit-, jour pious conversation , and exemplary actions , you do not discover that the inward marj is worth } -of the sacerdotal office with which Jesus Christ has honoured you ? I believe that you attend to your duty . For myself ; 1 take
this opportunity of opening my mind to you . All those , whom I shall see attached to their profession , going on from virtue to virtue , shall be secure of my interest ; I will honour them with , and raise them to , offices of trust and confidence . To bring back those by lenient methods who may have wandered from the rules of their vocation , shall be my study : but if my attempt be , what God 1 hope will not
permit , unsuccessful , I shall have recourse to the utmost severity . This is repugnant to my inclination ; but duty obliges me to it , since I am to renderan account of your actions to the Sovereign Judge From a company so wise and venerable , which merits our affection , and will not draw down our reprehension , 1 anticipate better things . And as I have resolved on convoking my synod at Alcula , there to
regulate the affairs of this diocese , I exhort you to send your deputies to that place , in conformity to \ our usual custom . However , if , in this church , or in any other subject to my jurisdiction , you know o . f any abuse that calls for redress , the advice that you give me I shall consider a favour . ' The Dean made a respectful and submissive reply , and the chapter withdrew . The Archbishop for some days received visits from the magistrates
and nobility . The hall in which he received them was open to every one ; in itwas a table , upon which a bible was laid open , and near it the Archbishop placed himself . He listened to what was said , and was brief as well as solemn and ingenuous in his answers ; if they attempted a reply , made up of compliments and inapplicable to business , lie betook himself to lecture : b y which conduct he meant to express
the impropriety of such useless conversation with a person whose occupations were of a nature so serious and important . Petitions from all quarters were presented to him—he refused none . On perusal he found them , for the most part , demands of the poor , which , itwas necessary to answer , rather by immediate benevolence , than arguments pf reaspn . These he sent to his almonerwith orders fullto
, y satisfy them . His liberality so multiplied the number of petitioners , that on the day of his departure for Alcula , it was some time , on account of the crowd assembled at the palace , before he could get out : to make his way through , he was obliged to throw among them the money he designed to distribute . TO BE CONTINUED /] W . W . B «
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Life Of Ximenes, Archbishop Of Toledo.
will comply . It is my intention to enjoin in this church , and in every diocese , an exact conformity to the precepts of the gospel , a stricter observance of the woiship of God , and a more studious attention to moral discipline , which , if not entirely res . ored to primitive purity , may at least bear some resemblance to the piety of our fathers : to which , my very dear brethren , nothing can contribute so much as your example . From your rank and possessions it is just to demand
a superior degree of virtue . What can be expected from the people by way of connection , if you depatt from your duty;—if , b \ your manner of life , your conduct , your unanimit-, jour pious conversation , and exemplary actions , you do not discover that the inward marj is worth } -of the sacerdotal office with which Jesus Christ has honoured you ? I believe that you attend to your duty . For myself ; 1 take
this opportunity of opening my mind to you . All those , whom I shall see attached to their profession , going on from virtue to virtue , shall be secure of my interest ; I will honour them with , and raise them to , offices of trust and confidence . To bring back those by lenient methods who may have wandered from the rules of their vocation , shall be my study : but if my attempt be , what God 1 hope will not
permit , unsuccessful , I shall have recourse to the utmost severity . This is repugnant to my inclination ; but duty obliges me to it , since I am to renderan account of your actions to the Sovereign Judge From a company so wise and venerable , which merits our affection , and will not draw down our reprehension , 1 anticipate better things . And as I have resolved on convoking my synod at Alcula , there to
regulate the affairs of this diocese , I exhort you to send your deputies to that place , in conformity to \ our usual custom . However , if , in this church , or in any other subject to my jurisdiction , you know o . f any abuse that calls for redress , the advice that you give me I shall consider a favour . ' The Dean made a respectful and submissive reply , and the chapter withdrew . The Archbishop for some days received visits from the magistrates
and nobility . The hall in which he received them was open to every one ; in itwas a table , upon which a bible was laid open , and near it the Archbishop placed himself . He listened to what was said , and was brief as well as solemn and ingenuous in his answers ; if they attempted a reply , made up of compliments and inapplicable to business , lie betook himself to lecture : b y which conduct he meant to express
the impropriety of such useless conversation with a person whose occupations were of a nature so serious and important . Petitions from all quarters were presented to him—he refused none . On perusal he found them , for the most part , demands of the poor , which , itwas necessary to answer , rather by immediate benevolence , than arguments pf reaspn . These he sent to his almonerwith orders fullto
, y satisfy them . His liberality so multiplied the number of petitioners , that on the day of his departure for Alcula , it was some time , on account of the crowd assembled at the palace , before he could get out : to make his way through , he was obliged to throw among them the money he designed to distribute . TO BE CONTINUED /] W . W . B «