The Presbyters Project

XI.14

XIIII. Quemadmodum cenodoxia clericatus gradum suggerat ambiendum.

Nonnumquam uero clericatus gradum et desiderium presbyterii uel diaconatus inmittit. Quem si uel inuitus fuisset indeptus, tanta expleturum sanctitate ac rigore depingit, ut ceteris quoque sacerdotibus praebere potuerit sanctitatis exempla, deinde multos non solum conuersationis forma, uerum etiam doctrina sua sermone que lucraturum. Facit etiam in solitudine uel in cella commorantem diuersorum domos ac monasteria mente atque animo circumire et plurimorum conuersiones sub incitamento imaginariae exhortationis adquirere.

(ed. Guy 2011: 426 and 440)

XI.14

XIIII. How the vainglory suggests that a man may seek a clerical rank.

But sometimes it creates a wish to take holy orders, and a desire to become a presbyter or deacon. And it represents that if a man has even against his will received this office, he will fulfil it with such sanctity and strictness that he will be able to set an example of saintliness even to other priests; and that he will win over many people, not only by his manner of life, but also by his teaching and preaching. It makes a man, even when alone and sitting in his cell, to go round in mind and imagination to the dwellings and monasteries of others, and to make many conversions under the inducements of imaginary exultation.

(trans. E. Gibson 1894, changed by J. Szafranowski; http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf211.iv.iii.xi.xiv.html)

Discussion:

It is quite telling that Cassian uses more frequently a Greek term κενοδοξία rather than Latin inanis gloria; it gives away Cassian's indebtment to the teachings of Evagrius Ponticus.

Place of event:

Region

Gaul

City

Marseille

About the source:

Author: John Cassian
Title: Institutes of the Coenobia and the Remedies for the Eight Principal Faults, De institutis coenobiorum et de octo principalium uitiorum remediis
Origin: Marseille (Gaul)
Denomination: Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian

The Institutes of John Cassian were written between the years 420 and 424 at the request of Bishop Castor of Apt. The first four books describe the monastic way of life, namely the dress, divine office, common life, and monastic virtues, using the example of the Eastern monks. The eight following books deal with the eight principal vices, and how a monk can safeguard against them so as to achieve the peace of heart which is necessary in order to contemplate.

Edition:

J–C. Guy ed., Institutions cénobitiques, Sources Chrétiennes 109, Paris 2011.

Translation:

The works of John Cassian, trans. E. Gibson, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 11, New York 1894.

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf211.i.html

Categories:

Travel and change of residence

Functions within the Church - Monastic presbyter

Described by a title - Presbyter/πρεσβύτερος

Described by a title - Sacerdos/ἱερεύς

Monastic or common life - Cenobitic monk

Reasons for ordination - Involuntary ordination

Reasons for ordination - Personal ambition

Impediments or requisits for the office - Monastic rule

Reverenced by

Pastoral activity - Preaching

Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL: J. Szafranowski, Presbyters in the Late Antique West, ER1495, http://www.presbytersproject.ihuw.pl/index.php?id=6&SourceID=1495