
On the Duties of the Clergy
'On the Duties of the Clergy' Summary
On the Duties of the Clergy was published in about 391 AD. It was written to motivate the clergy of his diocese so that they would conduct their lives in a manner appropriate to their vocation. With his immense background in the Classics, Ambrose modeled his treatise on Cicero's De Officiis. Hence, the Latin title of his work is De Officiis Ministorum.
He begins by reiterating that what he is about to say has already been taught to his clergy, but he would like to refresh their memory and ensure that they have indeed imbibed the right lessons. One of the devices he uses to convey his teachings is by replacing the old Roman heroes with Old Testament saints. On The Duties... is divided into three main books. In the first book he describes duties which are “ordinary” and those which are “perfect.” Duties to parents, elders, and the cardinal virtues are discussed here. In the second book, he looks at the “expedient” aspects of life. The third book deals with “duties of perfection.” He exhorts the clergy to consider not only what is duty, or perfect or expedient, but to ascertain what is good for all.
As an early piece of ecclesiastical writing, On the Duties of the Clergy makes interesting reading whether you're drawn to religious writings or not.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
Published In
391Authors

Saint Ambrose
Rome
Ambrose venerated as Saint Ambrose, was the Bishop of Milan, a theologian, and one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. Ambrose was serving as the Roman governor of Aemil...
Books by Saint AmbroseDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Institutes Of The Christian Religion Book 1 (Allen Translation) by John Calvin
In this, Calvin lays out his fundamental beliefs about the Christian faith, including the nature of God, the nature of humanity, and the means by whic...

Hurlbut's Story of the Bible Part 3 by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut
Some years ago, the editor of an English magazine sent a communication to "the hundred greatest men in Great Britain" asking them this question: "If f...

Religio Medici and Hydriotaphia by Thomas Browne
Religio Medici (The Religion of a Doctor) by Sir Thomas Browne is a spiritual testament and early psychological self-portrait. Published in 1643 after...

Beecher Beached by John B. Tabb
Father John Banister Tabb, widely known as Father Tabb, was a respected American poet and Roman Catholic priest. His work often delved into themes of...

Stories Worth Rereading by Various
This book presents a compilation of short stories and poems, focusing on themes of faith, character building, and inspiration. The narratives often fe...

The Guide for the Perplexed, Part 2 Moses Maimonides by Moses Maimonides
Embark on a journey of intellectual exploration and philosophical contemplation in "The Guide for the Perplexed, Part 2" by Moses Maimonides. As the i...

The Bible Under Trial by James Orr
It is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the authority and relevance of the Bible in the modern world. Penned by the renowned author Ja...

Selection of Divine Poems by John Donne
This collection of John Donne's 'divine poems' offers a profound exploration of theological themes through the lens of his personal experiences. Donne...

Binsey Poplars by Gerard Manley Hopkins
Binsey Poplars is a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, an English poet and Jesuit priest. The poem is a meditation on the beauty of nature, and on the rel...

The Jefferson Bible - The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth by Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, created his own Bible by extracting the moral teachings of Jesus from the four canonical g...
Reviews for On the Duties of the Clergy
No reviews posted or approved, yet...