Distinction XXXIX

GRATIAN. Behold, it has been shown fully that priests ought to be skilled in both sacred and secular letters. It is now asked whether they ought to have skill in secular affairs. That this is necessary for prelates is proved by many reasons. For prelates ought to minister to their subjects not only spiritual but also carnal assistance, by the example of Christ, who not only taught the crowds following him by the word but also healed them by power and refreshed them with bodily foods. But so that prelates can accomplish all these things fully, they ought to have shrewdness in secular affairs, so that by their caution both the churches may be preserved unharmed and necessary things may be supplied to each person according to his measure. Hence a certain man elected bishop was rejected by blessed Gregory on account of his simplicity, lest on his account the goods of the Church be squandered. Hence the same writes to the noble citizens of Naples [Book VIII, epistle 40]:

Peter the deacon, whom you declare was elected by you, is altogether simple, as is said, and you know that in this time such a person ought to be established at the summit of governance who knows how to be solicitous not only concerning the salvation of souls but also concerning external utility and caution.