On the Duties of the Clergy

Composed about A.D. 391., this treatise of St. Ambrose may as well be called "Concerning Christian Virtues" as it practically offers to the reader a whole bouquet of Christian virtues. St. Ambrose, esteeming very highly the dignity of the ministerial office, was most desirous that the clergy of his diocese should live worthily of their high vocation, and be good and profitable examples to the people. The language of the book is eloquent, the style noble, the thought abundant in both imagery and rhetoric, and the philosophical and moral contents - pithy, fragrant and heart-commanding. (Summary by Euthymius)