Chapter VII. A Summary of the Virtues required in the Sovereign Pontiff

It is now time to bring this fourth book to an end. However, I should like before concluding to repeat by way of epilogue something of what has been said, and to add something more which has been omitted. Remember above all things that the holy Roman Church, of which God has made thee ruler, is the mother, not the mistress of the other churches ; and that thou art ; not the lord and master of the bishops, but one of their number, the brother of those that love God, and " a partaker with all them that fear Him" (Ps. cxviii. 63). For the rest, consider thyself obliged to be the model of justice, the mirror of sanctity, the pattern of / piety, the oracle of truth, the defender of the faith, the doctor of nations, the guide of Christians, the friend of the Bridegroom, the paranymph of the Bride, the regulator of the clergy, the pastor of the people, the instructor of the unwise, the refuge of the oppressed, the advocate of the poor, the hope of the miserable, the guardian of orphans, the protector of widows, the eye of the blind, the tongue of the speechless, the support of the aged, the avenger of crime, the terror of evildoers, the glory of the good, the rod of the powerful, the hammer of tyrants, the father of kings, the moderator of laws, the administrator of canons, the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the priest of the Most High, the vicar of Christ, the anointed of the Lord, and finally the God of Pharaoh. Understand aright what I say. The Lord will give thee I understanding. Whenever, therefore, power is united I to malice it is thy duty to oppose it with a superhuman , daring and a divine authority. Let thy " countenance be against them that do evil things" (Ps. xxxiii. 17). Let him who fears not man nor dreads the sword be afraid of the spirit of thine anger. Let him fear the power of thy prayers who has only contempt for thy warnings. Let him who provokes thy indignation be made sensible that he has incurred the anger, not of man, but of God. And let him who refuses to listen to thy remonstrances be afraid lest the Lord should listen to thy complaints.

It only remains now to discuss the last part of my subject, namely, the things that are above thee. This I hope to do in the following book, with the help of God, and at the same time to acquit myself of my promise.