, for in a bishop it is especially scandalous. For this reason
both the apostles Peter and Paul, as well as the prophets also, have
repeatedly spoken of it. So Moses says, "You know that I have coveted
no man's cattle." The prophet Samuel, also, "You know that I have
taken of you no man's ass or ox." For if he whose duty it is to feed
the flock is anxious merely for wealth and gain, he will in a short
time become a wolf himself.

V. 2. _But of a ready mind._ That is, that a bishop have an appetite
and inclination thereto. This is the character of those who willingly
minister, and do not seek the wool of the sheep. Thus we have two
kinds of false shepherds: the one, those who serve unwillingly; the
other, those who do it gladly, but for the sake of avarice.--Further,
he says:

V. 3. _Not as lords over the heritage._ This is the character of
those who rule willingly enough for honor's sake, in order that they
may rise high, and become powerful tyrants. Therefore he admonishes
them that they should not act as though the people was subject to
them, so that they might be gentlemen, and might do as they chose.
For we have a Master, who is Christ, who rules over our spirits. The
bishops are to do no more than feed the sheep. Here St. Peter has
broken down and condemned all that rule which the Pope now maintains,
and clearly determines that they have not power to give one word of
additional command, but that they are to be only servants, and say,
"Thus saith Christ thy Master, therefore you are to do it." So Christ
also speaks: "The kings of this world have dominion, and men call
them who are in authority their gracious lords; but you are not to be
like them." Now the Pope speaks the reverse,--"Ye shall rule and have
authority."

V. 3-4. _But be ye an example for the flock; so shall ye, when the
Chief Shepherd shall appear, receive the enduring crown._ That is,
see to it that you go before them at their head, and exhibit such a
conduct that your life may be an example to the people, and they may
follow after you. But our bishops say to the people, "Go there and do
so and so;" and they sit on cushions and play the gentleman, imposing
burdens on us which they will not bear themselves, while they will
not preach a word, and call others to account if they have not done
it for them. But if it should be required of them, they would soon be
weary of their dignity.

Therefore St. Peter does not appoint any temporal reward fo