e Lombards and other
calamities had made desolate. Notwithstanding his meekness and
condescension, his courage was undaunted, and his confidence in the
divine assistance unshaken amidst the greatest difficulties. "You know
me," says he,[26] "and that I tolerate a long while; but when I have once
determined to bear no longer, I go with joy against all dangers." Out of
sincere humility he styled himself "the basest of men, devoured by sloth
and laziness."[27] Writing to St. Leander, he says,[28] he always
desired to be the contempt of men and the outcast of the people. He
declares,[29] "I am ready to be corrected by all persons, and him only
do I look upon as my friend by whose tongue I learn to wash away the
stains of my mind." He subscribed himself in all his letters, Servant of
the servants of God, which custom has been retained by his successors.
Indeed, what is a pastor or superior but the servant of those for whom
he is to give a rigorous account to God? The works of St. Gregory were
everywhere received with the greatest applause. Marinianus, archbishop
of Ravenna, read his comments on Job to the people in the church. The
saint was afflicted and confounded that his writings should be thought
to deserve a place among the approved works of the fathers; and wrote to
that prelate that his book was not proper for the church, admonishing
him rather to read St. Austin on the psalms.[30] He was no less dead to
himself in his great actions, {575} and all other things. He saw nothing
in himself but imperfections; and subjects of confusion and humiliation.
ST. JOHN CALYBITE, RECLUSE.

It is incredible how much he wrote, and, during the thirteen years that
he governed the church, what great things he achieved for the glory of
God, the good of the church, the reformation of manners, the edification
of the faithful, the relief of the poor, the comfort of the afflicted,
the establishment of ecclesiastical discipline, and the advancement of
piety and religion. But our surprise redoubles upon us, when we remember
his continual bad state of health and frequent sicknesses, and his
assiduity in prayer and holy contemplation; though this exercise it was
that gave always wings to his soul. In his own palace he would allow of
no furniture but what was mean and simple, nor have any attendants near
his person but clergymen or monks of approved virtue, learning, and
prudence. His household was a model of Christian perfection; and by his
care