Strona 645 z 1118

He, however, seldom felt indignation or anger: he was admired for

a placability, a sweetness of manner nearly imperturbable; which,

however, was not natural to him, but the effect of continual

combat against a quick and hasty disposition. If ever he appeared

harsh, it was to those subordinate pastors, whom he found guilty

of avarice, or negligence, or any other vice opposed to the

spirit of their high calling. With regard to his own interests or

temporal glory, he exhibited no emotion, either of joy or regret;

admirable indeed, if his spirit was in reality not affected by

these emotions; but more admirable still, if viewed as the result

of continued and unremitted effort to subdue them. And amidst all

the important cares with which he was occupied, he did not

neglect the cultivation of his mind; he devoted himself to

literature with so much ardour, that he became one of the most

learned men of his time.