On the duties of Clergy

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. Consequently he undertook the following treatise, setting forth the duties of the Clergy, and taking as a model the treatise of Cicero, De Officiis. The writer says that his object is to impress upon those whom he has ordained the lessons which he had previously taught them. Like Cicero, he treats of that which is right, becoming, or honourable [decorum], and what is expedient [utile]; but with reference not to this life but to that which is to come, teaching in the first book that which is becoming or honourable; in the second, what is expedient; and in the third, considering both in conjunction.In the first book he divides duties into ordinary, or the way of the commandments, binding upon all alike; and perfect, which consist in following the counsels.