Page:Readings in European History Vol 1.djvu/116

 8o Readings in European History By the title of asses, too, we have represented sometimes the unrestrained indulgence of the wanton, sometimes the simple-mindedness of the Gentiles ; for the inertness of fools is imaged by the designation of asses, as where it is said through Moses, " Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together." As though he said, " Do not associate fools and wise men together in preaching, lest by means of him who has no power to accomplish the work you hinder him who has abundant power." The unrestrained indulgence of the wanton is likewise set forth by the appellation of asses, as the prophet testifies when he says, " whose flesh is as the flesh of asses." Again, by the title of asses is shown the simplicity of the Gentiles. Hence, when the Lord went up to Jerusalem, he is related to have sat upon a young ass. For what is it for him to come to Jerusalem sitting upon an ass, except taking possession of the simple hearts of the Gentiles to conduct them to the vision of peace, by ruling and ordering them ? And this is shown by one passage, and that a very easy one, in that both the workmen of Judea are represented by oxen, and the Gentile peoples by an ass, when it is said by the prophet, "The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib." For who appears as the ox saving the Jewish people, whose neck was worn by the yoke of the Law ? And who was the ass but the Gentile world, which was like a brute animal readily seduced by every deceiver, for he did not resist by exercise of reason ? 31. Greg- The modern reader who may not find either the inhuman Dialogues or the Moralia to his taste will, nevertheless, nature agree that few works exhibit a deeper insight into human exhibited in his character and motives than Gregory's PastojyilCharge, Dsi^-t^^ftl, , ^"'** 1 " in which bishops : charge. m which he discourses on the difficult position of the It is hard for a preacher who is not loved, however right may be his warnings, to be heard gladly. He, therefore,