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"On the Priesthood: A Treatise in Six Books" by Saint John Chrysostom, translated by Rev. Patrick Boyle, C.M., is a seminal work that delves into the profound spiritual and theological dimensions of the priestly vocation. Written by one of the early Church Fathers, this treatise offers an in-depth exploration of the responsibilities, challenges, and spiritual requirements of the priesthood. The treatise is divided into six books, each addressing different aspects of the priestly office. Saint John Chrysostom, renowned for his eloquence and deep theological insights, begins by discussing the divine nature and immense responsibility of the priesthood. He emphasizes the sacred role of the priest as a mediator between God and humanity, tasked with administering the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and guiding the faithful. Chrysostom then examines the personal qualities necessary for those who aspire to the priesthood. He underscores the importance of moral integrity, deep spiritual life, and unwavering commitment to the pastoral mission. The treatise highlights the virtues of humility, patience, and self-sacrifice as essential traits for a priest, drawing on scriptural examples and personal reflections. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to the challenges and temptations that priests face. Chrysostom offers practical advice on how to overcome these difficulties through prayer, study, and reliance on God's grace. He also discusses the dangers of pride, ambition, and worldly distractions, urging priests to maintain their focus on their spiritual duties and the well-being of their congregations. The treatise also addresses the theological foundation of the priesthood, exploring its biblical roots and ecclesiastical traditions. Chrysostom articulates a vision of the priesthood that is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Christ, emphasizing the continuity between the apostolic ministry and the contemporary priestly office. Throughout the six books, Chrysostom's profound respect and reverence for the priesthood are evident. He views the priestly vocation as a divine calling that demands a life of holiness and dedication. His writings serve as both an inspiration and a guide for those in the priestly ministry, as well as for those considering this sacred vocation. Rev. Patrick Boyle's translation brings this classic work to a modern audience, preserving the eloquence and depth of Chrysostom's original text. Boyle's translation ensures that contemporary readers can access and appreciate the timeless wisdom and spiritual insights offered by one of the Church's greatest preachers. In summary, "On the Priesthood: A Treatise in Six Books" by Saint John Chrysostom, translated by Rev. Patrick Boyle, C.M., is a comprehensive and deeply spiritual examination of the priestly vocation. It provides valuable guidance and inspiration for priests and seminarians, as well as offering profound theological insights for all Christians interested in understanding the nature and significance of the priesthood.
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866 edition. Excerpt: ... S. CHRYSOSTOM ON THE PRIESTHOOD. BOOK I. Chap. 1. Basil The Best Of All The Friends Of Cheysostom. 2. The Unanimity Of Basil And Cheysostom, And Theie Common Pursuits. 3. The Balance Becomes Unequal On The Question Of Adopting The Monastic Life. 4. The Proposal To Have A Common Home. 5. His Mother's Lament. 6. The Fraud Practised By Chrysostom In The Matter Of Basil's Ordination. 7. Basil's Meek And Gentle Reproof. 8. Chrysostom's Apology And Recrimination. 9. The Great Advantage Of Timely Fraud. CHAPTER I. Basil the best of all the friends of Chrysostom. 1. I Had many friends, both genuine and true, who understood and strictly observed the laws of friendship; but among the many there was one who B far excelled them all in attachment to me, and strove to leave the rest as far behind, as they did such as were simply well disposed towards me. 2. He was one of those who always accompanied me, for we had embraced the same studies, and availed ourselves of the same instructors; we had the same inclination and zeal for the subjects which occupied us; while our aspirations were alike, and produced by the same influences. Nor was this only while we waited upon our preceptors, but also when, on leaving them, we had to advise what was the best course of life for us to choose. And even here it appeared we were of one accord. CHAPTER II. The unanimity of Basil and Chrysostom, and their common pursuits. 3. And other things, in addition to these, preserved our unanimity firm and unbroken. For the one could not boast more than the other about the greatness of his country; nor had I superfluous wealth, while he subsisted in extreme penury. Moreover, the similarity of our aim corresponded with the moderateness of...
Apart from his homilies, a number of John's other treatises have had a lasting influence. One such work is John's early treatise Against Those Who Oppose the Monastic Life, written while he was a deacon (sometime before 386), which was directed to parents, pagan as well as Christian, whose sons were contemplating a monastic vocation. Chrysostom wrote that, already in his day, it was customary for Antiochenes to send their sons to be educated by monks. Another important treatise written by John is titled On the Priesthood (written 390/391, it contains in Book 1 an account of his early years and a defence of his flight from ordination by Bishop Meletios of Antioch, and then proceeds in later books to expound on his exalted understanding of the priesthood). Two other notable books by John are Instructions to Catechumens and On the Incomprehensibility of the Divine Nature. In addition, he wrote a series of letters to the deaconess Olympias, of which seventeen are extant.
