I. That a Bishop Must Be Well Instructed and Experienced in the Word.

But concerning bishops, we have heard from our Lord, that a pastor who is to be ordained a bishop for the churches in every parish, must be unblameable, unreprovable, free from all kinds of wickedness common among men, not under fifty years of age; for such a one is in good part past youthful disorders, and the slanders of the heathen, as well as the reproaches which are sometimes cast upon many persons by some false brethren, who do not consider the word of God in the Gospel: "Whosoever speaketh an idle word shall give an account thereof to the Lord in the day of judgment."¹ And again: "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."² Let him therefore, if it is possible, be well educated; but if he be unlettered, let him at any rate be³ skilful in the word, and of competent age. But if in a small parish one advanced in years is not to be found,⁴ let some younger person, who has a good report among his neighbours, and is esteemed by them worthy of the office of a bishop,--who has carried himself from his youth with meekness and regularity, like a much elder person,--after examination, and a general good report, be ordained in peace. For Solomon at twelve years of age was king of Israel,⁵ and Josiah at eight years of age reigned righteously,⁶ and in like manner Joash governed the people at seven years of age.⁷ Wherefore, although the person be young, let him be meek, gentle, and quiet. For the Lord God says by Esaias: "Upon whom will I look, but upon him who is humble and quiet, and always trembles at my words?"⁸ In like manner it is in the Gospel also: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."⁹ Let him also be merciful; for again it is said: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."¹⁰ Let him also be a peacemaker; for again it is said: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the sons of God."¹¹ Let him also be one of a good conscience, purified from all evil, and wickedness, and unrighteousness; for it is said again: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."¹²