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"A SERVANT of God who in solitude sought security against the dangers of his youthful years; and having lived a long time in the exercise of prayer and mortification, was called forth to undertake the charge of the apostolic see. In this exalted station, he wholly applied himself to perform the duties of a good pastor. But he felt the weight of his dignity every day more and more insupportable; and at length determined to resign his charge. He found the infinite cares of that function a hindrance to his accustomed recollection. Wherefore, he held a consistory of cardinals, and read before them the solemn act of his abdication. He then laid aside his pontifical robes, put on his religious habit, came down from his throne, and cast himself at the feet of the assembly, begging pardon for his faults, and exhorting them to choose a more worthy successor of St. Peter. He returned to his hermitage, and eminent in all virtues, died in retirement in 1296.

Pray for all who are engaged in the public concerns of the Church, that in their solicitude for others, they be not wanting in that charity, which is due to themselves. This charity is due to them from the flock, who receive the benefit of their care. Pray for yourself, and see that no excess of worldly solicitude may so take up your heart and thoughts, as to rob your soul of that care, which is necessary for its eternal good. You may have a variety of business; but remember that the business of eternity is your greatest; and ought to take place of all the rest. If for this, you are forced to be wanting to some others, you will be no loser in the end.

But who can promise this, if you neglect heaven for earth? And what think you of unlawful employments, which are inconsistent with your spiritual duties? What of that perpetual dissipation of mind occasioned by thrusting yourself into the affairs of others, through your busy temper, by your pride, vanity, and immoderate diversions? Take care to remove all such distractions. The rule of the Gospel is to forsake all for Christ; all at least that hinders you from being a good Christian."