SECOND From admonitions to his son by Saint Stephen
(Cap. 1, 2, 10; PL 151, 1236-1237, 1242-1244)
Son, listen to your father's instruction
My dearest son, if you desire to honor the royal crown, I
advise, I counsel, I urge you above all things to maintain the Catholic and
apostolic faith with such diligence and care that you may be an example for all those placed under you by God and that all the clergy may rightly call you a
man of true Christian profession. Failing to do this, you may be sure
that you will not be called a Christian or a son of the Church. Indeed, in the
royal palace after the faith itself, the Church holds second place, first
propagated as she was by our head, Christ; then transplanted, firmly
constituted and spread through the whole world by his members, the apostles and
holy fathers. And though she always produced fresh offspring, nevertheless in
certain places she is regarded as ancient.
However, dearest son, even now in our kingdom the Church is
proclaimed as young and newly planted; and for that reason she needs more
prudent and trustworthy guardians lest a benefit which the divine mercy
bestowed on us undeservedly should be destroyed and annihilated through your
idleness, indolence or neglect.
My beloved son, delight of my heart, hope of your posterity,
I pray, I command, that at every time and in everything, strengthened by your
devotion to me, you may show favor not only to relations and kin, or to the
most eminent, be they leaders or rich men or neighbors or fellow-countrymen,
but also to foreigners and to all who come to you. By fulfilling your duty in
this way you will reach the highest state of happiness. Be merciful to all who
are suffering violence, keeping always in your heart the example of the Lord
who said: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. Be patient with
everyone, not only with the powerful, but also with the weak.
Finally be strong lest prosperity lift you up too much or
adversity cast you down.
Be humble in this life, that God may raise you up in
the next. Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately.
Be gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honorable so that you may
never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may avoid
all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death.
All these virtues I have noted above make up the royal crown
and without them no one is fit to rule here on earth or attain the heavenly
kingdom.