3. His father His
father. S. Gregory the elder. Cf. Orat. xviii., 5, 6,
12–29, 32–39. Also viii., 4, 5; xii., 2, 3; xvi.,
1–4, 20.
was well grafted out of the wild olive tree into the good one, and so
far partook of its fatness as to be entrusted with the engrafting of
others, and charged with the culture of souls, presiding in a manner
becoming his high office over this people, like a second Aaron or
Moses, bidden himself to draw near to God, Exod. xxiv. 1, 2.
and to convey the Divine Voice to the others who stand afar
off; Exod. xx. 19; Deut. v. 27. gentle, meek, calm in mien, In
mien. v. l. “in disposition.” fervent in spirit, a fine man in external
appearance, but richer still in that which is out of sight. But
why should I describe him whom you know? For I could not even by
speaking at great length say as much as he deserves, or as much as each
of you knows and expects to be said of him. It is then better to
leave your own fancy to picture him, than mutilate by my words the
object of your admiration.