The Book of the Pastoral Rule: A Modern Rendering (Unabridged‪)‬

The Book of the Pastoral Rule (Liber Regulae Pastoralis) is a treatise on the duties of the clergy written by Pope Gregory I (540 - 604 A.D.) about AD 590, shortly after he was ordained as pope. This book would go on to become one of the most influential works ever composed on the subject. The book itself is addressed to John, the bishop of Ravenna, and is divided into four parts:

"The General Requirements of One Interested in Becoming a Pastor"
"Of the Life of the Pastor"
"How the Ruler, While Living Well, Ought to Teach and Admonish Those That Are Put Under Him"
"How the Preacher, When He Has Accomplished All Aright, Should Return to Himself, Lest Either His Life or His Preaching Lift Him Up"