CLERUS, comes from the Greek, 1 Pet. v. 3.Cleros, which signifies Inheritance. Neither as being Lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. Neque ut dominantes in Clero, sed forma facti gregis ex animo. Others readi, Neque dominantes in Clero, and explain it as a prohibition directed by S. Peter to the Bishops, forbidding them to exercise a too despotick Authority over Priests, Deacons, and others of the Clergy, who are subject to them.
Psal. lxviii. 13.We find the same term Cleros in the lxvii. Psalm of the Vulgate Translation. Si dormietis inter medios Cleros, pennæ columbæ deargentatæ, & posteriora dorsi ejus in pallore auri. Which may be rendered thus, Tho’ ye have lien still amidst the lands allotted you, yet shall ye be like pigeons with silver wings and gilded feathers. And it is our opinion, that the Psalmist in this place speaks to the Tribes of Reuben and Gad, which were not present in the Battel fought by Deborah and Barak with Sisera. He tells them; it is true, O ye Pigeons with silver Wings, and gilded Feathers, that upon this occasion ye had no share in Deborah’s victory, when the Lord put to flight the confederated Kings. You continued in the quiet Injoyment of your Inheritance amidst your Streams and Rivers; yet are you become there white as Snow in Salmon: You have made yourselves illustrious by other gallant Actions.