beloved, and our lot is full of the signs of salvation. S. Vincent of Paul said, "O Jesus, why didst Thou come down upon earth? For the love of Thy neighbour. Poor priest, what has brought thee to this, to be cold and hungry and wearied, and all alone in the world, and in the wind and the weather and the winter? The love of souls." But who gave us this love? It is a sixth sense, which the few possess and the many cannot comprehend. The priest is called to show perfection in himself, and to exercise it upon others. He is not only saved to save others, but sanctified for their sanctification.[1] He is set as the light to give light, as the salt to resist corruption, as the good odour of Christ, like the censer between the living and the dead. If, after all this, he be a castaway, great indeed must be his infidelity to the Holy Ghost.
What motive to confidence is then wanting to the priest? He is encompassed by the signs of God's love and power. The will of God to save him eternally is made known to him by every token and pledge short of a direct and personal revelation.
- ↑ "We must first be purified and then purify others; be filled with wisdom and make others wise; become light and give light; be near to God and lead others to Him; be sanctified and sanctify; guide others by the hand and counsel them with knowledge."—S. Greg. Naz. Orat. ii. § lxxi.
