This strong and changeless confidence is a motive to self-oblation in greater things, and to self-denial in the less. Hope is a source of joy, and joy is a source of strength. The downcast and timid are weak and inert. The hopeful and confident are energetic and courageous. Fear does not honour our Divine Master. But trust springs from a perception of His love. Hope is a gift of the Holy Ghost, infused in Baptism and matured by exercise. S. Paul says that we are saved by hope, and he prays, "The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope and in the power of the Holy Ghost."[1]
Gedeon's three hundred men who lapped the water were of more worth in the battle than the multitude that drank kneeling, and the two-and-twenty thousands fearful and timorous who went away.[2] The proclamation sounds to this day along the whole line of those who aspire to the priesthood: "What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest he make the hearts of his brethren to fear, as he himself is possessed by fear."[3] When once posted by our Lord in the array of the battle no priest need fear. If he be faithful
