demands spiritual perfection, certainly the relation of teacher, guide, and judge of men demands the same. The priest is set exercere perfectionem—that is, to manifest perfection in himself, and to form the souls of men to the same law and likeness. He must needs then be perfect first himself.
The titles by which this relation is illustrated are many, and show how manifold are its obligations. Even under the Old Law the typical priests were described as fishermen,[1] and hunters,[2] and shepherds.[3] Under the New they are called fishers of men,[4] and shepherds[5] of the flock. But they are more than this.
They are stewards set over the household to give to every man meat in due season—that is, to guide and govern the household of God.
They are ambassadors[6] from God, having, therefore, commission to treat and to conclude in His name. They have the credentials of a divine embassy, with express conditions on which to call upon men to reconcile themselves with Him; and with a discretion to judge and to decide who do and who do not come within the terms and conditions of their commission.
