on His part. If they fail, they are frustrated on our part. Grace enough is given to every regenerate soul to attain sanctity. All are called to be Saints: not, indeed, in the same measure or degree; for "star differeth from star in glory." The paths and vocations of men are beyond all number in their measures and diversities; but to each is given grace adequate to the attainment of the end to which he is called, and the circumstances of the path by which he is to attain it.
This sovereign law of the Holy Ghost is expressed by S. Bernardine of Sienna in words well known.[1]
Of all those who are predestinated to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, they come first who share His priesthood and character. They are called to be like Him, that they may be the representatives of His person, and the images of His mind. To them, therefore, are given all proportionate and adequate means of the closest conformity to Him. The means given to priests for this end are of two kinds: those that are of a general, and those that are of a special, nature. At present, we will keep to
- ↑ "Omnium singularium gratiarum alicui rationabili creatoræ communicatarum generalis regula est quod quandocunque divina gratia eligit aliquem ad aliquam gratiam singularem, seu ad aliquem sublimem statum, omnia charismata donet, quæ illi personæ sic electæ et ejus officio necessaria sunt, atque illam copiose decorant."—Serm. de S. Joseph, tom. iv. p. 231.
