Page:Petri Privilegium - Manning.djvu/21

Rh dangers which threaten Society, and I condemned the falsehoods which assail its life. That act I now confirm in your presence, and I set it again before you as the rule of your teaching. To you, Venerable Brethren, as Bishops of the Church, I now appeal to assist me in this conflict with error. On you I rely for support. When the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness, they had a pillar of fire to guide them in the night, and a cloud to shield them from the heat by day. You are the pillar and the cloud to the people of God. By your teaching you must guide the faithful in the darkness; by your example you must shield them from the burning sun of this world. I am aged and alone, praying on the mountain; and you, the Bishops of the Church, are come to hold up my arms. The Church must suffer, but it will conquer. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time"—and that time is come—"when they will not endure sound doctrine." The world will contradict you, and turn from you; but be firm and faithful. "For I am even now ready to be sacrificed, and the time of my dissolution is at hand." "I have," I trust, "fought a good fight," and "have kept the faith:" and there is laid up for you, and I hope for me also, "a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just Judge, will render to me at that day."' The power and emotion with which these words were spoken moved every one who heard them.