Page:TheYoungMansGuide.djvu/164

 5. The priesthood  is  a  gift  which  God Himself has  bestowed  upon  mankind;  a  gift, the value  of  which  can  be  compared  to  nothing upon  earth,  the  usefulness  of  which  is illimitable. Can we,  ought  we,  to  lightly esteem, or  ever  despise  the  priesthood,  because here  and  there  it  may  be  found  to contain  an  unworthy  member?

The priesthood  is  indeed  for  us  a  magnificent fruit  tree,  the  blessings  of  which  are simply immeasurable. Can we,  ought  we. calmly to  listen  and  look  on,  when  this  tree  is reviled,  because  here  and  there  a  rotten  fruit is found  upon  it? Is it  on  this  account  to  be regarded  as  worthless  or  even  injurious?

6. When  some  years  ago  cholera  broke out in  Catania,  a  beautiful  town  of  Sicily, and every  one  who  could  possibly  do  so  fled from the  plague-stricken  place,  the  priests, with heroic  courage,  remained  at  their  post in order  to  bring  aid  and  consolation  to  the sick and  dying. And as  they  acted,  so  have all good  and  worthy  priests  of  the  Catholic Church ever  acted,  from  time  immemorial,  in similar  seasons  of  suffering,  sorrow,  and want; thus  they  proved  themselves  to  be  in very  deed  worthy  ambassadors  of  Christ  to suffering  humanity.

Revere the  priest  whom  God  doth  send To be  thy  wise,  thy  faithful  friend; To guide  thy  footsteps  on  the  way Which leads  to  realms  of  endless  day