Page:The Eternal Priesthood (4th ed).djvu/202



a priest more liberty than a layman? At first sight we say yes; because the office of the priesthood lifts him in privileges above other men, and makes him to be their judge and censor and guide. Moreover, he is rector of his mission or parish, and has a large discretion in all things: he is uncontrolled master of his own house, of his hours, of his habits, and, excepting in the discharge of his spiritual duties, he has the absolute control and disposal of his whole life. He may go where he will, stay as long as he likes, choose his own society. There is no one all day to check or to cross his liberty, and unchecked liberty easily grows to license. He is altogether independent of all except his Bishop, and his Bishop is at a distance. A priest is therefore, if any question arises, the judge in his own case. He decides and applies the law to himself. This is indeed a great and dangerous liberty, far beyond that of a layman.

Nevertheless a priest is under obligations from