Page:The Eternal Priesthood (4th ed).djvu/241

Rh the lingering summer when the corn is ripening, looks upon the harvest-field. He sees the mildew and the blight, and here and there many a stalk laid by the rain and wind, pale and sickly; but the field is full of life, and the sun is upon the reddening ears, in a little while to be reaped for the great harvesthome. And in the midst of many sorrows he can rejoice as in the joy of harvest: lætabuntur coram te, sicut qui lætantur in messe."

2. Another reward of a fervent priest is the gratitude of his flock. He may say, "Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy and my crown." "If I be made a victim upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all. In the self-same thing do you also joy and rejoice with me." "Ye have known us in part that we are your glory, even as ye also are ours in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glory? Are not you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" "Because now we live, if you stand in the Lord. For what thanks can we return to God for you, in all the joy wherewith we rejoice for you before our God?" When he counts up