Page:The Eternal Priesthood (4th ed).djvu/249

Rh greater intensity in the Beatific Vision: and as he has lived in charity with all men so will be his bliss in the Communion of Saints. Add to this the accidental glory, the ever-increasing bliss and joy over sinners that repent and souls that persevere, after his death, but through the labours of his life. Though dead he yet will speak; the inheritance of his labours will live on. The memory of his name will spread, and after many days, when he is in the eternal kingdom, the first seeds cast by him will be ever springing up. The evil we do lives after us and reproduces itself: so by God's mercy does the good. The seeds scattered in the furrow, and sown beside all waters, in the morning and in the evening will bear a harvest and be reaped by other hands, but the reward will yet be his.

If such be the priest's rewards springing up in this life, and ascending into the heavenly court, with how great a love ought we to love our work. The pastoral care is to be loved everywhere, because it is the test and proof of our love to our Divine Redeemer. It is also the most perfect discipline of charity, the most searching abnegation of self, the most generous sacrifice of all things and of ourselves also for the salvation of souls. It is moreover the fullest fountain of sanctification, and as we live in the exercise of