Page:The Eternal Priesthood (4th ed).djvu/47

Rh except by the Lord and Giver of life. An office is laid upon the watchman, and a necessity to discharge it, or to answer with his own life for his neglect. He is not answerable for the results of his warning, but only for his own fidelity. Such also is the pastor's charge. The Lord of the flock puts it into his trust, and he must answer for it with his life. S. Gregory says that a pastor has as many souls of his own as he has sheep in his flock. Who could so charge him but God only, who alone can say, "All souls are mine"? There is, then, a mutual relation of authority and of submission, by divine institution. But what man has authority over another by the law of nature, or unless by direct commission by the supernatural law of grace? Where no authority is, there can be no duty to submit. "Every man shall bear his own burden;" but the burdens of many are laid, by divine command, upon the shepherd of souls. He also is not answerable for the effects of his care, but only for its faithful discharge. When he has given his heart and strength and time, his life, and, if so be, his death, to serve and to save his flock, he may rest in hope. The blood of those that perish will not be required of him. But what zeal, abnegation of self, what generosity and patience, what humility