Page:The Eternal Priesthood (4th ed).djvu/66

54 tion sanctifying grace—unless a bar be put by the unworthiness of the man—proportionate to the sacerdotal state is given; but also that a distinct and special divine help, adequate, continuous, and manifold, enabling the priest to fulfil all the obligations of his priesthood. A priest has three characters, and therefore a threefold sacramental grace: as a son, a soldier, and a priest. These divine helps never fail on God's part. If there be failure, it is the priest that fails. It is his own sin, or his own slackness, or his own sloth, or his own insensibility to the divine helps that are urging and empowering him for the duty or the aspiration from which he shrinks. S. Paul answers his own question, "For these things who is sufficient?" by saying, "I can do all things through Him strengthening me."

It is of divine faith that God does not command impossibilities. And also that, to him that uses the grace he has, more grace is given. The priesthood is indeed a high estate and an arduous work. Men may shrink from it laudably, from humility, self-mistrust, and holy fear. But when the indelible character has been once impressed upon them, to waver and to doubt is like Peter upon the sea when the winds and waves were boisterous. Our Lord in him rebukes our cowardice: "O thou of little faith,