account our most holy Redeemer, the Son of God Himself, tolerated a Judas among His apostles, although they were but twelve in number. Thus there were at a subsequent period, and there will ever continue to be, traitors among priests. This must be admitted, however, that, despite the many temptations and dangers to which priests are exposed in the world, there are but few — very few — who are not true to their high calling.
4. "They are all alike!" What a shameful slander! When in a community one or another exceptionally vicious individual is found who makes acquaintance with the house of correction, do we on that account condemn the rest and exclaim: "They are all alike!" Would not this be a gross and true piece of injustice?
And tell me, if a rich man were to make you a present of a thousand gold coins, all perfectly genuine, with the exception of a few counterfeit and useless pieces, should you on this account despise, abuse, and reject the whole amount? You are doubtless saying to yourself: "No, I should certainly not be such a fool."
Or suppose you have one autumn an apple tree in your orchard loaded with splendid fruit. Because you espy here and there a few rotten, worm-eaten apples, should you, on this account, consider the tree to be worthless, useless, and only fit to be cut down?
