detritæ viæ orbitas declinemus."[1] In the Old Law every priest during the service of his course in the Tabernacle was forbidden to drink wine or strong drink.[2] What self-denial befits the priests of the New Law, who have no alternation of courses: they are always not only in the Tabernacle, but in the sanctuary, before the mercy seat of the Divine Presence.
The aspiration of the people for higher ways is one of the greatest rewards of a priest's life. A fervent people implies a fervent pastor. S. Bernard says truly, Flamma pastoris lux gregis. When the priest is kindled with the fire of the Sacred Heart his people too will walk in a great light. They will see and aspire after the higher ways of the kingdom of God. Then he will be to them angelus Domini exercituum—a guard and a guide.
6. "It is truly a wonderful saying of the Apostle: 'For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the Gospel.'[3] Therefore in the Council of Trent we read that the chief office of Bishops is to make known the Word of God to men. That which is chief in Bishops must be surely of the highest moment for all. But as the simple and masculine
