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THE PRIEST'S DEATH

the Word of God. Happy, too, were they. Such a death, though sudden, has no fear, but great benediction. It is well to bear this ever in mind, leaving the time and the way of our end in the hands of our good Master. It would make us more fervent if, when we go to the altar, we were to say: "This may be my last Mass;" or in our confession, "This maybe my last absolution;" or in preaching, "This may be the last time I shall speak for God;" or "This may be my last sick call—the next may be a call to me." How many companions of my childhood, boyhood, and manhood are dead. How many ordained with me or after me are gone before me. Venire differt ut minus inveniat quod condemnet. Wash me, O Lord, in Thy most Precious Blood; and then, "Come, Lord Jesus."[1]

  1. Apoc. xxii. 20.

THE END.