Page:The Eternal Priesthood (4th ed).djvu/154

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142
THE PRIEST'S SORROWS.

and they who are always asking why this or that is not done are the last to do what is needed. Our people may be divided into talkers and doers: the doers are silent, and the work is done; the talkers mostly find fault with the way of doing it, and the work itself when done. Complaining is their contribution to the work, and they give little else. It is sad and strange how few will give their personal service. They will give money, but not time and trouble. Almsgiving has less self-denial than personal work. But personal care of the sick or the sorrowful or the sinful is more precious in God's sight than all gold and silver.

4. Another of the sorrows of a priest is from false brethren. Under this name may be classed not only apostates and men of unsound faith, but dissemblers and betrayers of secrets, and whisperers and murmurers and detractors, and those who hang about a priest's house, and note and observe and pick up and carry away every discontent and grief and grudge that is against him. Such men are usually profuse in words of respect and of personal attachment and of devoted loyalty. Their reverence is servile, and their professions of goodwill beyond all measure. Who can suspect such men without rash judgment and an ungenerous mind? The better a