Vestals: — the Pagans and the wise of this world have gloried in practising it. Raise your thoughts higher ‘ and be perfect.' But like whom? Like the philosophers? Like the heathen? No. Like the Jews? or like the Scribes and Pharisees, who were the most perfect amongst the Jews? No. Jesus Christ has told you that ‘unless your justice surpasses theirs you shall have no part in the Kingdom of Heaven.' [1] You are to be perfect ‘as also your heavenly Father is perfect.' [2] And because you can never equal Him, you are to grow constantly, that you may approach His perfection. The undertaking is great; but the help is equal to the labour. God, Who calls you up so high, reaches His hand to you; His Son, Who is equal to Him, comes down to you that He may carry you up. Say, then, with St Paul, Courage, my soul! ‘I can do all things in him Who strengtheneth me.' [3]
Ah, when will you Christians who are so far from the true perfection of your state begin to conquer your indifference?
Let each one say to himself in his secret heart, ‘ Yes: I will learn to be a Christian.' Stop short at these words: ‘ It was said to the ancients, and I say it to you.' Who gave us this new
