Untitled - Rore Sanctifica

34 The Exinencn of Truth.
i/ . j
Supremacy tne sum of Christianity ; and a
mere baseless fiction, to assert that all the
Apostles did not equally receive the Episcopate
entire and unconditioned. Assuredly we do
V
not require a dogma to define our duty to our
parents ! Why
then a dogma
here ? A father
does not tell an erring child, before I will
give you
the kiss of
peace, you
shall ac
knowledge that I am your superior, that you
hold everything from me, and that it is of my
to the ends of
mercy that I do not banish you
the earth. Much as we value Reconciliation,
every one must see that this way of treating
a penitent
is not likely
to be successful.
Obedience is a good thing no doubt, but that
which is forced is of no great value. A
rupture once made,
it will doubtless be difficult
to recall the sentiment of trustful affection
which once cemented the Christian Family.
But if love cannot do it, assertion of authority,
and denunciation of the disobedient never will.
The breach has been made, and nought but
love can cement it.
Meantime let us do nothing to widen the
breach. We can scarcely ask a superior to
abandon a line of action which he has taken.
But we may by our own humility disarm him.
We may make him feel by our unaffected confi
dence in his liberality that it would be out of
place
to assert what he may consider his