Conclusion

Equipped with these and other wings, there fore, the ecclesiastical Seraph, that is to say, the religious Superior, should serve " the Lord sitting upon a throne high and elevated." 5S He raises the first pair of wings above his head, covers body and feet with the second, and flies far and high with the third, that the praise of men may not lessen his zeal nor carnal mindedness govern his conduct. A good intention shall support him and fraternal charity elevate him to the enjoyment of a heavenly reward. " I have inclined my 68 2 Paral. 20, 12. B8Is. 6, i sqq. Conclusion in heart to do thy justifications forever, for the reward." 59 Patience and an exemplary life will shield him from the arrows of confusion and the nakedness of poverty in supernatural merits. By them he is defended as by arms, and clothed as with holy vestments. " Put on thy strength, O Sion, put on the garments of thy glory." 60 Discretion will enable him to fly everywhere, seeing what must be done and how, and devotion will make it possible for him to " seek the things that are above ; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God." 81 But though all who are placed over souls cannot have all these qualities in an equal measure, it is absolutely necessary for a superior not to be deficient in them altogether, because without them he cannot secure the bless ing of edification for those over whom he is placed and of progress on the way to salvation. Every religious who has to govern himself and to account for others at the judgment seat of God, should be adorned and carried upward by these wings, in order that he may be fervent in justice, compassionate towards others for God's sake, patient in adversity, edify others by a good example, be circumspect in all things, and, above all, be intimately united with God through prayer. The Lord will protect him, guide and advance him in all things, and finally give him the grace of soaring to the heavenly mansions — a grace that, we pray, may be granted to us by Jesus Christ. AMEN. BX 2438 .B66 1921 SMC Bonaventure, Saint, Cardinal, ca. The virtues of a religious superior AYA-9785 (awsk) (De