IV. Maxims of the Seminary.
"He who heareth my words and doeth them shall be likened unto a wise man who built his house upon the rock." Matt. vii. 24.
The seminarist proposes during his stay to confirm himself, by frequent meditation, in the maxims of the faith as to the fundamental truths of salvation, and of ecclesiastical perfection, and to conform his whole life to them.
1. Salvation.
"One thing is needful." Luke, x. 42.
"What doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matt. xvi. 26.
2. The excellence of the Christian's calling.
"Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Sons of God." 1 John, iii. 1.
"We are the children of God; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." Rom. viii. 16.
3. The eminence of the priesthood.
"Every high priest is ordained in things pertaining unto God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins." Heb. v. 1.
"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." 1 Cor. iv. 1.
4. Denial of self.
"If any one will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matt. xvi. 24.
"Not my will, but Thine, be done." Luke, xxii. 42.
5. Union with Jesus Christ, by imitation and dependence.
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil. ii. 1.
"I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Gal. ii. 20.