The predominant note that characterizes all the sacred Orders is Sacrifice. The hierarchy of the Church are not so much elders, or teachers, or rulers, or philanthropists, or judges, as sacrificing priests. The lesser orders have reference to the sacrifice of the Mass; the Episcopate is only the fulness of the priesthood, as including the power of ordaining others to the priestly office; the supreme head of the Church receives no further consecration or priestly powers, but only the plenitude of jurisdiction. A mere superintendent or elder might conceivably be appointed by the community or the civil power; some might well devote themselves to the study of the law, and become recognized teachers, like the Rabbis and Scribes of old; some of the Sacraments, viz., Baptism and Matrimony, can be conferred by ordinary persons; public prayers may be read by any one; but the power of consecrating the Body of the Lord, and offering the Eternal Sacrifice in union with Christ on Calvary is one that can come only by direct transmission from Christ through the proper form appointed by Him. Not all the powers of earth can communicate this singular gift and make a man into priest or bishop: "neither doth any man take the honour to himself but he that is called by God" (Heb. v. 4). What a high dignity God has conferred on those whom He has set over us! How great the graces conferred with such an office!
