I subjoin the following, as giving a further view of the Seminary of S. Sulpice, which could not so well be incorporated into the Journal itself.
Picture of the duties of a seminarist who desires to sanctify and prepare himself worthily to fulfil the functions of the holy ministry:--
"Meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all." 1 Tim. iv. 15.
"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, till Christ be formed in you." Gal. iv. 19.
"It is behoving that the clergy, who are called into the Lord's inheritance, should direct their lives and manners so as to offer a picture of seriousness, composure, and religion, in their dress, gesture, demeanour, conversation, and all other respects."--_Council of Trent, Sess. 12. on Reformation._
"Bishops are to charge their clergy, of whatever degree, that they give an example to God's people in manner of life, conversation, and knowledge; remembering what is written, 'Be ye holy, for I am holy.'"--_Council of Trent, Sess. 14. on Reformation._
The seminarist who desires faithfully to fulfil his duties, and to advance in the graces of the seminary, never forgets that the object for which he has gone there is to become a holy priest, and to acquire the virtues and the knowledge necessary to the Lord's ministers.
"Let seminaries be instituted for the education of the clergy in piety, religion, and ecclesiastical discipline."-_Council of Trent._
This general object of the seminary includes the following particular objects:--
1. That he should reform within himself the false maxims of the world by the principles of the faith.
"Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." Eph. v. 8.
2. That he should cleanse himself from his sins and their miserable remains by penitence, especially that of the heart.
"Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance." Luke, iii. 8.
"A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise." Ps. li.
3. That he should become a perfect Christian by exercising himself in piety and the practice of virtues.
"Exercise thyself unto godliness." 1 Tim. iv. 7.