Prophets of the Better Hope

The contents of this volume appeared as a series of articles in the Ecclesiastical Review at irregular intervals during recent years. They were undertaken as preliminary studies in preparation of a systematic discussion of temperament and character in the priest. The author has had no opportunity either to complete the original plan or to revise and expand the articles which appeared. The publishers feel, however, that it is worth while to reprint the series in its present form. It is hoped that the lack of uniformity in style and treatment which may be noted will not interfere seriously with the purpose that gave rise to the original plan and led to the publication of the articles which have appeared. The author takes occasion to thank the editor of the Ecclesiastical Review for his generosity in not only permitting but also encouraging the publication of the articles in book form. The many appreciative readers of Dr. Kerby's articles on the priesthood, as they appeared from time to time during recent years, will rejoice that they are now accessible in book form. Though more or less detached and independent, there runs through them, nevertheless, a colorful thread of unity which amply warrants their republication. Despite our rich literature on the priesthood, illustrating with learning and authority its exacting work, efforts to restate priestly perfection in the practical terms of everyday life will be always welcome. While zeal for an ideal priesthood might lead us at times to find fault with priests in a discouraging way, the priest himself is the first to welcome and to profit by criticism no less kindly in spirit than practical in form. In these essays Dr. Kerby is both encouraging and helpful, and in a quite new and attractive manner he appeals for a generous confidence which will be given him in a high degree. Throughout these essays, like an undercurrent, runs a sympathetic understanding of the spirit and ideal of the priesthood, also a wholesome appreciation of the quiet spiritual heroism so common among our priests. It is pleasing to note the constant recurrence of the great basic truth of Christian perfection, namely, that the highest idealism lies hidden in the commonplace details of duty. One is helped to understand as Cardinal Newman helped us to understand, that men and not angels are the ministers of the Gospel. The constant appeal for personal sanctity, for tender care of chosen souls, and for refined personal culture, loses no force by reason of the practical human sympathy that lights up every page. It may be added that there could scarcely be a better preparation for such a work than the author's intimate familiarity with the entire field of modern social science, and his wide experience in the treatment of its many problems. With the great new forces of thought and action, so subtly and powerfully trans formative of the old order of life, the Catholic priesthood, needless to say, has many points of contact that in these pages stand out in sharp and clear outline.