Be assured that any one wishing to pull down an image erected out of pure zeal for the glory and enduring memory of Christ, or of His holy Mother, or any of the saints, to put the devil and his satellites to shame,–anyone, I say, refusing to honour and worship this image as sacred–it is not to be worshipped as God–is an enemy of Christ, of His blessed Mother, and of the saints, and is an advocate of the devil and his crew, showing grief by his conduct that the saints are honoured and glorified, and the devil put to shame. The image is a hymn of praise, a manifestation, a lasting token of those who have fought and conquered, and of demons humbled and put to flight.
Training of the Church
Kings have no call to make laws in the Church. What does the holy apostle say? “And God, indeed, hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors and shepherds for the training of the Church.” (I Cor. 12.28) He does not say “kings.” And again: “Obey your prelates, and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls.” (Heb. 13.17)
Again: “Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the end of your conversation.” (13.7) Kings have not spoken the word to you, but apostles and prophets, pastors and doctors. When God was speaking to David about building a house for Him, He said: “Thou shalt not build me a house, for thou art a man of blood.” (I Chron. 28.3) “Render, therefore, to all men their dues,” St Paul exclaimed; “tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.” (Rom. 13.7) The political prosperity is the king’s business the ecclesiastical organisation belongs to pastors and doctors, and to take it out of their hands is to commit an act of robbery. Saul rent Samuel’s cloak, and what was the consequence?
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