were supported by the Greek Emperor, and they raged most obstinately and furiously against the images and those who revered them. But they were not able to abolish the pious practice. The faithful firmly suffered all imaginable ill-treatment, even torture and death; and in the year 787 the new heresy was solemnly condemned by the Seventh General Council.
47. But does not the Scripture say: 'You shall not make to yourselves any idol or graven thing '?
True; but it is also immediately added: ' To adore it' (Levit. xxvi. 1), as the heathens did. But we Catholics detest the adoration of images.
God Himself commanded Moses to 'make two cherubim of beaten gold on the two sides of the oracle' (Exod. xxv. 18), and also to 'make a brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign' (Num. xxi. 8), which was a figure of our Crucified Redeemer.
48. But is it not superstitious to pray before images?
Not at all; for when we pray before the images of Jesus Christ and His Saints, we pray, not to the images, but to Jesus Christ and to the Saints, whom they represent.
49. Does it not prove that we put our trust in images when we go on pilgrimages to them?
No; for we do not visit holy places because we trust in the images that are honored there, but because we know that God has been pleased to bestow many graces and benefits in such places, and therefore feel ourselves animated to pray there with greater fervor and confidence.
50. What is the use of placing images of Christ and of the Saints in our churches?
They instruct and strengthen us in our faith, and incite us to live in conformity to it, whilst they represent before our eyes the mysteries of our Religion, the history of our Redemption, and the holy lives of the Saints.
51. Why do we honor the relics of the Saints?
Because their bodies were living members of Jesus Christ, and temples of the Holy Ghost, and will one day rise again from the dead to eternal glory.
