bim, nor Seraphim, lest we serve the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for evermore. But we honour the relics of the Martyrs, that our minds may be raised to him, whose Martyrs they are. We honour them, that this honour may be referred to him, who says: He that receiveth you, receiveth me.” (Matt. x. 40.)- Ep. xxxvii. Adv. Vigil. ad Riparium, T. iv. Pars. 11. p. 279.—“ Thou dolt! who, at any time, adored the Martyrs ? who could fancy that a mortal was God? If the Apostles and Martyrs, while upon earth, and while they must be anxious for themselves, can pray for others; much more will they do it, when victory has crowned their triumphs. — Moses obtained forgiveness for six hundred thousand men in arms; and Stephen, the true Disciple of Christ, and the first Martyr, begs forgiveness for his persecutors: and shall their power be less when they are with Christ? The Apostle Paul declares, that two hundred three score and sixteen souls, sailing with him, were saved by his prayers (Acts xxvii. 37.) but, when dissolved and with Christ, shall he be silent and not utter a single word for that world, which believed at his preaching ?” Adv. Vigilant. Ibid. p. 282, 283.
CENT. V.
ST. AUGUSTIN, L.C.—“The Christian people celebrate the memories of the Martyrs with a religious solemnity, in order that they may learn to imitate them, and may be associated to their merits, and be aided by their prayers: butto no Martyrto the God alone of Martyrs, in memory of them, do we raise
