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| That the Saviour appeared in this Place to Abraham.
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Chapter
LIII.—That the Saviour appeared in
this Place to Abraham.
“She assures me, then, that the place which takes its name
from the oak of Mambre, where we find that Abraham dwelt, is defiled by
certain of the slaves of superstition in every possible way. She
declares that idols3288
| 3288 [These objects of idolatrous worship were probably figures
intended to represent the angels who had appeared to
Abraham.—Bag.] More probably they were some form of images
obscenely worshiped. | which
should be utterly destroyed have been erected on the site of that tree;
that an altar is near the spot; and that impure sacrifices are
continually performed. Now since it is evident that these practices are
equally inconsistent with the character of our times, and unworthy the
sanctity of the place itself, I wish your Gravities3289
| 3289 Better “Reverences,” and so throughout. | to be informed that the illustrious
Count Acacius, our friend, has received instructions by letter from me,
to the effect that every idol which shall be found in the place
above-mentioned shall immediately be consigned to the flames; that the
altar be utterly demolished; and that if any one, after this our
mandate, shall be guilty of impiety of any kind in this place, he shall
be visited with condign punishment. The place itself we have directed
to be adorned with an unpolluted structure, I mean a church; in order
that it may become a fitting place of assembly for holy men. Meantime,
should any breach of these our commands occur, it should be made known
to our clemency without the least delay by letters from you, that we
may direct the person detected to be dealt with, as a transgressor of
the law, in the severest manner. For you are not ignorant that the
Supreme God first appeared to Abraham, and conversed with him, in that
place. There it was that the observance of the Divine law first began;
there first the Saviour himself, with the two angels, vouchsafed to
Abraham a manifestation of his presence; there God first appeared to
men; there he gave promise to Abraham concerning his future seed, and
straightway fulfilled that promise; there he foretold that he should be
the father of a multitude of nations. For these reasons, it seems to
me right that this place should not only be kept pure through your
diligence from all defilement, but restored also to its pristine
sanctity; that nothing hereafter may be done there except the
performance of fitting service to him who is the Almighty God, and our
Saviour, and Lord of all. And this service it is incumbent on you to
care for with due attention, if your Gravities be willing (and of this
I feel confident) to gratify my wishes, which are especially interested
in the worship of God. May he preserve you, beloved
brethren!”E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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