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328 CITY OF GOD
Mother, although they seem absolutely to assure the
preservation of this temple and sanctuary, yet they con
tain an implicit condition, as is the case with many other
promises of holy Scripture in regard to particular bless
ings of divine grace. This implicit condition here is,
that we on our part conduct ourselves in such a way
as not to oblige God to deprive us of this merciful privi
lege, thus promised and offered to us. Because the
Lord, beneath the mysterious decrees of his justice, hides
this compelling measure of sins, therefore this condition
is not declared or made manifest to us; and moreover,
we know from the teachings of holy Church, that his
favors and promises are not to be used by us against
the Lord and that we must not sin in reliance upon his
liberal mercy, since this, more than aught else, will make
us unworthy of it. So many and so great may become
the sins of these kingdoms and of that devout city of
Saragossa, that we justly draw upon ourselves the loss
of this wonderful blessing and of the protection of the
great Queen and Lady of the angels.
356. The second point which I will touch upon and
which is not less worthy of our consideration, is, that
Lucifer and his demons, since they know of these facts
and of the promises of the Lord, have attempted and
are still attempting to introduce into this illustrious city,
with a more refined malice than elsewhere, heinous vices
and sins, especially such as may offend against the purity
of the most blessed Mary. The purpose of the ancient
serpent is to bring about two most execrable effects:
first, either to induce the inhabitants of that city,
if
possible, so to offend God, as to cause Him to abolish
the sanctuary, thus reaching the end which he could not
otherwise attain; or, if that is not possible, at least to
hinder souls from showing proper reverence and devo-
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