The Continuance of the Church and Religion, in the Fifth Age of the World

From the foundation of the Temple, to the captivity in Babylon. The space of 430 years.

Albeit there were greater Schisms, Heresies, and more revolts from Gods law and service in this fifth age, than in the former: Yet the true Church and Religion continued still,¹ and were no less conspicuous than before. Which being clear and evident, touching many principal Articles, we will here only remit the reader to some special places, for confirmation thereof: neither will we be prolix, in declaring other points denied, or called into controversy at that time, by the impugners of Catholic Religion.

Belief in one God appears plainly in² building, adorning, and dedicating the Temple with so great solemnity of the Priests, Levites, and all the Tribes, and particularly by king Salomons prayer. 3 Kings 7 and 8. 2 Paral. 2. &c. Also Prov. 8. Eccle. 1. Isaie 44. 45. The Mystery of the B. Trinity,³ Prov. 11. Isaie 6. 48. 49. Ose. 11. Joel 2. Of Christ our Redeemer. Isaie 7. 8. 9. 11. 18. 53. Jer. 23. 30. 33. Ezech. 17. 34. 37. Dan. 7. 9. Ose. 6. 11. 14. Joel 2. Sophon. 1. Aggæi 1. Zachar. 1. &c. Sacrifices, Sacraments, and other Rites the same⁴ as before. But more frequent Prophecies, that they should be changed into better, and perfecter by Christ. Prov. 9. Isaie 12. 52. 55. 61. In the mean time for more signification of the singular virtue of Christs Sacraments, the effect of penitential works is often recorded. For example, wicked Achab by haircloth, fasting, and other humiliation escaped part⁵ of his deserved punishment. 3 Kings 21. Manasses recovered Gods favour, and his temporal kingdom. 2 Paral. 33. Who yet was punished in his posterity. 4 Kings 23. And the Ninivites by such penance avoided destruction. Jonas 3. Yea nothing is more frequent in the Prophets when preaching of penance. Isaie 1. 2. 3. 30. Jer. 3. 18. &c. and others, all ascribing the cause of plagues, and afflictions to the want of repentance. And false Prophets condemned of error and false doctrine, for promising the people peace, and security in their sins. Jer. 14. Lam. 2. Besides abstinence from divers sorts of meats⁶, counted unclean (Isaie 66) and ordinary fasts, according to the law, other fasts were appointed sometimes,⁷ upon occasions requiring, not only to subdue, and mortify the flesh, but also to obtain mercy at Gods hands in special distresses. 2 Paral. 20. Joel 1. 2. Jonas 3. Elias fasting forty days, 3 Kings 19. prefigured Christs fast. Which the Church imitates in Lent of forty days,⁸ according to human ability, for the fasts of Christ, Elias, and Moyses were miraculous.

To the Feasts instituted before,⁹ was added the Dedication of the Temple. 3 Kings 7. 2 Paral. 3. Which was built in Mount Moria, 2 Paral. 3. the special place designed long before for¹⁰ this purpose, when Abraham was directed thither by God, and was ready to sacrifice his son Isaac. Gen. 22. where David also offered sacrifice. 2 Kings 24. 1 Paral. 21.

This being the only ordinary place for Sacrifice, there were for other Uses of daily prayer reading, preaching, and hearing the Word of God other Synagogues built (as it were Parish churches)¹¹ in great number: in Jerusalem itself four hundred and four score, and many more in the whole kingdom, as the Hebrew Traditions testify. Of all which places, especially the Temple,¹² there was venerable respect had. For which cause when Joiada the High Priest gave order to kill Athalia, he suffered it not to be done in the Temple, but commanded first to draw her forth. 4 Kings 11. 2 Paral. 23. And as peculiar places, so special Psalms, and Hymns were appointed for¹³ divers purposes and occasions. 2 Paral. 20.

The ministry of Angels was very usual in this¹⁴ time. One was sent to comfort and direct Elias the prophet in his afflictions. 3 Kings 19. 4 Kings 1. An Angel stroke the Assyrians whole camp. 4 Kings 19. 2 Paral. 32. Also the Intercession of Angels is so evident, Tobie 12. Raphael offering Tobias prayer to God, that Protestants have no other refuge to avoid this point of faith, but by denying the Book to be Canonical Scripture.

Honour of other Saints, and their Intercession¹⁵ is proved a Majori. For so much as honour was religiously exhibited to spiritual power and excellency, in men yet living in this world. So a Noble man adored Elias the Prophet, being far greater than he in civil, and worldly respects. 3 Kings 18. Eliseus also was adored by his disciples, not for any worldly authority or eminence, but for his spiritual power and superiority amongst them. 4 Kings 2. Likewise all Prophets, and Priests were religiously honoured for their holy and spiritual functions. 3 Kings 13. Much more Saints are rightly honoured being immortal, and in eternal glory. It appears also that Elias, seven years after that he was translated from human conversation (when Eliseus was chief Prophet. 4 Kings 3. which was in or before the eighteenth year of Josaphat, who reigned five and twenty. 3 Kings 22) had care of Joram, and his kingdom, admonishing him by letters of Gods wrath, against him and his people for their sins. 2 Paral. 21. And the Scripture says often, that God spared and protected Jerusalem, and the kingdom of Juda for Davids sake. 3 Kings 11. 15. 4 Kings 8. 19. 20. 2 Paral. 6. 21. Isaie 37. We have also example of Saints Relics in¹⁶ the cloak of Elias. 4 Kings 2. in Eliseus bones. 4 Kings 13. and in another Prophets body buried in Bethel. Which Josias would not suffer to be touched. 4 Kings 23. Images were conserved in the Temple.¹⁷ 3 Kings 7. as before in the Tabernacle: when idolatry was most destroyed. 3 Kings 15. 4 Kings 23. yea an abuse rising of the brazen serpent, for which Ezechias destroyed it 4 Kings 18. yet he touched not the Images of Cherubims in the Temple. Which none but Infidels sought to destroy. And Osee the Prophet (ch. 3) bewails the want of Theraphim or Images, amongst other sacred things. Sacrifice, Altar, and Ephod. Whereby the ancient Rabbins prove very well, that Images of Angels (and the same of other Saints) are not contrary to the Decalogue, but the images of Idols.

Good works were rewarded, and bad punished.¹⁸ 3 Kings 9. and the whole history of this age testifies the same. Where by the way may be observed, that some just men fell from their justice, as Salomon. 1 Paral. 28. 3 Kings 11. Joas. 4 Kings 12. 2 Paral. 24. Ozias. 2 Paral. 26. Others from wickedness returned to piety, as Manasses 4 Kings 23. 2 Paral. 33. the multitude of the people very often much following the disposition of their kings. Special State of life not commanded by the law¹⁹, was voluntarily professed, and observed by some Prophets, and their disciples, called the children of Prophets. Keeping particular Rules, and wearing distinct habit. 4 Kings 1. 2. 4. The orders of Nazarites, and Rechabites instituted²⁰ before, continued still. Amos 2. Jer. 35. still which were very examplar figures of Religious²¹ State, and Orders in the new Testament,²² and perpetual chastity of clergy men embraced by such²³, as follow Evangelical counsels, proposed, and not commanded by our Saviour.²⁴ To which S. Paul likewise exhorts, though there be no precept thereof to any, before they bind themselves.

Exequies for the dead were continually kept,²⁵ as the sacred history Witnesses where and with what solemnity the kings were buried, which would be over long, and needless to recite: the like is also written of some Prophets. 3 Kings 13. 4 Kings 23. Holy Tobias by example, and fatherly admonition exhorted his son to do works of mercy, not only to the living, but also to the dead. Put thy bread, and thy wine upon the sepulture of the just. ch. 4. Isaias, ch. 57. as the Jews both understood and practised,²⁶ prayed, that peace be given to the just, in his couch, or resting place after his death. Of the general Resurrection, Elias translation²⁷ is a figure, who yet living shows, that God can and will restore all men to life again in their bodies, after death, as he conserves him, and Enoch in their mortal bodies without corruption. Ezechiel also prophesies of the Resurrection of the dead, applying it mystically to spiritual resurrection, and restoration of Israel to former state. ch. 37. of the last Judgement, and eternal glory to²⁸ the good, and everlasting pain²⁹ to the wicked, Salomon agreeably to the doctrine of other Prophets, discourses, in his book of Ecclesiastes, namely ch. 1. 11. and in the last concludes thus. Let us all together hear the end of speaking: Fear God, and observe his commandments: for this is every man (or, to this end man is created) and God will bring, into Judgement all things, that are done, for every error (or obscure thing) whether it be good or evil.

Neither were these and other points of Faith and³⁰ Religion interrupted, but still believed and professed in the Church always visible and incontaminate, notwithstanding some boughs and branches became unfruitful, and rotten: others brake off and were separated from this vine. For when Salomon falling to luxury, multiplying many wives and concubines, was by them seduced and brought to spiritual fornication, and idolatry, making altars, and offering sacrifices to Idols, the Priests, Prophets, and people generally persevered in Gods law and service. 3 Kings 11. After whose death Jeroboam his servant,³¹ of the tribe of Ephraim, possessing Ten Tribes (called the kingdom of Israel) to maintain his new state, fearing that if the people resorted to Jerusalem, for religions sake, they would depart from him, and return to the right heirs of David and Salomon, made an egregious Schism; setting up two golden calves in Bethel, and Dan. 3 Kings 12. made temples, altars, and priests to serve them, all opposite to Gods ordinance. But not only the other Two Tribes, called the kingdom of Juda, but also the greatest part of Israel, especially Priests, Levites, and devoutest people, repaired still to Jerusalem, not yielding to that schism and idolatry. 2 Paral. 11. Moreover God raised up and sent special Prophets, to confirm the weak and recall the seduced.

For Jeroboam had no sooner set up his new altar³² in Bethel, and begun to offer incense upon it, but a Prophet came out of Juda, in the word of our Lord: and cried against that altar, foretelling that whereas for that present, they burnt frankincense upon it,³³ the time should come, when the false priests should be burned there, confirming by present miracles that which he averred in words, the kings hand suddenly withering, and restored again by the prophets prayer, and the new altar cleaving in sunder, that the ashes fell out. 3 Kings 13. Further another Prophet called Ahias foreshowed³⁴ the destruction and utter extirpation of Jeroboams family, for his enormous wickedness, and namely (which is most often inculcate) for making Israel to sin, by devising and setting abroach a new religious. 3 Kings 14. which ruin happened very shortly. For himself reigning twenty two years (3 Kings 14) one of his sons died presently according³⁵ to the Prophets word. v. 18. Another called Nadab succeeding to his father, reigned only two years, and was slain together with their whole race and kindred, by Baasa of the tribe of Issachar. 3 Kings 15. Likewise Baasa following the bad steps of Jeroboam³⁶ was forewarned by Jehu a Prophet, that his house should also be destroyed. And accordingly when he had reigned four and twenty years, his son Ela reigning but two years, was slain by his servant Zambri, and all his kindred destroyed. Which Zambri reigned but seven days.³⁷ For being forthwith besieged by Amri,³⁸ of the tribe of Benjamin, he desperately burned himself together with the kings palace. Neither did Amri then possess the kingdom with peace. For he being chosen king by the army only, whereof he was general, another part of the people chose and followed Thebni. Whereof arose civil war between the Antikings, continuing three years: till Thebni died, and so Amri reigned alone, but wickedly as his predecessors, twelve years in all. Then succeeded his son Achab most wicked. Who married Jezabel a Sydonian, and by her was persuaded to worship Baal. 3 Kings 16. To him notwithstanding God sent many admonitions, by sundry Prophets, and bestowed great benefits upon him, whereupon he did some notorious penitential works; but not persevering in any good thing, returned to his wickedness. 3 Kings 20. And finally believing false prophets, and persecuting Micheas for prophesying the truth, was slain in battle when he thought himself most secure. 3 Kings 22. having reigned twenty two years. 3 Kings 16. His son Ochozias reigning but two years fell through a window, and died of the hurt. 4 Kings 1. His other son Joram, after twelve years was slain by Jehu of another family:³⁹ who then dispatched Jezabel, and leaving her in the street, the dogs did eat her carcass. He also caused seventy sons of Joram to be slain, and utterly destroyed all Achabs house. 4 Kings 10. For which service he was established in the kingdom, for four generations. v. 30. So himself reigning twenty eight years, 3 Kings 10. after him reigned successively his son Joachaz seventeen years, his son Joas, sixteen years. 4 Kings 13. his son Jeroboam one and forty years. Lastly his son Zacharias, whom his servant Sellum of another race,⁴⁰ killed when he had reigned but six months. 4 Kings 15. And after one month Sellum was slain by Manahen of another progeny⁴¹. Who reigned ten years. Then his son Phaceia reigning two years,⁴² was slain by Phacee of another generation. He reigning twenty years, many of his people were carried captive into Assyria, and himself was slain by Osee of another kindred. 4 Kings 15. Finally the Assyrians taking Samaria by three⁴³ years siege, in the ninth year of Osee possessed the kingdom of Israel, and led all the principal persons captives into Assyria⁴⁴: about two hundred forty two years after that Jeroboam first reigned over the Ten Tribes. Thus there were in all nineteen kings. Besides Thebni, who only reigned in part against another. Of which the first Jeroboam, and Jehu were advanced by Gods ordinance, for punishment of others. Amri was chosen by the army, the rest of the people choosing Thebni. Six invaded by mere force, killing their predecessors. The rest succeeded, by such titles as their fathers had. And though some were better some worse than others, all were wicked, and at last overthrown.

Contrariwise in the kingdom of Juda standing after⁴⁵ the separation of ten tribes about four hundred years, though some kings were wicked, yet some were good; and in them all God preserved Davids seed, by the line of Salomon, in this direct succession: Roboam, Abias, Asa, Josaphat, Joram, Ochozias, Joas (in whose infancy, his grandmother Athalia usurped the kingdom six years) Amasias, Ozias, Joathan, Achaz, Ezechias, Manasses, Amon, Josias, Joachaz (hitherto the son ever succeeding his father) then Joakim (brother of Joachaz) Joachin otherwise called Jechonias, son of Joachaz. And finally his Uncle Sedecias; who was carried captive into Babylon. But Jechonias by Gods special providence, was favoured and exalted by a new king of Babylon. Whither he was led captive before. In whose line Davids offspring continued though not with title of kings, yet in eminent state, and estimation. As rests to be noted in the sixth age of the world.

The progeny also of Aaron continued in their office⁴⁶ and function of Priesthood, with succession of High Priests; as before from Aaron to Sadoc, partly in the line of Eleazar, partly of Ithamar, both Aarons sons; so from Sadoc, by the like succession of both families. For of Eleazar is recorded this Genealogy 1 Paral. 6. Sadoc, Achimaas, Azarias, Johanan, Azarias, Amarias, Achitob, Sadoc, Sellum, Helcias, Azarias, Saraias, and Josedech. who was High Priest in the captivity. (v. 15) being carried into Babylon in the first transmigration, before Jechonias, before the general captivity of all, as it seems 4 Kings 24. his father Zaraias yet living, who was slain nine years after by Nabuchadonosor, 4 Kings 25. And amongst these there were some High Priests of Ithamars line. To wit, Joram, Joiada (4 Kings 11. 2 Paral. 23) Joathan, Vrias, (4 Kings 16) and some others; or else some of the abovementioned, had other names, recited by Josephus. lib. 10. cap. 11. Antiq. and Nicephorus lib. 2. cap. 4. Hist. Eccles.

Moreover besides this ordinary succession of Priests⁴⁷, there was an extraordinary mission of Prophets: to supply more fully the office of preaching the truth, and admonishing offenders. And these God inspired and sent, most especially when and where errors sprang, and sins most abounded; giving them extraordinary grace and most excellent virtues, to counterpoise the enormities of wicked men. Such were in the times of Achab and Jezabel, in the kingdom of Israel, besides many others, the two famous great Prophets⁴⁸ Elias, and Eliseus, whose admirable lives and holy conversation were a mirror to the world, and great terror to the wicked, Whose works and miracles marvellously confirmed the well disposed, encouraged the weak, converted many transgressors, confounded false Prophets, justified their own preaching, and much glorified God. Elias 1. shut the heaven,⁴⁹ that it rained not in three years. 2. was fed by ravens. 3. Multiplied a poor widows meal and oil. 4. Raised her dead son to life (3 Kings 17) 5. Brought fire from heaven, to burn his sacrifice: thereby confounding four hundred and fifty false prophets of Baal. 6. By prayer procured rain. (3 Kings 18) 7. Fasted without eating or drinking forty days and nights together. (3 Kings 19) 8. Procured fire from heaven, which devoured two insolent captains, and their hundred men (4 Kings 1) 9. Divided the river of Jordan with his cloak, that himself and Eliseus passed over the dry channel. 10. Was assumpted in a fiery chariot into some place, where he yet lives. And parting away obtained of God, the like double spirit (of prophecy and miracles) to Eliseus. in like manner Eliseus. 1. divided Jordan again⁵⁰ by Elias cloak, and so returned to the place. 2. Amended the bitterness of certain waters, by casting in salt. 3. Boys being cursed by him, for deriding him, were forthwith torn by bears (4 Kings 2) 4. He procured water without rain, for three kings in the camp (4 Kings 3) 5. Multiplied a poor widows oil. 6. By his prayers a barren woman became fruitful. 7. He raised her son from death. 8. Made the bitter broth of his disciples sweet. 9. Fed many with few loaves (4 Kings 4) 10. Cured Naaman of leprosy. 11. Stroke Giezi with the same (4 Kings 5) 12. Made iron to swim. 13. Knew the secret counsels of the Syrian king. 14. Made one see horsemen, and fiery chariots, which to others were invisible. 15. Made the Syrians blind, that were sent to apprehend him, and so led them into Samaria. 16. Foreshowed unexpected plenty of corn the next day, With the death of a great man, that would not believe it. (4 Kings 7) 17. And after his death another mans dead body, touching his bones revived. 4 Kings 13.

Other Prophets wrought also miracles, but these for example may suffice to show, that God preserved religion also in the kingdom⁵¹ of Israel. Which himself further testified, even in most desolate times, when Elias lamented, that he was left alone (3 Kings 19) For God answered, that seven thousand (meaning thereby a great multitude) had not bowed their knees to Baal, not so much as in outward show conformed themselves to infidelity, or idolatry. Jehu in his time, destroyed all the worshippers of Baal. (4 Kings 10) But none at any time could wholly destroy true Israelites. For God would not suffer it. 4 Kings 14:27.

Yet notwithstanding divers notorious heresies were preached,⁵² and followed in that kingdom of the Ten tribes, yet all did not fall, nor embrace them. Jeroboam not only made and set up golden calves, but also taught, that they were Gods, saying: Behold thy gods, O Israel,⁵³ which brought thee out of the land of Egypt. 3 Kings 12. making temples, altars, and imaginary priests, which were not of the children of Levi. Also a feast the fifteenth day of the month, after the similitude of the solemnity, that was celebrated in Juda. All which the holy scripture says: He forged of his own heart. The very properties of Archeretics. But the true Priests, Levites, and many others⁵⁴, that had given their heart to seek our Lord, went into Jerusalem, to immolate their victims before our Lord the God of their fathers. 2 Paral. 11. Yea Naaman a stranger of Syria, and a Neophite in religion, taught by his example, that none may yield conformity, nor otherwise communicate with Infidels, than Gods Priests, or Prophets approve for lawful. 4 Kings 5.

Unto this heresy of Jeroboam Achab, by Jezabels persuasion, added the worshipping of Baal, as God.⁵⁵ 3 Kings 16. making both temple and altar to him in Samaria. Jeroboams priests serving fitly this purpose. Though all these heretics no more agreed to this new heresy, than Lutherans now admit of Calvinism. For Jehu a Jeroboamite destroyed all Jezabelites that he could by a stratagem get together. 4 Kings 10:28. 29. Much less did all Israel serve Baal.

Again after that Salmanazar king of Assyria had taken Samaria, and placed there a new people, all. 4 Kings 17. they learning the rites of the Israelites religion⁵⁶, mixed their Paganism therewith, and made a new heresy, or rather many new heresies. For being divers nations they had in several conventicles, their particular gods, and so many divers Sects. The Babylonians, Cutheites, Emathites, Heveites, and Sapharuaimites. 4 Kings 17. But the Priests, which taught them rites of true religion, allowed not of this mixture, so doubtless some people hearkened to their admonitions, and kept religion simply and sincerely. And at this very time of the Ten tribes captivity, holy Tobias who was carried captive with the rest⁵⁷, neither before nor after the captivity, left the law of God. But went to Jerusalem (when others served Jeroboams golden calves) to the Temple of our Lord, and there bestowed himself in works of mercy, towards the living and dead of his nation. Tob. 1.

As for the kingdom of Juda, it was more free from⁵⁸ heresies. For very few or none of those kings that fell to other gross enormities, yea to manifest idolatry, became heretics, as is probable collected by that Isaias the Prophet being sent to Achaz, admonished him, conversed and dealt with him, as with one that believed wholly and solely true religion: assuring him that God would protect Jerusalem, bidding him not to fear the two smoking firebrands, in the wrath of Rasin king of Syria,⁵⁹ and of Phacee king of Israel. Isaie 7. Further bidding him ask a sign of God, he answered, though frowardly, yet not as an infidel: I will not ask: and I will not tempt our Lord. Yea though the High Priest by commandment of the⁶⁰ same king (4 Kings 16) made a new altar in place of Gods Altar, yet he erred not in faith, nor in doctrine, as teaching in Moyses chair; but in fact only, and of frailty for fear of the king, as the king offended in his external act, to flatter the king of Syria. And in this case God sent Isaias to admonish the king, which Vrias neglected, or durst not do. Likewise Joram (4 Kings 8. 1⁶¹ Paral. 11) Ochozias (2 Paral. 12) Joas in the latter part of his life, 2 Paral. 24. Manasses in the former part of his reign (4 Kings 1. 2. 2 Paral. 33) and some other kings of Juda committing idolatry, and making others to fall with them, either were not wholly perverted, or at least drew not all with them, For not only Prophets, in whose hand (or ministry) God spake, and reproved these sins, but many others kept their Zeal of true religion, as appeared in their promptness to serve God, when by good kings Asa, Josaphat, Ezechias, Josias and others, they were exhorted, or admitted so to do. 4 Kings 18. 23. 2 Paral. 15. 17. 19. 30. 31. 33. 34. &c.

Finally whereas divers good princes disposed, things belonging to Divine service in the temple, correcting faults, and punishing offenders in that behalf, (3 Kings 15. 4 Kings 18. 23) they did the same without prejudice of the High Priests supremacy in spiritual causes, and their godly acts make nothing for the English⁶² Paradox of Laihead-ship. For superior authority, and ordinary power is not proved by facts good or evil, but rather by Gods ordinance and institution. For as the facts of Usurpers make no lawful prescription; so neither the facts of good men, do change Gods general ordinance and law: But are done either by way of execution, or sometimes by dispensation. Often also by commission and special inspiration of God. As king David by dispensation did eat the holy⁶³ bread, which was ordained for Priests only.⁶⁴ 1 Kings 21. He disposed of Priests and Levites offices about the Ark of God. Paral. 15. 19. by way of execution according to the law. 1 Paral. 23. 24. 25. 26. by divine inspiration. And Salomon by commission from God deposed Abiathar the High Priest, from his office and put Sadoc in his place. 3 Kings 2. Wherefore albeit good kings did excellently Well in calling together the Priests, and disposing them in their offices, for execution of Gods service, yea in commanding what they should do. 4 Kings 18. 19. 22. and in punishing Priests (4 Kings 23) yet they did such things as Gods Commissioners, not as ordinary Superiors in spiritual causes, and still the ordinary subordination made by the law, Deut. 17. Num. 27. stood firm and inviolate, the High Priest supreme Judge of all doubts in faith, causes, and quarrels in religion, when other subordinate inferior Judges varied in their judgements. Of which offices Malachias the Prophet (cap. 1) admonishes Priests in his time, that whereas they were negligent, not performing their⁶⁵ duty, their sin was the greater, for that their authority still remained, and the perpetual Rule of the Law, that the lips of the Priest shall keep knowledge, and they (other men generally) shall require the law of his mouth, because he is the Angel of the Lord of hosts. And all Princes and others were to receive the⁶⁶ law at the priests hand of the Levitical Tribe. This was the warrant of stability in truth of⁶⁷ the Synagogue in the old Testament. Much more the Church and spouse of Christ, whose excellence and singular privileges Salomon describes in his canticle of canticles, has such warrant. Of this spouse all the Prophets write,⁶⁸ and that more plainly than of Christ himself, foreseeing more adversaries bending their forces against her, as S. Augustine observes,⁶⁹ than against Christ her head. And the same holy father in many places teaches, that she neither perishes, nor loses her beauty⁷⁰, for the mixture of evil members, in respect of whom she is black, but fair in respect of the good, Cantic. 1. Notwithstanding therefore sinners remaining within the Church, schismatics and heretics breaking from the Church⁷¹, still she remains the pillar and firmament of⁷² truth, the virgin daughter of Sion.