Page:Readings in European History Vol 1.djvu/368

 332 Readings in European History Neighbor- hood war. Why the Jews are not to be attacked. very jubilee ; for this blessing is spread over the whole world, and all fly eagerly to the sign of life. Since, therefore, your land is fruitful in brave men, and is known to be full of robust youth, since your praise is in the whole world, and the fame of your valor has filled the entire earth, gird up your loins manfully, and take up arms in zeal for the Christian name. Let not your former war- like skill cease, but only that spirit of hatred in which you are accustomed to strike down and kill one another and in turn be overcome yourselves. How dire a madness goads those wretched men, when kinsmen strike each other's bodies with the sword, perchance causing the soul also to perish ! But he does not escape who triumphs ; the sword shall go through his own soul also, when he thinks to have slain his enemy only. To enter such a combat is madness, not valor : it is not to be ascribed to bravery, but rather to foolishness. But now, O brave knight, now, O warlike hero, here is a battle you may fight without danger, where it is glory to conquer and gain to die. If you are a prudent merchant, if you are a desirer of this world, behold I show you some great bargains ; see that you lose them not. Take the sign of the cross, and you shall gain pardon for every sin that you confess with a contrite heart. The material itself, being bought, is worth little; but if it be placed on a devout shoulder, it is, without doubt, worth no less than the kingdom of God. Therefore they have done well who have already taken the heavenly sign : well and wisely also will the rest do, if they hasten to lay upon their shoulders, like the first, the sign of salvation. Besides, brethren, I warn you, and not only I, but God's apostle, " Believe not every spirit." We have heard and rejoice that the zeal of God abounds in you, but it behooves no mind to be wanting in wisdom. The Jews must not be persecuted, slaughtered, nor even driven out. Inquire of the pages of Holy Writ. I know what is written in the Psalms as prophecy about the Jews. " God hath commanded me," says the Church, * Slay them not, lest my people forget.' "