Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 7.djvu/51

 SAVONAROLA which is said by some to be null in the sight of God, but externally binding, it is enough for me that I am not bound in the sight of Christ (da Christo), and that He should bless me. Oh, my Lord, I turn to Thee and I say: If ever I should seek absolution from this excommunication send me to help! I should fear to commit a mortal sin were I to seek absolution.

As for those who fear lest they, too, should incur excommunication by coming to hear my sermons, I ask: Is it a sin to preach? Is preaching a crime? If the author of the excommunication were to say so he would contradict the Gospel. Oh, but you say, "I mean because of the disobedience." And I say that if the law were observed which forbids that any one be made a Doctor of Divinity or a Canon without sufficient learning, there would not be so much ignorance among us.