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[Page 184]


page 184



                        [English Translation]

184                    History of the Kingdom

they are, nor whether they hear their prayers, and that when they hear them, they are neither Mediators nor Gods, to be found in all places, and that they have no commandment in Scripture.
       As for the veneration and adoration of the cross, and images of the Saints, they speak of it at all: having no images, statues, or representations in the temples, nor also outside, except the cross, for mark and remembrance of the death and passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, and not to adore him.
       Fasts and abstinences are ordered there on the eves of the great feasts, such as these four, the Annunciation, Easter, Pentecost, Christmas, or nativity of Christ, and the first day of the year, and on the great necessities and afflictions of the Church, inasmuch as there is nothing which elevates the mind more to God, than abstinence and sobriety.
       Lent, Friday and Saturday are not observed there, but each one eats what he pleases indifferently, the butcher's and fishmonger's being open at all times according to the doctrine of the Apostle.
       As for the feasts, those are only observed, at which some great mystery of our salvation has been operated, as are the first four

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