653 chapter 21: the restoration of the mystical temple made admonitions, or did not support impiety, they experienced most intense hatred, or exile, or death. Do you have somuch grace? Then dare to not spare the wicked, and you will obtain the crown. Those who are accustomed to teach the ignorant should consider that the following saying of the prophet refers to them: “Those that instruct so many to justice shall shine as stars for all eternity” (Dan 12:3) [LV]. I said little. Those who will instill a knowledge, love, and fear of God in others’ hearts, will come near to the titles of God’s Mother. O how admirable are Christ’s coworkers, who only in consideration of His love, sincerely and carefully put forth to children, especially to those who are ignorant and uncouth, or in error, all that is necessary for salvation, for leading life in a Christian way, for avoiding vices and embracing virtues. No work of mercy is more distinguished than this; none is more blessed. Such a task is fulfilled in schools by teachers, in our [church] schools by churchmen, in their homes by parents who inform their offspring of those things without which eternal salvation cannot be had. But most of all, those who exercise the profession of teaching Christian doctrine: when this is neglected, alas! How many souls fall into hell! Here I give undying thanks to all those who brought me a knowledge of God and virtue, all those who taught me in my ignorance. I ask Jesus not to take away the heavenly reward from them, whether they did this by words or by good examples. May His Majesty deign to impart also to me His grace, so that I do not neglect anything in this regard. Moreover, I beg Him to grant as much light and ardor to all those who have the care of souls, as they need, in order to imbue those who are committed to their faith and virtue, with all moral perfection. And may He most of all bestow the Apostolic Spirit on preachers and parish priests, since by their hard work countless numbers of people should be lifted up to the heavens. Stanislaus until his martyrdom.” A proof of this thesis is found in the work: Bełch Stanisław, Saint Stanislaus, Bishop, Martyr, Patron of the Poles, London 1977.
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