[503] The circumstance above mentioned is another evidence that no logical nor historical difficulties are any obstacle to the devout credulity of Rome, in discovering proofs of its favourite dogmas where a rational criticism is unable to find them. [504] These figures are given in minute detail in Perret, tom. iii, planches 16 to 20. On the arch and on the other lunettes will be seen the “great fish” and the prophet Jonah, the Good Shepherd bearing a goat, not a lamb, on his shoulders, and the ever-recurring peacocks and doves. [505] In Byzantine art, pictures of the Virgin Mary are generally inscribed with the letters ΜΡ ΘΥ for ΜΗΤΗΡ ΘΕΟΥ--Mother of God. [506] A literal interpretation of the Scripture: “Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also.”--Luke ii, 35. [507] Mater æque non demonstratur adhæsisse illi, cum Marthæ et Mariæ aliæ in commercio ejus frequentantur. Hoc denique in loco (Luke viii, 20) apparet incredulitas eorum cum is doceret viam vitæ.--_De Carne Christi_, c. 7. [508] Solus labe caret peccati conditor orbis, Ingenitus genitusque Deus, Pater et Patre natus. --_Apotheosis_, 894. [509] Nec sumpsit [Christus] carnem peccati quamvis de materna carne peccati.--_De Peccatorum Meritis et Remissione_, lib. i, c. 24. He further beautifully says: Solus unus est qui sine peccato natus est in similitudine carnis peccati, sine peccato vixit inter aliena peccata sine peccato mortuus est propter nostra peccata.--_Ibid._, c. 35. [510] Φιλοτιμία καὶ ἀπόνοια.--_Hom. in Matt._, xii, 47. [511] See the words of Our Lord on this very subject, Luke xi, 28: “Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.” [512] “Infanda.”--_Theol. Dogmat. de Incarn._, lib. xiv, c. i. [513] These heretics receive their name from the κολλύρα, or cake, which they offered to the deified Virgin. Thus early was a new paganism substituted for that which was passing away. In modern Rome, cook-shops are dedicated to Mary under the title of “Our Lady of Cakes and Sugar-Plums,” thus literally “baking cakes to the Queen of heaven,” like the idolaters of Palestine denounced by the prophet. Madame de Staël has truly said, “The Catholic is the Pagan’s heir.” [514] Iren. _adv. Hæreses_, lib. iii, c. 33; lib. v, c. 19. [515] See the hymn in the office of the Virgin: Quod Eva tristis abstulit Tu reddis almo germine. Compare also the “Ave maris stella.” [516] _De Spectaculis_, c. 30. [517] See Shelley’s Notes to _Queen Mab_. [518] Maitland, p. 333.