A DECLAMATION BY ERASMUS OF ROTTERDAM |
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[57] Such practices of princes have long been zealously adopted by supreme pontiffs, cardinals and bishops, and have almost been surpassed. Yet if any of these were to reflect on the meaning of his linen vestment, snow-in colour to indicate a pure and spotless life, or of his two-horned mitre, each peak held together by a single knot, signifying perfect knowledge of both Old and New Testaments; of his hands, protected by gloves, symbolic of purity, untainted by any contact with human affairs, for administering the sacrament; of his crozier, a reminder of his watchful care of the flock entrusted to his keeping, or the cross carried before him as a symbol of his victory over all human passions - if, I say, any of them were to reflect on these many kindred matters, wouldn't his life be full of care trouble? But as things are, they think they do well when they're looking after themselves, and responsibility for their sheep they can either trust to Christ himself or delegate their vicars and those they call Brothers. They don't even remember that the name Bishop, which means "overseer", indicates work, care and concern. Yet when it comes to their revenues into the bag they can play the overseer well enough - no 'careless look-out' there.117
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