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and the Fathers, and by the canons.
Duo[218] aut tres.219 In unum. Unity and plurality. It is an error to
exclude one of the two, as the papists do who exclude plurality, or the
Huguenots who exclude unity.
875. Would the Pope be dishonoured by having his knowledge from God and
tradition; and is it not dishonouring him to separate him from this holy
union?
876. God does not perform miracles in the ordinary conduct of His Church. It
would be a strange miracle if infallibility existed in one man. But it
appears so natural for it to reside in a multitude, since the conduct of God
is hidden under nature, as in all His other works.
877. Kings dispose of their own power; but the Popes cannot dispose of
theirs.
878. Summum jus, summa injuria.220
The majority is the best way, because it is visible and has strength to make
itself obeyed. Yet it is the opinion of the least able.
If men could have done it, they would have placed might in the hands of
justice. But as might does not allow itself to be managed as men want,
because it is a palpable quality, whereas justice is a spiritual quality of
which men dispose as they please, they have placed justice in the hands of
might. And thus that is called just which men are forced to obey.
Hence comes the right of the sword, for the sword gives a true right.
Otherwise we should see violence on one side and justice on the other (end
of the twelfth Provincial Letter). Hence comes the injustice of the Fronde,
which raises its alleged justice against power. It is not the same in the
Church, for there is a true justice and no violence.
879. Injustice.--Jurisdiction is not given for the sake of the judge, but
for that of the litigant. It is dangerous to tell this to the people. But
the people
Mirella
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