Α.Γ>. 11GG. ΤΠΕ POPE'S LETTER TO BISHOP GILBERT. 281 if you were to crucify Peter, that you might deliver Paul from peril of death. For you ought to recollect, and have it as an example on this occasion before your eyes, how king Saul, who, after he had conquered Amalek, wished, against the commandment of the Lord, to reserve the spoil, was reproved by the Lord when he made it his excuse that he had reserved it for sacrifice ; and how, while he was still alive, another man was appointed to the royal honors and dignities. The sins of the people had raised him to be king, but his own offences deprived him of the government of the kingdom. How king Uzziah,66 also, when he attempted to sacrifice and to usurp the office of priest, was, as a worthy punishment, smitten with leprosy, it would be for your well-being to recall to mind. If, however, you shall ascribe your successes to your might and prowess, and not to God, beyond a doubt He who has set you over others, and made you a great prince in the world, for the governance of the faithful, and not for their oppression, will, with rebuke, require of you the talents which have been entrusted to you ; and, as we read of Eehoboam, the son of Solomon, who, for his father's sins, was driven from his kingdom, so will God visit the sins of the father upon the children. Do you, then, give no heed to the evil suggestions of any .person, nor incline your ear to those who are always whispering misehief, but diligently attend to those things which concern your salvation. Wherefore, make it your endeavour to govern to the honor of God and the peace and tranquillity of the Church, for whieh alone you have received the government of your kingdom, and study to rule it to the best of the power that God has given you, to the end that God may preserve for you your temporal kingdom, «id, after that, may give you one to endure world without end." The Letter of pope Alexander to Gilbert, bishop of London, in behalf of the blessed Thomas. " Alexander the bishop, servant of the servants of God, to his venerable brother Gilbert, bishop of London, health and the Apostolic benediction. Inasmuch as, in relation to the matters which we have enjoined to your brotherhood, you have shown efficient zeal and diligence, and have made it your care faithfully to solicit and advise our most dearly beloved » 2 Chron. xxvi. 20.