If we reverence those Scriptures of the Old Testament to which our Lord and His Apostles made their constant appeal, we shall keep steadily before our minds the fact that, in the estimation of a prophet like Jeremiah, the sin of sins, the sin that involved the ruin of Israel and Judah, was the sin of associating other objects of worship with the One Only God. The temptation is peculiarly strong to some natures. The continual relapse of ancient Israel is not so great a wonder to those of us who have any knowledge of mankind, and who can observe what is passing around them at the present day. It is the severe demand of God's holy law, which makes men cast about for some plausible compromise--it is that demand which also makes them yearn after some intermediary power, whose compassion will be less subject to considerations of justice, whom prayers and entreaties and presents may overcome, and induce to wink at unrepented sin. In an age of unsettlement, the more daring spirits will be prone to silence their inconvenient scruples by rushing into atheism, while the more timid may take refuge in Popery. "For to disown a Moral Governour, or to admit that any observances of superstition can release men from the duty of obeying Him, equally serves the purpose of those, who resolve to be as wicked as they dare, or as little virtuous as they can" (Bp. Hurd).
Then, too, there is the glory of the saints and angels of God. How can frail man refuse to bow before the vision of their power and splendour, as they stand, the royal children of the King of kings, around the heavenly throne, deathless, radiant with love and joy and purity, exalted far above all human weakness and human sorrows? If the holy angels are "ministering spirits," why not the entire community of the Blessed? And what is to hinder us from casting ourselves at the feet of saint or angel, one's own appointed guardian, or chosen helper? Let good George Herbert answer for us all.
"Oh glorious spirits, who after all your bands See the smooth face of God, without a frown, Or strict commands; Where every one is king, and hath his crown, If not upon his head, yet in his hands:
"Not out of envy or maliciousness Do I forbear to crave your special aid. I would address My vows to thee most gladly, blessed Maid, And Mother of my God, in my distress:
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"But now, (alas!) I dare not; for our King, Whom we do all jointly adore and praise, Bids no such thing: And where His pleasure no injunction lays, ('Tis your own case) ye never move a wing.
"All worship is prerogative, and a flower Of His rich crown, from whom lies no appeal At the last hour: Therefore we dare not from His garland steal, To make a posy for inferior power."
In this sense also, as in many others, the warning of St. John applies: