10. Thanks be to Thee, Lord Jesus, that at
this time Thou hast stirred up for us the spirits of the holy martyrs,
when Thy Church needs greater protection. This would
seem to refer to the persecution stirred up by Justina, in order to
gain one of the churches for Arian use. The following
sentence: “Tales ego ambio defensores,” was
inscribed by St. Charles Borromeo on a banner of SS. Gervasius and
Protasius, which he caused to be made and carried in procession through
Milan at the time of the great plague. Let all know what sort of
champions I desire, who are able to defend, but desire not to
attack. These have I gained for you, O holy people, such as may
help all and injure none. Such defenders do I desire, such are
the soldiers I have, that is, not soldiers of this world, but soldiers
of Christ. I fear no ill-will on account of them, the more
powerful their patronage is the greater safety is there in it.
And I wish for their protection for those very persons who grudge them
to me. Let them come, then, and see my attendants. I do not
deny that I am surrounded by such arms: “Some trust in
chariots, and some in horses, but we will boast in the Name of the Lord
our God.” Ps. xx. [xix.]
8.