31. See how much worse than the Jews the
Arians are. They asked whether He thought that the right of
tribute should be given to Cæsar; these want to give to Cæsar
the right of the Church. But as these faithless ones follow their
author, so also let us answer as our Lord and Author has taught
us. For Jesus seeing the wickedness of the Jews said to
them: Why tempt ye Me? show Me a penny. When they had given
it, He said: “Whose image and superscription hath
it?” S. Matt. xxii. 18. They
answered and said: Cæsar’s. And Jesus says to
them: “Render unto Cæsar the things that are
Cæsar’s, and to God the things that are
God’s.” S. Matt. xxii. 21. So, too, I
say to these who oppose me: Show me a penny. Jesus sees
Cæsar’s penny and says: Render unto Cæsar the
things that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are
God’s. Can they in seizing the basilicas of the church
offer Cæsar’s penny?