[Footnote 157: This passage is particularly to be observed, for the reason given in the Introduction.]

25. By the lattice work [Footnote 158] of the windows, we understand the prophets or other obscure teachers of the Church Militant: in which windows there are often two shafts, signifying the two precepts of charity, or because the apostles were sent out to preach two and two.

[Footnote 158: See Appendix I.]

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26. The door of the church is Christ: according to that saying in the Gospel, 'I am the door.' [Footnote 159] The apostles are also called doors.

[Footnote 159: S. John x, 9.]

27. The piers of the church are bishops and doctors: who specially sustain the Church of God by their doctrine. These, from the majesty and clearness of their divine message, are called silver, according to that in the Song of Songs, 'He made silver columns.' [Footnote 160] Whence also Moses at the entering in of the tabernacle, placed five columns, and four before the oracle, that is, the holy of holies. Although the piers are more in number than seven, yet they are called seven, according to that saying, 'Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars': [Footnote 161] because bishops ought to be filled with the sevenfold influences of the Holy Ghost: [Footnote 162] and SS. James and John, as the Apostle testifieth, 'seemed to be pillars.' [Footnote 163] The bases of the columns are the apostolic bishops, [Footnote 164] who support the frame of the whole church. The capitals of the piers are the opinions of the bishops and doctors. For as the members are directed and moved by the head, so are our words and works governed by their mind. The ornaments of the capitals are the words of Sacred Scripture, to the meditation and observance of which we are bound.

[Footnote 160: Canticles viii, 9.]
[Footnote 161: Prov. viii, I.]
[Footnote 162: Compare the Veni Creator:

Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost Thy sevenfold gifts impart.]

[Footnote 163: Gal ii, 9.]
[Footnote 164: That is, it may be supposed, bishops of those sees which were founded by the apostles themselves, e.g. Rome, Crete, Ephesus.]