Whatever is holy to the heart of man, remains also holy in every religion!" "But then, to erect altars to the Madonna!" exclaimed Wilhelm; "to pray to a being; whom the Bible does not make a saint!--that is rather too much.

And their tricks with burning of incense and ringing of bells! Yes, indeed, it would give me no little pleasure to cut off the heads of the Pope and of the whole clerical body! To purchase indulgence!--Those must, indeed, be curious people who can place thorough faith in such things! I will never once take off my hat before the Madonna!" "But that will I do, and in my heart bow myself before her!" answered Otto, gravely.
"Did I not think so?
she has made you a Catholic!" "No such thing! I am as good a Protestant as you yourself: but wherefore should we not respect the mother of Christ?
With regard to the ceremonials of Catholicism, indulgence, and all these additions of the priesthood, I agree with you in wishing to strike off the heads of all who, in such a manner, degrade God and the human understanding.

But in many respects we are unjust: we so easily forget the first and greatest commandment, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself!' We are not tolerant.
Among our festivals we have still one for the Three Kings--it is yet celebrated by the common people; but what have these three kings done?
They knelt before the manger in which Christ lay, and on this account we honor them.

On the contrary, the mother of God has no festival-day; nay, the multitude even smile at her name! If you will only quietly listen to my simple argument, we shall soon agree.

You will take off your hat and bow before the Madonna.