In 1715, Louis 14th of France died. Louis, who called himself “the Great,” was the monarch who made the infamous statement “I am the State!” His court was the most magnificent in all of Europe, and his funeral was spectacular. His body lay in a gold coffin. To dramatize the deceased King’s greatness, orders had been given for the cathedral to be dimly lighted, with only one special candle set above his coffin. Thousands waited in hushed silence. Then Bishop Massilon began to speak. Slowly reaching down, he snuffed out the candle, saying, only God is great.”