stand in need of that purifying fire, designed for those who shall be saved, yet so as by fire. And why, but because, (as the Apostle says) they have built upon the foundation wood, hay, and stubble? If they had built gold and silver and precious stones, they would be secured from both fires; not only from that in which the wicked shall be punished for ever; but likewise from that fire which will purify those who shall be saved by fire. But because it is said, he shall be saved, that fire is thought lightly of; though the suffering will be more grievous than any thing man can undergo in this life.” Enarrat. in Psal. xxxvii. T. iv. p. 295.-“ It cannot be doubted,” &c. See the passage, p. 284.-—“We read in the second book of Maccabees, (xii. 43.) that sacrifice was offered for the dead; but though, in the Old Testament, no such words had been found, the authority of the universal Church must suffice, whose practice is incontrovertible. When the Priest at the altar offers up prayers to God, he recommends in them the souls of the departed. — When the mind, sometimes recollects that the body of his friend has been deposited near the tomb of some Martyr, he fails not, in prayer, to recommend the soul to that blessed Saint; not doubting, that succour may thence be derived. Such suffrages must not be neglected, which the Church performs in general words, that they may be benefited, who have no parents, nor children, nor relations, nor friends.” De cura pro Mortuis, c. i, iv. T. vi. p. 516, 519.-The same sentiment is repeated through the whole Treatise.
ST. PAULINUS, BISHOP OF NOLA, the contemporary and correspondent of St. Austin, establishes the same doctrine
