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may no longer pray for them. Since Sachem died in the faith of the Prophet, there is hope that his punishment may be remitted; but from unbelief there is no redemption, when once the breath has departed: as the Book declares; 'If thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times, God will by no means forgive them[1].'
I doubt not, replied Eber, that the guilty shall suffer for his guilt, though every living voice should cry out for mercy upon him: but that punishment, however fearful, shall not in any case be everlasting, I am assured, if the Scriptures are to be believed. Did not Mohammed teach that the woes which follow sin shall purify from sin, so that happiness shall be enjoyed at last?
Even so, replied Havilah, when they who have been punished shall be brought forth from amidst the flames[2], they shall be bathed in the rivers of Paradise, till they shall be as pure as the blessed themselves.
How said the Prophet that the blessed obtained their bliss?
Not by their own works[3], replied Havilah, since no man's works are wholly pure; but by the gift of God.
