soul; in this, manifesting the most acceptable service to a religious Prince. God, besides, thus continued to shew his kindness to his servant. He had bestowed the succession of the empire on his sons; and now, in compliance with his ardent wishes, he gives him a place near the bodies of the holy Apostles ; in order that he may enjoy their blessed fellowship, and in their temple be associated with the people of God. He would thus also be admitted to a participation in the religious rites, the mystic Sacrifice, and holy suffrages of the faithful.” De Vita Constant. L. iv. c. lxx. lxxi. p. 667.
Arnobius,[1] L.C. “Why were the oratories (of the Christians) destined to savage destruction, wherein prayers are offered up to the sovereign God; peace and pardon are implored for all men, magistrates, soldiers, kings, friends, and enemies, for those who are alive, and for those who have quitted their bodies?” L. iv. adv. Gentes. p. 152. Edit. Lugduni Batavorum, 1651.
St. BASIL, G.C. “ The words of Isaiah, (ix. 19.) Through the wrath of the Lord is the land burned-declare, that things that are earthly shall be made the food of a punishing fire; to the end that the soul may receive favour and be benefitted. And the people shall be as the fuel of the fire (Ibid.): This is not a threat of extermination ; but it denotes expurgation, according to the expression of the Apostle :
- ↑ He was the master of Lactantius, and taught rhetoric at Sicca in Numidia, the beginning of the fourth, or end of the third century. He has left us seven books against Paganism.
