lieth and that taketh away the sins of the world, begging that he will impart some consolation to them.-Let us then aid these our brethren. For if the offering of Job could benefit his sons; why should you not believe, if you make offerings for the dead, that they may receive some consolation from them? God grants favours to the prayers of others, as St. Paul teaches: You helping withal in prayer for us; that for this gift obtained for us, by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many in our behalf. (2 Cor. i. 11.) Let us not tire in affording aid to the dead, in offering prayers for them:[1] prayer is the common victim of the world.” Homil. xli. in Ep. 1. ad Cor. T. x. p. 392-3.—“Let us pity them; let us aid them as we may be able; let us obtain some comfort for them; small indeed, yet still some comfort. But how; by what means? Ourselves praying, and entreating others to do the same, and for them unceasingly giving alms to the poor. Hence comfort will be derived. God has said: I will defend this city to save it for my own sake, and for my servant David's sake. (4 Kings, xix. 34.) If the remembrance alone of a just man was so prevalent; what may not works effect? Not without reason was it ordained by the Apostles,[2] that, in celebrating the sacred mysteries, the dead would be remembered; for they well knew, what advantage would thence be derived to them.[3] Will not God be propitious, when he looks down on the whole assembly of the people, raising their hands up to him; when he beholds the venerable choir of the Priests, and the sacred victim lying on the altar?” Homil. iii. in Ep. ad Philip. T. xi. p. 217.
