that of hell. 3. The torments are excessive; for as St. Augustine observes, "the purgative fire is more grievous than any pain whatever that we can see, feel, or imagine in this world." 4. Although the pains of purgatory will not endure like the pains of hell, forever, yet in regard to many poor souls they will endure for a very long time; and even should the time of suffering be in itself short, it will seem to the sufferers extremely long. An hour of pain there will be far more painful than a long life of misery here. "Which of you can dwell with devouring fire?" (Is. xxxiii. 14.)
III. How important and how necessary it is both to avoid venial sin and satisfy fully for mortal transgressions, although confessed, and, in respect to their guilt, forgiven! "Of sin that is forgiven be not without fear." (Ecclus. v. 5.) If you do not take this timely precaution you will be in danger of suffering in purgatory, and perhaps for many years. Remember what St. Augustine wrote, "He who will not now so much as put his finger into the fire, must necessarily dread to be tormented then, even for a short time."
Purgatory.— II.
I. How easy it is to sin so as to deserve the pains of purgatory! God will suffer nothing in the slightest degree criminal to pass unpunished. Considering how prone we all are to evil, and how averse to good actions, we have every reason to be on our guard even in our best actions. The sanctity and purity of our God are so perfect that He is easily offended by the negligence or ingratitude of His creatures; and whoever loves his God or his own soul, whoever pays any attention to his own best interests, will avoid even the smallest imperfection. Alas! of how many sins of this nature have you been
