CHAPTER LX.
Means to Avoid Purgatory — Charity and Mercy — The Prophet Daniel and the King of Babylon — St. Peter Damian and John Pairizzi.
We have just seen the first means of avoiding Purgatory, a tender devotion towards Mary; the second consists in Chanty and works of Mercy of every kind. Many sins are forgiven her, said our Lord, speaking of Magdalen, because she hath loved much. [1] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [2] Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. [3] If you forgive men their offences, your Heavenly Father will forgive you also your offences. [4] Give to every one that asketh of thee: give, and it shall be given to you: for with the same measure that you shall mete withal, it shall be measured to you again. [5] Make unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity, that when you shall fail (when you leave this world) they may receive you into everlasting dwellings. [6] And the Holy Ghost says by the mouth of the Royal Prophet, Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the evil day. [7] All these words indicate clearly that Charity, Mercy, and Benevolence, whether towards the poor or towards sinners, towards our enemies and those who injure us. or towards the departed who are in great need of our assistance, we shall find mercy at the tribunal of the Sovereign Judge.
The rich of this world have much to fear. Woe to you that are rich, says the Son of God, for you have had your
