2. But this being the case,
how to this opinion that should not be contrary which the Apostle
says, “For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ,
that each may receive according to the things he hath done by the
body,2710
whether
good or bad;”
2711
this, thou
signifiest, thou dost not well see. For this apostolic sentence
doth before
death admonish to be done, that which may
profit after
death; not then, first, when there is to be now a receiving of that
which a person shall have done before
death. True, but this
question is thus solved, namely, that there is a certain
kind of
life by which is acquired, while one lives in this body, that it
should be possible for these things to be of some help to the
departed; and, consequently, it is “according to the things done
by the body,” that they are aided by the things which shall,
after they have left the body, be religiously done on their behalf.
For there are whom these things aid nothing at all, namely,
when they are done either for persons whose merits are so
evil, that neither by such things are they worthy to be aided; or
for persons whose merits are so good, that of such things they have
no need as aids. Of the
kind of
life, therefore, which each hath
led by the body, doth it come, that these things
profit or
profit
not, whatever are piously done on his behalf when he has left the
body. For touching merit whereby these things
profit, if none have
been gotten in this
life, it is in
vain sought after this
life. So
it comes to pass as well that not unmeaningly
2712
doth the
Church, or care of
friends, bestow upon the departed whatever of religion it shall be
able; as also that, nevertheless, each receiveth “according to
the things which he hath done by the body, whether it be good or
bad,” the Lord rendering unto each according to his works. For,
that this which is bestowed should be capable of profiting him
after the body, this was acquired in that life which he hath led in
the body.
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