22. Which things being so,
let us not think that to the dead for whom we have a care, any
thing reaches save what by sacrifices either of the altar, or of
prayers, or of alms, we solemnly supplicate: although not to all
for whom they are done be they profitable, but to them only by whom
while they live it is obtained that they should be profitable. But
forasmuch as we discern not who these be, it is meet to do them for
all regenerate persons, that none of them may be passed by to whom
these benefits may and ought to reach. For better it is that these
things shall be superfluously done to them whom they neither hinder
nor help, than lacking to them whom they help. More diligently
however doth each man these things for his own near and dear
friends, in order that they may be likewise done unto him by his.
But as for the burying of the body, whatever is bestowed on that,
is no aid of salvation, but an office of humanity, according to
that affection by which “no man ever hateth his own flesh.”2775
Whence it
is fitting that he take
2776
what care he is able for the
flesh
of his
neighbor, when he is gone that bare
2777
it. And if they do these things
who believe not the resurrection of the
flesh, how much more are
they beholden to do the same who do believe; that so, an
office of
this
kind bestowed upon a body, dead but yet to rise again and to
remain to
eternity, may also be in some sort a
testimony of the
same faith? But, that a person is buried at the memorials of the
Martyrs, this, I think, so far profits the departed, that while
commending him also to the Martyrs’ patronage, the affection of
supplication on his behalf is increased.
E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
