Chapter VII. Of Some Other Places from Which by Various Consequences is Deduced the Truth of Purgatory

S. Paul to the Philippians (ii.) says these words: That in the name of Jesus every knee may how, of things in heaven, of things on earth, and of things under the earth {infernorum). In heaven we find the Saints on their knees, bending them at the name of the Eedeemer. On earth we find many such in the militant Church, but in hell where shall we find any of them? David despairs of finding any when he says: JVho shall confess to thee in hell? (Ps. vi.) So Ezechias in Isaias (xxxviii.): For neither shall hell confess to thee. To which that also ought to be referred which David sings elsewhere (xlix. 1 6): But to the sinner God hath said: Why dost thou declare my justices and take my covenant in thy mouth t For if God will receive no praise from the obstinate sinner, how should he permit the wretched damned to undertake this holy office. S. Augustine makes great account of this place for this purpose in the 1 2th book on Genesis (xxxiii.). There is a similar passage in the Apocalypse (v.): Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof? And no man was able neither in heaven^ nor in earth, nor under the earth. And further down in the same chapter: And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth... I heard all saying: To him that sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb, benediction and honour and glory and power for ever and ever. And the four living creatures said Amen. Does he not hereby uphold a Church, in which God is praised under the earth? And what else can it be but that of Purgatory?