Original Douay–Rheims Annotations2 Maccabees 12

It is a holy and healthful cogitation to pray for the dead.

The Catholic belief, doctrine, and practice of praying for the dead, ^[1] is so evidently confirmed by this place, that our adversaries have no better shift to avoid the same, than by denying these Books to be Canonical Scripture. Which being authentically proved, ^[2] it may here suffice to add, that albeit the Greek text (as in other innumerable places) differeth from the Latin, yet it is no less clear for this doctrine. ^[3] Which in English is thus v. 45. Regarding (or considering) that grace is laid up for them that sleep (or die) in piety: to wit in true faith and repentance; in the next verse (46.) inferreth thus: Whereupon he (Judas Machabeus) made reconciliation (or expiation) for the dead, that they might be delivered (or loosed) from their sin, that is, from punishment for sin.

• 1 This text is clear for praying for the dead.
• 2 in the argument. pa. 890.
• 3 Likewise the Greek.

Omitting therefore multitude of other proofs, we will here only cite two great Doctors, ^[1] who with others teach that the denial of this particular point of religion is a condemned heresy. ^[2] S. Augustine li. de Hæresib. hær. 53. noteth this for a special heresy, saying: Ærians are named of one Ærius, who being a Priest, and taking it grievously that he could not be ordained a Bishop, falling into the heresy of the Arrians, added some proper doctrines of his own, saying: that we ought not to pray, nor offer sacrifice for the dead. Likewise S. Bernard, Ser. 66. in Cantica: in plain terms saith they are heretics, which believe not that there is purgatory fire after death, but that the soul departing from the body, goeth forthwith either to rest or to damnation. Let them then (saith he) ask of him who said: There is some sin that shall not be forgiven, neither in this world, nor in the future ^[3]: Why he said this, if there remain no remission, and purgation of sin in the future world? He therefore adviseth all to beware of such seducers, saying: See the detracters, see the dogs. They deride us, because we baptize infants: for that we pray for the dead.

• 1 Denial of this doctrine is heresy.
• 2 S. Augustin. ep. 61. ad Dulcit. l. 1. c. 23. de morib. li. de cura pro mort. c. 1. & Enchir. c. 110.
• 3 Mat. 12.

^[1]

It is also most worthy of consideration, that Judas Machabeus, (who did this charitable act for his soldiers slain in the holy wars) was the High priest or chief Bishop of the Church at that time, and defender of true faith and Religion. Finally we may also observe that he did not any new thing, but practised the usual custom of the whole Church. ^[2] For so it appeareth by their set form of Office for the dead, called Haschabah, that is, Rest, or prayer for rest, in their book Mahzor, translated and set forth by Bishop Genebrard, in the year of our Lord. 1569. Where are these express supplications. Requiescat anima ipsius in cubili suo: iaceat in pace: dormiat in pace. His (or her) soul rest in his bed: lie, and sleep in peace. Again Ye Angels of peace come forth to meet him. &c. ^[3] And that the Jews this day use to pray for the dead, is a clear thing, and confessed by Protestants, namely Munsterus, and Fagius in their Annotations upon the 14. of Deut. and M. Whitaker, in his first book against F. Dureus. fol. 81.

• 1 Judas was high priest when he caused prayers and sacrifice to be offered for the dead.
• 2 It was the general practice of the Church.
• 3 And is yet observed by the Jews.