Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsJob 6

As the sand of the sea.

Scarce any figure is more common in holy Scripture than Hyperbole ^[1]: whereby our understanding is drawn to conceive the greatness of things that otherwise surpass vulgar capacity. So Job signifieth here that his calamity being weighed with his sins in a balance, would appear heavier, not precisely in proportion of the number of the sands in the sea, but exceeding much in true comparison. ^[2] Of which superaboundance of pains patiently suffered by holy Job, and other Saints, more than their sins deserved, especially of our B. Saviour, who could not sin, and of our B. Lady, who never sinned, remaineth an infinity treasure of satisfactory works, appliable by the supreme steward of God's Church, Christ's Vicar in earth, for satisfaction of others which have need, and are in the communion of Saints, and perform the conditions appointed. And so this high steward may in due manner by his authority, give limited, or plenary pardons to penitents, ^[3] of the pains which otherwise they should suffer in this life, or in purgatory, for their sins first remitted. Other Bishops can also give or dispense so much as the Supreme Bishop allotteth to their power: all to the edification and necessity of God's servants, as dispensers, not dissipators of so holy a treasure.

• 1 The use of Hyperbole in holy Scripture.
• 2 Treasure of satisfactory works in the Church.
• 3 Pardons do apply the suffering of some for the satisfaction of others.