Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsRevelation 14

From hence forth now.

This being specially spoken of Martyrs (as not only S. Augustine seemeth to take it, but the Calvinists themselves, translating, in domino, for our Lord's cause ) ^[1] the Protestants have no reason to use the place against Purgatory or prayer for the departed, seeing the Catholic Church and all her children confess, that all Martyrs are straight after their death in bliss, and need no prayers. ^[2] Whereof this is S. Augustine's known sentence, He doeth injury to the Martyr, that prayeth for the Martyr. Ser. 17 de verb. Apost. c. 1. and again to this purpose he writeth thus most excellently tract. 84 in Joan. We keep not a memory of Martyrs at our Lord's table, as we do of other that rest in peace, that is, for the intent to pray for them, but rather that they may pray for us &c.

• 1 Beza.
• 2 Praying for the dead, and unto Saints, at the altar.

But if we take the words generally for all deceases in state of grace, as it may be also, then we say that even such, though they be in Purgatory and God's chastisement in the next life, and need our prayers, ^[1] yet (according to the foresaid words of S. Augustine) do rest in peace, being discharged from the labours, afflictions, and persecutions of this world, and (which is more) from the daily dangers of sin and damnation, and put into infallible security of eternal joy with unspeakable comfort of conscience. And such indeed are more happy and blessed than any living, who yet are usually in the Scriptures called blessed, even in the middes of the tribulations of this life. Whereby we see that these words, from hence forth they shall rest from their labours, may truly agree to them also that are in Purgatory, and so here is nothing proved against Purgatory. Lastly, this adverb, amodo, in Latin, as in the Greek ἀπάρτι, ^[2] doth not properly signify, from this present time forward, as though the Apostle had said, that after their death and so forward they are happy: but it noteth and joineth the time past together with the time present, in this sense, that such as have died since Christ's Ascension, when he first entering into heaven opened it for others, go not to Limbus Patrum, as they were wont before Christ's time, but are in case to go straight to bliss, except the impediment be in themselves. Therefore they are here called blessed, that die now in this state of grace & of the new Testament, in comparison of the old faithful and good persons.

• 1 The place abused against Purgatory, answered.
• 2 amodo ἀπάρτι Photius in Lexico.