Wherefore, even this mystery is kept, to the last day of
delayed judgment."
[Footnote 51: Vol. ii. p. 222. Nondum enim receperunt laetitiam
suam, ne apostoli quidem, &c. But see Huetius on Origen, lib.
ii. q. 11. No. 10.]
[Footnote 52: He thinks it probable, that the saints departed
feel an interest in the welfare of men on earth. See vol. iv. p.
273.]
Modern Roman Catholic writers tell us, that we must consider Origen here
as only referring to the reunion of the soul with the body; but his
words cannot be so interpreted. The cause of the saints still waiting
for their consummation of bliss, is stated to be the will of God, that
all the faithful should enter upon their full enjoyment of blessedness
together.
Again: it may be asked, whether the following passage could have come
from the pen of one who prayed to the saints, as already reigning with
Christ in heaven.
"But now whether the saints who are removed from the body and are with
Christ, act at all, and labour for us, like the angels who minister to
our salvation; or whether, again, the wicked removed from the body act
at all according to the purpose of their own mind, like the bad angels,
with whom, it is said by Christ, that they will be sent into eternal
fires;--let this too be {147} considered among the secret things of God,
mysteries not to be committed to writing.
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