This morning I have talked long with a holy man, opening my heart to him, that he might finally resolve my doubts.

I said to him: "Slaves who have committed a fault are punished that they may amend.

To what purpose is the punishment of the wicked after death, since there can be no amendment ?" and he replied: "My son, the wicked are punished in Gehenna that the just may feel gratitude to the divine grace which has preserved them from such a doom." "But," I objected, "ought not the just to pray for their enemies in such evil case ?" His answer was prompt: "The time for prayer is past.

The blessed concur in the judgment of God!"' Basil listened with bent head.
'Maximus,' he said presently, 'often doubted of eternal torment; and my cousin Decius has more than once confessed to me that he believes it not at all, being strengthened therein by his friend the philosopher Simplicius.

I, O Marcian, would fain think it a dream--yet there are evil doings in this world which make me fear that it may be true.' 'You have seen Bessas again ?' 'Yes.