Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the adversaries of the sameQuestions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the aduersaries of the same

Forasmuch as we have¹ already plainly declared, that our adversaries err, even in the chefest point of this question, and that is, in the fire of Purgatory it self, because it hath no testimony in the Scripture, therefore I conclude the souls of the faithful can not there be punished, because there is no such thing: and therefore we need not pray for them after they be dead, or do any thing for them, saving only to make a reverend remembrance, ⟨image 89⟩and render thanks unto God, for that it hath pleased him to call them out of this world (in the true faith) unto his kingdom, and that it would please him to increase our faith, and so in time to couple us with our forefathers in eternal felicity. Furthermore we teach, that if we could do anything for their sakes, acceptable to God, and profitable to them, that then we ought to do for their wives, children, and kinsfolk. And I am not ignorant that many civill men are marvellously offended with us, because they think it very undecent, yea horrible, & a thing in no wise beseeming a christian man, that we not only do nothing to help our forefathers, but also speak & write against so ancient a custom (and as we ourselves know) so universally received and used. And therefore I heartily beseech all those, to hear and way those our reasons, which move us hereunto. For we do not this, neither cease we to pray for them, or neglect so usual things, because we love not our forefathers, or for that we care not for them, ⟨p. 79⟩