2 THE TREATISES OF CYPRIAN. shouldbefallthe sinner. We had been limitedand shutup intoa narrow spaceby the commandment of innocence. Nor would the infirmityand weakness of human frailtyhave any resource,unlessthe divinemercy, coming once more in aid, shouldopen some way of securingsalvationby pointingout works of justiceand mercy, so that by almsgivingwe may wash away whatever foulnesswe subsequentlycontract. 2. The Holy Spiritspeaks in the sacred Scriptures,and says,"By almsgiving and faithsins are purged."1 Not assuredlythose sinswhich had been previouslycontracted, forthoseare purged by the bloodand sanctificationof Christ. Moreover, He says again," As water extinguished fire,so almsgiving quencheth sin."2 Here also it is shown and proved,thatasin thelaverof savingwaterthefireof Gehenna isextinguished,so by almsgivingand works of righteousness the flameof sinsis subdued. And because in baptismre missionof sinsisgranted once for all,constantand ceaseless labour,followingthe likenessof baptism,once again bestows the mercy of God. The Lord teaches this also in the Gospel. For when the discipleswere pointedout,as eating and not firstwashing theirhands,He repliedand said," He that made that which is within,made also that which is without. But give alms, and behold all things are clean untoyou;"3 teachinghereby and showing,thatnot the hands are to be washed, but the heart,and thatthe foulnessfrom insideisto be done away ratherthan thatfrom outside; but thathe who shallhave cleansedwhat iswithin has cleansed alsothatwhich iswithout; and thatifthe mind iscleansed, a man has begun to be cleanalsoin skinand body. Further, admonishing, and showing whence we may be clean and purged, He added that alms must be given. He who is pitifulteachesand warns us that pitymust be shown ; and because He seeksto save thosewhom at a greatcostHe has redeemed, He teaches that those who, afterthe grace of baptism,have become foul,may once more be cleansed. 3. Let us then acknowledge,belovedbrethren,the whole some giftof the divinemercy ; and letus,who cannot be 1 Prov.xvi.6. -Ecclus.iii.30. 3Lukexi.41.