The Enchiridion 94

St Augustine of Hippo (AD 354–430) · De fide spe et charitate · PL 40, 230–290

94 The Saints Shall Know More Fully in the Next World the Benefits They Have Received by Grace PL 40, 275

Thus, when reprobate angels and men are left to endure everlasting punishment, the saints shall know more fully the benefits they have received by grace. Then, in contemplation of the actual facts, they shall see more clearly the meaning of the expression in the psalms, “I will sing of mercy and judgment;” for it is only of unmerited mercy that any is redeemed, and only in well-merited judgment that any is condemned.

In vita aeterna sancti plenius cognoscent quid eis contulerit gratia. Remanentibus itaque angelis et hominibus reprobis in aeterna poena, tunc sancti scient plenius quid boni eis contulerit gratia. Tunc rebus ipsis evidentius apparebit quod in Psalmo scriptum est, Misericordiam et judicium cantabo tibi, Domine ; quia nisi per indebitam misericordiam nemo liberatur, et nisi per debitum judicium nemo damnatur.

Philip Schaff (ed.), Buffalo/New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886-1889. Public domain: English translation first published 1885-1900 (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series). Latin: Migne, Patrologia Latina (1844-1855), public domain; transcription from Corpus Corporum (University of Zurich).