To: 
From: "Vern Humphrey" 
Reply-To: r_catholic-l{at}yahoogroups.com

This section from the Diary of Perpetua reminded me of our debate on
baptism for the dead:
****************************************************************************

7. A few days after, while we were all praying, suddenly in the midst of
the prayer I uttered a word and named Dinocrates; and I was amazed because
he had
never come into my mind save then; and I sorrowed, remembering his fate.
And straightway I knew that I was worthy, and that I ought to ask for him.
And I began to pray for him long, and to groan unto the Lord. Immediately
the same night, this was shown me.

I beheld Dinocrates coming forth from a dark place, where were many others also;
being both hot and thirsty, his raiment foul, his color pale; and the wound on
his face which he had when he died. This Dinocrates had been my brother in the
flesh, seven years old, who being diseased with ulcers of the face had come to a
horrible death, so that his death was abominated of all men. For him therefore I
had made my prayer; and between him and me was a great gulf, so that either
might not go to the other. There was moreover, in the same place where
Dinocrates was, a font full of water, having its edge higher than was the
boy's
stature; and Dinocrates stretched up as though to drink. I was sorry that the
font had water in it, and yet for the height of the edge he might not
drink. And I awoke, and I knew that my brother was in travail. Yet I was
confident I
should ease his travail; and I prayed for him every day till we passed over into
the camp prison. (For it was in the camp games that we were to fight; and the
time was the feast of the Emperor Geta's birthday.) And I prayed for him day and
night with groans and tears, that he might be given me.

8. On the day when we abode in the stocks, this was shown me. I saw that
place which I had before seen, and Dinocrates clean of body, finely
clothed, in comfort; and the font I had seen before, the edge of it being drawn
to the boy's navel; and he drew water thence which flowed without ceasing. And
on the edge was a golden cup full of water; and Dinocrates came up and began to
drink therefrom; which cup failed not. And being satisfied he departed away from
the water and began to play as children will, joyfully.

And I awoke. Then I understood that he was translated from his pains.


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