will never make a sacrifice or
a work of satisfaction, and, indeed, satisfaction itself is more
of a human than a divine law.[25]

Therefore my advice is, let us hold fast to that which is
sure[26] and let the uncertain go; that is, if we would help
these poor souls in purgatory or any one else, let us not take
the risk of relying upon the mass as a sufficient work, but
rather come together to mass, and with priestly faith[27] present
every besetting need, in Christ and with Christ, praying for the
souls [of the departed], and not doubting that we will be heard.
Thus we may be sure that the soul is redeemed. For the faith
which rests on the promise of Christ never deceives nor fails.

[Sidenote: The Need for the Sacrament]

31. So we read that St. Monica, St Augustine's mother, on her
death-bed, desired to be remembered in the mass.[28] If the mass
were sufficient of itself to help everyone, what need would there
be for faith and prayer? But you might say, if this is true,
anyone might observe mass and offer such a sacrifice, even in the
open fields. For every one may indeed have such a faith in Christ
in the open fields, and offer and commit to Him his prayer,
praise, need and cause, to bring it before God in heaven, and
besides he may also think of the sacrament and testament,
heartily desire it, and in this way spiritually receive it. For
he who desires it and believes, receives it spiritually, as St.
Augustine teaches.[29]

What need is there then to observe mass in the churches? I
answer: It is true, such faith is enough, and truly accomplishes
everything, but how could you think of this faith, sacrifice,
sacrament and testament if it were not visibly administered in
certain designated places and churches? The same is true in the
case of baptism and absolution, although faith is sufficient
without them, where no more can be done; still if there were no
place for their administration, who could think of them and
believe in them, or who could know or say anything of them?
Moreover, since God has so ordered this sacrament, we must not
despise it, but receive it with great reverence, praise and
gratitude. For if there were no other reason why we should
observe mass outwardly and not be satisfied with inward faith
alone, yet were this sufficient, that God so orders and wills it.
And His will ought to please us above all things and be
sufficient reason to do or omit anything.

There is also this advantage: since