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Objection 1: It would seem that this fire is not of the same species
as the corporeal fire which we see. For Augustine says (De Civ.
Dei xx, 16): "In my opinion no man knows of what kind is the
everlasting fire, unless the Spirit of God has revealed it to
anyone." But all or nearly all know the nature of this fire of ours.
Therefore that fire is not of the same species as this.
Objection 2: Further, Gregory commenting on Job 10:26, "A
fire that is not kindled shall devour him," says (Moral. xv):
"Bodily fire needs bodily fuel in order to become fire; neither can
it be except by being kindled, nor live unless it be renewed. On the
other hand the fire of hell, since it is a bodily fire, and burns in a
bodily way the wicked cast therein, is neither kindled by human
endeavor, nor kept alive with fuel, but once created endures
unquenchably; at one and the same time it needs no kindling, and lacks
not heat." Therefore it is not of the same nature as the fire that we
see.
Objection 3: Further, the everlasting and the corruptible differ
essentially, since they agree not even in genus, according to the
Philosopher (Metaph. x). But this fire of ours is corruptible,
whereas the other is everlasting: "Depart from Me, you cursed,
into everlasting fire" (Mt. 25:41). Therefore they are not
of the same nature.
Objection 4: Further, it belongs to the nature of this fire of ours
to give light. But the fire of hell gives no light, hence the saying
of Job 18:5: "Shall not the light of the wicked be
extinguished?" Therefore . . . as above.
On the contrary, According to the Philosopher (Topic. i, 6),
"every water is of the same species as every other water." Therefore
in like manner every fire is of the same species as every other fire.
Further, it is written (Wis. 11:17): "By what things a man
sinneth by the same also he is tormented." Now men sin by the
sensible things of this world. Therefore it is just that they should
be punished by those same things.
I answer that, As stated in Meteor. iv, 1 fire has other bodies
for its matter, for the reason that of all the elements it has the
greatest power of action. Hence fire is found under two conditions:
in its own matter, as existing in its own sphere, and in a strange
matter, whether of earth, as in burning coal, or of air as in the
flame. Under whatever conditions however fire be found, it is always
of the same species, so far as the nature of fire is concerned, but
there may be a difference of species as to the bodies which are the
matter of fire. Wherefore flame and burning coal differ specifically,
and likewise burning wood and red-hot iron; nor does it signify, as
to this particular point, whether they be kindled by force, as in the
case of iron, or by a natural intrinsic principle, as happens with
sulphur. Accordingly it is clear that the fire of hell is of the same
species as the fire we have, so far as the nature of fire is
concerned. But whether that fire subsists in its proper matter, or if
it subsists in a strange matter, what that matter may be, we know
not. And in this way it may differ specifically from the fire we
have, considered materially. It has, however, certain properties
differing from our fire, for instance that it needs no kindling, nor
is kept alive by fuel. But the differences do not argue a difference
of species as regards the nature of the fire.
Reply to Objection 1: Augustine is speaking of that fire with
regard to its matter, and not with regard to its nature.
Reply to Objection 2: This fire of ours is kept alive with fuel,
and is kindled by man, because it is introduced into a foreign matter
by art and force. But that other fire needs no fuel to keep it alive,
because either it subsists in its own matter, or is in a foreign
matter, not by force but by nature from an intrinsic principle.
Wherefore it is kindled not by man but by God, Who fashioned its
nature. This is the meaning of the words of Isaias (30:33):
"The breath of the Lord is as a torrent of brimstone kindling it."
Reply to Objection 3: Even as the bodies of the damned will be of
the same species as now, although now they are corruptible, whereas
then they will be incorruptible, both by the ordering of Divine
justice, and on account of the cessation of the heavenly movement, so
is it with the fire of hell whereby those bodies will be punished.
Reply to Objection 4: To give light does not belong to fire
according to any mode of existence, since in its own matter it gives no
light; wherefore it does not shine in its own sphere according to the
philosophers: and in like manner in certain foreign matters it does not
shine, as when it is in an opaque earthly substance such as sulphur.
The same happens also when its brightness is obscured by thick smoke.
Wherefore that the fire of hell gives no light is not sufficient proof
of its being of a different species.
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