There was a rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, and
fared sumptuously every day. But there was a poor man named Lazarus,
that was laid at his gate, full of sores, and he desired to be fed with
the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; yea, even the dogs came
and licked his sores. The poor man died, and he was carried away by the
angels into Abraham’s bosom. The rich man died also, and was buried.
When he lifted up his eyes in hell, being in torments, he saw Abraham
afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said: Father
Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of
his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this
flame. But Abraham answered: Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime
hast received thy good things, and Lazarus likewise evil things; but now
here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. Besides all this, between
us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they who would pass from
hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence
to us. And he said: I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest
send him to my father’s house--for I have five brothers--that he may
testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Abraham answered: They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
But he said: Nay, Father Abraham; but if one go to them from the dead
they will repent. Abraham answered: If they hear not Moses and the
prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rise from the dead.
(Luke 16:19-31.)