Part I, Chapter XIV

Sixth Meditation: On Judgment

Preparation

1. Place yourself before God. 2. Beseech him to inspire you.

Considerations

1. After the time God has prescribed for the duration of this world; after many dreadful signs and presages, which shall cause men to wither away through fear and apprehension; a fire, raging like a torrent, shall burn and reduce to ashes the whole face of the earth; nothing that exists shall escape its fury.

2. After this deluge of flames and of thunderbolts, all men shall rise from their graves, excepting such as are already risen, and at the voice of the angel they shall appear in the valley of Josaphat. But, alas! with what difference! for some shall arise with glorious and resplendent bodies; others in bodies most hideous and frightful.

3. Consider the majesty with which the Sovereign Judge will appear, surrounded by all the angels and saints. Before him shall be borne his cross, shining more brilliantly than the sun; a standard of mercy to the good, and of rigor to the wicked.

4. This Sovereign Judge, by his awful command, which shall be suddenly executed, shall separate the good from the bad, placing the one at his right hand, and the other at his left. O everlasting separation, after which these two companies shall never more meet together!

5. This separation being made, and the book of conscience opened, all men shall clearly see the malice of the wicked, and their contempt of divine grace; and, on the other hand, the penitence of the good, and the effect of the grace which they have received; for nothing shall be hidden. O good God! what confusion will this be to the one, and what consolation to the other!

6. Consider the last sentence of the wicked; “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels.” Ponder well these awful words. “Depart from me.” A sentence of eternal banishment against those miserable wretches, excluding them from his presence for all eternity. He calls them cursed. O my soul, what a curse! a general curse, including all manner of evils! —a general curse, which comprises all time and eternity! He adds, “into everlasting fire!” Behold, O my heart! this vast eternity. O eternal eternity of pains, how dreadful art thou!

7. Consider the contrary sentence of the good. “Come,” saith the Judge. O the sweet word of salvation, by which God draws us to himself, and receives us into the bosom of his goodness! “Ye blessed of my Father.” O dear blessing, which comprises all blessings! “Possess the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” O good God! what an excess of bounty! for this kingdom shall never have an end.

Affections and Resolutions

1. Tremble, O my soul! at the remembrance of these things. O my God! who shall secure me in that day when the pillars of heaven shall tremble for fear!

2. Detest your sins, which alone can condemn on that dreadful day.

Ah! I will judge myself now that I may not be judged then! I will examine my conscience, and condemn myself; I will accuse myself, and amend my life, that the eternal Judge may not condemn me on that dreadful day. I will, therefore, confess my sins, and receive all necessary advice.

Conclusion

1. Thank God, who has given you the means of providing for your security at that day, and time to do penance. Offer him your heart to perform it. Beg of him to give you the grace duly to accomplish it.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Make your spiritual nosegay.

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