A treatise of the great and generall daye of iudgement necessarie for euerie Christian that wisheth good successe to his soule, at that great and terirble day. By Henrie Greenwood, Master of Arts, and preacher of the word of God. With an addition of certaine godly prayers the contents appeare in the next page.

A Treatise of the Great and general day of Iudgment : necessary for euery Christian that wisheth good successe to his soule , at that great and terrible day .

But I say vnto you , that of euery idle word that men shall speake , they shall giue an account thereof , at the day of ●udgement .

math. 12.36 .

MAn in regard of the corruption of his nature , through the fall of his greate Grandfather Adam ( who was the foyle of Mankinde , the parent of sinne , and the author of death to all his posteritie , forasmuch as wee were all In Iumbis Adama , In his Ioynes ) as hee is subiect to all sinnes whatsoeuer , , so is hee especially addicted to the sinne of securitie and carelesnesse . Therefore as Adam sleeping securely in his transgression , and hiding himselfe from the presence of the Lorde behinde the bush , had greate neede of that watchbell from God ( to rouse him from the sleepe of sinne , and to call him againe vnto God , Adam vbi es ? Adam where art thou ? Gen. 3.9 . So as necessary for euery sinful Adamite ( to raise him vp from the sleepe of sinne , wherein hee was borne ) is this notable Memento , this worthy rehearsall of the great and terrible day of doome . But I say vnto you , &c. which wordes of our Sauiour Christ , spoken to the scribes and pharisees ( who would not beleeue that be wrought this miracles by the powrful spirit of God , but slanderously and contemptuously tolde him to his face ▪ ( that hee did cast out diuels through Beelzebubs name . Mat. 12.24 are as much in effect , as if he had said on this manner : It account must be rendered at the daye of Iudgement of euery idle word that men shall speake , then much more of blaspheamous wordes : But I say vnto you that of euery idle worde that men shal speak , they shall giue account therof at the general day of Iudgement : Ergo much more of blasphemous wordes as yours are , in saying , that I cast out diuels through the name of Beelzebub .

So that these words of our Sauiour are nothing else but a true proposition and sound argument drawne A minore ad maius , whereby Christ doth prooue the greatnes of punishment that should befall the blaspheamous Pharisees , in regarde of the greatnesse of theyre sinne .

In which portion of Scripture , fowre things necessarily must be considered .

1 The persons that must giue account , who they bee . 2 Of what things these persons must giue an account . 3 To whome must this account bee giuen . 4 When this account must bee giuen .

The first part . 1 The persons that muste giue an account , they are expressed in this text in general , to be men . That men shall speake . Men , yea all men must giue an account , as wee may reade in the Epistle of Saint Paule , to the Corinthians :

2. c 1.5 , 10 Wee must all appeare before the tribunall seat of Christe , that euery man may receiue according to his works . All men none excepted , of euery age , of euery sex , and of euery nation , ritch and poore , Princes and common people , noble and ignoble , all that haue beene from the beginning of the worlde , and shall bee to the end of the same , shall appeare before Christs Iudgement seat , and giue an account , euery one for himselfe to God : Heb. 9 . 2● For ; It it is appointed vnto men once to die , and after that commeth iudgment , As it is therfore most sure , that al men must die so it is sure , that all men most come to iudgment .

Art. 7. This is the seuenth article of our faith to beleeue : that Christ shall come from heauen to iudge the quick and the dead : by the deade , all those are to bee vnderstoode that shall bee found dead at the second comming of Christ : by the quicke , all those are to bee vnderstoode , that shall bee found liuing at that his second comming . Augustine in his Enchirioson to Laurentius , August . chapter 55. sayth , that this article may bee expounded two wayes : eyther by the dead ( sayth be ) may be meant those that shall be found corporally dead : & by the quicke , those that shall be found corporally liuing at Christs comming : or ( saith hee ) by the dead may bee meant those , that bee dead in sinne , according to that in the Gospell of Matthew : Mat. 8.22 . Let the dead bury their dead : and by the quicke , those that be dead to sinne , and liuing by faith , according to that of the Prophet Abacucke : the iust shall liue by faith . Hab● . 2.4 . But this exposition is not agreeable to the simplicity of the Creed : Yet notwithstanding true it is , that both the godly and the wicked shall come to iudgement : for by the power of Christ all men shall be raised vp : the holy Angels with the greate sound of a Trumpet shal be sent forth into all the world , Mat. 24.31 and they shall gather togither the elect , from the fowre quarters of the earth , from one end of the heauen to the other : Then shall Christ separate the electe from the reprobates , Mat 13.40 the wheate from the Tares , the come from the cheffe , the Lambes from the Contes , the iust from the vniust .

So that you see that the godly and the wicked , yea all men whatsoeuer , shall appeare before Christs tribunall seate , and giue an accounte of themselues , and for themselues to the terrible Iudge .

Obiect Ioh. 3. ●8 . Ob. Som not withstanding may obiect against this doctrin deliuered , and say : as it to in Iohn , That bee that beleeueth in Christ , shall not be iudged , or shall not come into iudgement : and so by consequence all men shall not bee iudged .

Ans. To which I answer , that iudgment in that place of Iohn , Answer . ( as in many other places of sacred scriptures ) is taken for condemnation : in which sense true it is , that bee that beleeueth in Christ Iesus , he that is ingrafted into Christ by a true and aliuely faith , he that is flesh of his flesh , & bone of his bone , one with Christ , and Christ with him , by the spirituall coniunction of the Church with CHRIST , this party shall not come into iudgement , s●●l . Condemnationis , that is , of Condemnation , in iudgement he shall not bee confounded , condemned , or ouerthrowne : but he shall come in iudicium absolutionis : that is , Into the iudgement of absolution : In iudgement hee shall stand out , hauing on the white Robe of Christs righteousnesse , and beeing couered with the wedding garment of Regeneration . The trueth of which doctrine the Preacher affirmeth , saying : GOD will iudge the iust and the vniust . Eccle. 3.17 The iust vnto saluation , and the vniust to damnation .

Seing then that all must be brought to iudgement , let no man thinke with himselfe , that it may be possible for him to escape this dreadfull day : Psal. 139● 8.9 . whither shall hee flie from the presence of the Lord ?

If he ascendeth vp to heauen , God is there : if hee goe downe to hell , God is there also : if he take the wings of the morning , and she to the vttermost parts of the sea , God will finde him out there also : For God is euery where : hee is in heauen by his glory : hee is vppon the earth by his mercy , hee is in hell by his iustice : God is vbique & nulquam : he is euery where by his power and wisedome , but no where in respect of circumscription of place , being a spirit . In earthly and terrestriall courts , a man may haue his proctor ; but then wee must ( volentes nolentes , whether wee will or no ) personally appeare and pleade for our selues .

In terrestriall courts , bribes many times blind the eyes of the wise , and for a little greasing the fist of the Magistrate , many times small faults , nay ( by your leaue ) greate and scandalous crimes may be winked at : but at this great court of heauen , the Iudge will not be partial to any : for God hath no respect of persons : Rom 2 ▪ 11 Psal. 98.9 . hee will execute iust iudgement vpon all men : as the Psalmographer speaketh : With righteousnes will be iudge the world , and the people with equitle . Bribes , friends , intreaties , bowlings , cries , lamentations , nothing wil then preuaile , but a pure heart , and a spirits vpright : yea the damned in Hell confesse the same : a a a wisd. 5 , 8 quid profuit nobis superbia ? quid diuitiarum copia ? what hath pride profited vs ? or what hath the pomp of riches done vs good ? alas these cannot saue our soules .

Let the Atheist therfore mock God neuer to blasphemously : b. Act. 23 , ● let the Sadduces brag of no resurrection , no Angel , no spirit , neuer so schismatically : let the Epicure slug that cursed Epitaph of Sardanapalus neuer so beastly , Ede , lude , bibe , charum , praesentibus exple delicijs animum : post martem nulla voluptas : that is Eat , drink , play , be merry , live in al kind of plesure , for after death there is no pleasure . Yet notwithstanding let all these miserable wretches know , that there wil come a day , and the a dismal day , wherin they shall giue an account of euery idle word . Alas lamentable world , that men shoulde thus murther their dearest darlings , I meane their soules , which Christe hath holden so dear : that men should with Esau sel their birthright , Gen 25.33 . and heritage of heauen , for a messe of pottage of worldy pleasure : that men shoulde delight in wallowing ( with the sow ) in the myre of sin , 2 , Pet. 2.22 . and ( with the dog ) in swallowing the vomit of iniquity : & so purchase to their souls and bodies euerlasting torment in the lake vnquenchable : whereas they should aboue all things seeke the kingdome of God , and the righteousnesse therof , that they mighte haue heauenly mansions at the great day of account .

Let euery Christian therfore bewayle the wickednesse of this world & lament the iniquity of these dates : least it bee saide of vs , as of the carelesse and gracelesse Christian , Cadit afina , & est qui sublenet , perist anima , & nonest quirecogitat : If an asse falleth vnder his burthen , there be some that will diligently helpe it vp againe : but if a soule perish , no man regardeth it . Men are like the horse , asse , & mule that haue no vnderstanding : the more is the good mans griefe . Dauid his eyes gushed out into riuers of water , Psal. ●●● . ●37 . because men kept not gods law . The prophet Ieremy crieth out on this manner ▪ My belly , my belly , I am payned euen at the heart ; Ierem. 4 : 19 ●● I cannot be quiet becaus my people is a foolish people , they are wife to do euill , but to doe well , they haue no knowledge ,

That godly Matrone Monica sai● Augustine mother wayte daily , Monica and prayed for her sonne a conuersion ; for hee was before his conuersion a Manich●e .

So likewise it is the duty of euery Christian to desire the conuersion of their brethren , and to bewaile their wretched estates .

Sinne neuer more than in these our dais of the gospel , abounded : the gretest part of the world at Sathauists diuels in conuersation , worshippers of the vgly beast that hath seuen heads & ten horns , whose badge is blasphemy : Apo. 13.16 Eph. ● . 2 . of that damned serpent , the prince of the air : the grand enemy of mankind , that goeth vp and down like a roaring lion seeking whom he may deuoure . 1. Pet. 5.8 . Yea Saint Iohn saith , that Whatsoeuer is in the world , 1. Iohn . 2.16 . is either the concupiscence of the flesh , or the concupiscence of the eye , or the pride of life : hac tria pro trino numine mundus habet : this is The Trinity which the world doth worship : In stead of God the Father , God the Sonne , & God the holy Ghost : the world doth worship the diuel , the world and the flesh : the concupiscence of the flesh , that is , carnall l●turye : the concupiscence of the eye , that is , worldly couetousnesse & eche pri● of life , that is , diuelish ambition .

The way to hell is abroad & a wide way , & whole multitudes walk in the same : but few there be that can finde out the narrow way of an●m●t of life : the Heathen man could say this : Plurima pessima : the most are the worst : Anst . preciosa non sunt numer●sa , good men are od men : Wasps and hornets swarm , but few painfull bees are to be found , the treasure vp the hony of good works in the hiue of their hearts , and come laden home with the same , as Virgil writeth of the Bees : At fessamulta referuns se nocte minores , crura thymo plena . No maruail therfore , if Dauid cried out to the Lord for help in his daies : saying : Helpe Lot● , helpe , a psal , 12 , 1 for good and godly men decay . The world therfore may be compared to the earth . Compa .

Aske the earth , & it will tell thee , that it doth affordé much matter for base pets , but very little stuffe for Golde : ask the Gardner and he will tell thee that he hath more Nettles than Rases , more Weeds than flowers , more ●rambles than Vy● : you aske thine owne conscience , and it will tell thee , Note . that there is Magna pl●itudo hominum , sed magna solisudo homorum : id est , there is a great plenty of men , but there is a greate scarcity of goodmen . A good man is a Phenix , he is Rara anis in terris , Inuen . nigro●ua ●llima cyg●i A rare bird , a blacke ●an . Wee haue many couetous Chur●s that will ( with the foole in the Gospell ) commend their soules to Plutus that was colled of the b●athen , Deus diuitia● , The god of riches ; but more ●ly he is D●mon diuitiarum , the diuell ●f riches : and thinke themselues safe when they haue spoken peace to their souls on this manner : ●uk . 12.19 Soule take thy rest , for thou hast goods laid vp for many daies : making their chest their heauen , and their pictures their GOD . Wee haue many Achabs , Tyrannicall extortioners , deuourers of their brethren , eating them vp like bread . Many adulterers , as appereth by the great number of Bastardes in this Realme .

Many rebellious traytors and Antichristian conspirators ; as did appeare the last Nouember .

Many conceyted Herodes , many proude Nebuchadne●rs , and many vaine glorious I●bels , many swearers , forswearers , drunhardes , mocks-go●s , many wee haue ( in a worde ) damned belboundes , cursed ce●tifes , and most miserable miscre●ts

How little doe these lamentable wretches think of 〈…〉 of accoun● how little do they imagin of that ●ofull sentence , Goe from me ye cursed &c. the Lorde grant to all men ( on● with another ) his grace , that they may haue this Scripture alway sas●ding in their eares . Of euery idle word that men shall speake , they shall giue an account thereof at the daye of iudgement .

The consideration of this last day made Ierome afraide to offend : Whether I eate or drinke ( sayth hee ) or whatsoeuer I doe else , Iero. me thinks I heare this saying sounding in myne eares , Arise ye dead , and com to iudgement : The which when I consider , it makes mee quake and shake , and not dare to committ sinne , which otherwise I shoulde haue committed .

O that men woulde remember their ende , then they should neuer offend : O that men woulde alwayes set before their eyes the quatno● nonissima : the day of death , the day of iudgement , the ioys of heauen and the torments of hel : then would not men liue so loosely , but they would with al diligence worke out their saluation with feare and exembling : the which care of godlinesse the lord grant to al men Thus much shal suffice for this first part of this Scripture , namely , for the parties that shall giue an account , who they be , namely all men whatsoeuer . But I say vnto you that of euery idle word that men shall speake , they , &c.

The second part . 2 Of what things must we giue an account .

There must an account be made of many , yea of things innumerable , but especially of these fiue .

1 Of the thoughts of our hearts , according to that of Salomon , ●wis , 1 , 9 there shall inquisition be made for the thoughts of the vngodly , there shall not a wicked thought passe in iudgement .

If Adam had committed but one disobedient thought in heart against Almighty God , with full consent of will to haue performed the same , and though be had not actually broken Gods commaundement : it was necessarie that the se● Adam ( who is a rayser of our ruins , the ransom for our offences , and the restorer of life ) shold come , and suffer the cortures of hel [ as he did ] or els we with Adam had gone the high way to eternall 〈◊〉 . No marualle therfore if our Sauiour Christ accounted him an adulterer , that lusted after a woman , saying . Whosoeuer looketh on a woman to lust after her , Mat. 5 , 28 , hath committed adultery with her already in his heart . It is the malicious nature of the diuel [ as saith Barnard ] to in●ise men to mischiefe : Damorum est mala suggerere , Bernard . nostrum est non consentire . It is the property of the diuel to intice and suggest men to euill , & it is our partes , not to consent to his inticements , but to resist them manfully , according to that of Peter . b. b. 1. Pc. 5.9 Whom resist ye stedfast in faith . The diuell outwardly by the world , and inwardly by the corruption of our nature , doth daily allure vs to sinne : Now if we consent to those his wicked motions [ whether wee performe them outwardly in art , yea or no ] before God wee haue committed the sinne : according to that of Iohn ▪ a. a. Iob. 3.15 He that hateth his brother is a manslayer : because in will , in wish , and in desire be hath already slaine him , although be doth not bring it into outward act , either for feare of the lawe of man in that case , or for want of iust and ●e oportunity for the effecting therof . Yea the sin of thought , the sin conceiued in the heart of man , is not only a sin , but it is the roote & beginning of all sins whatsoeuer : for it is not that which goeth into man , Mat. 15.11 that defileth him , but that which commeth out of him , that is , that which procedeth from the heart of man .

The Diuell first suggesteth after suggestion , The la●er of sinne . commeth cogitation : after cogitation followeth affection : after affection , followeth delectation : after delectation followeth consent : ( Now is the sin of thought fully committed : ) after consent , followeth operation : after operation foloweth custom after custom followeth desperation : after desperation followeth defending of sins committed after defending of sinnes committed , followeth vaunting , boasting , and glorying in sinne , which is next to damnation it selfe : thus the heart is the fountain , from whence springeth all sinne whatsoeuer .

Yet haue wee not many wicked ones in this world , that think the sin of heart eye her to ●ee no sinne at all , or else , but asmall sin , that shall neuer bee broughte in question at the day of account ? But let al these know , that as of euery idle word , so of euery wicked and sinful thought conceiued and nourished within the hearte of man , with full consent to the performance of the same ( for there is no sinne that can be committed without consent had ) men , yea all men must giue an account .

I giue all men therefore ( to the good of their soules ) this good counsell of Salomon , Keepe thyne heart with all diligence , Prou. 4.23 . for thereout commeth life : if thou keepest it not diligently and warily , therout wil proceed death ▪ I meane , sinne whose wages is death , om. 6 23 The heart is a mill , alwais grinding either good corne or bad , either good thoughts or bad : therefore keep it diligently for thy soules sake ; let it meditate in the law of god day & night , abandon all wicked motions , that at the day of iudgement thou mayst bee pure bread , and fine manches , for the bread of life , Christ Iesus his table in heauen : the Lord grant this to me the writer , thee the reader , and to euery hearer of it .

2 We must giue an account of our words .

Word . Of euery idle word that men shal speak &c. Diuers of the learned writers haue diuersly commented of this idle word , what it shold be : one affirming one thing , another another thing . Therfore I wil ( in a word ) set down the opinions of some of them , not incongruent , neither disagreeable to the holy Scripture .

Greg. Gregory saith , that Verbum otiosum est , quod iusta necessitate , & pia v●●atate caret : That is ( saith he ) an idle word which is spoken eyther without iust necessity , or godly profit .

Ierome ● Ierome saith , that Verbumotiosū est quod sine v●elitate loquent● vel audientis profertur , that is [ saith he ] an idle word which is spoken either without edification of the hearer ; or speaker .

Basil . Basil . Omne verbum quod non cond●is ad propositam vtilitatem , vanū●st & otiosum , that is , Euery word , which belongeth not to an intended profit , is a vain and an idle word .

Maister Iohn Caluin saith , Calv. that Sermo otiosus pro inutili sumitur , qui nihil aedificationis vel fructus affert : id est , an idle word is taken for a word vnprofitable , for a word that bringeth with it no fruitful edification . So that from these descriptions of holy men . I doe describe an idle word on this manner .

Verbum otiosum est , quod ad bonam rem non pertinet : quod non facit ad gloriam dei vinentis : quod mutile est & infrugiferum : quod nec loquentem nec audientem aedificat : id est , An idle word is that which doth not appertaine to a proposed profit ; which tendeth not to the glory of the euerliuing God : which is vnprofitable & vnfruitful : which edifieth neither the bearer , nor the speaker . If then ( good brethren in christ Iesus ) so great account must be giuen , of euery idle , vain , & fruitles word ; what account ( thinke yee ) shall be giuen for swearing , cursing , banning and blaspheaming ?

What account shal the swearer giue , that hath not one word in his mouth but it is guarded with an execrable oath ?

How common ( alasse ) this sinne of swearing is , who knoweth not ? for the small infants and tender children in our streetes haue cursed outhes Ad vnguem At their fingers end , yea at their tongues end too . What account shall the cursing and ●anning tongue giue , that Cruelly , Disdainfully , Psal , 31 . 1● and Despightfully speaketh against his neighbour ? What account shall the blaspheamous person giue , that speaketh contemptuously of God , & saith that Christ did cast out Diuels throgh the name of Ecclzaeb●b ? 1. Pet 4.18 . If the iust shall scarce be saued , where shall the sinner appeare : If account must be made of euery idle word , Lord , what account shall they make , that rappe and vomiteous blasphemies against the terrible Iudge of Heauen and Earth ?

As men thinke and fondly imagine , that the sinne of thought ( vnles it proceed into outward act ) is but a small sinne : so likewise do they imagine of idle wordes , that they are but small sinnes , and a small account for them shall be giuen .

But let all the world knowe , that no sinne can be said to be smal in respect of it owne nature : for the least sinne that can bee committed in the world , is so weightie as , without repentance had , it will sink the sinner downe to the bottomlesse pitt of Hel. Yet not withstanding an idle worde in respect of other sinnes , maye bee said to be a smal sinne : yet as smal as it is , it is able to damme the soul for euer .

Wel therfore saith Petrus Damianus sermone secundo de vitio linguae : Pet. Dami Audiut lingua vaniloqua , audiat otiosa linguae , au diat & panescat , intelligat & pethorrescat sententiam horribilem , extremique iudicis terrorem &c. that is , Hear o vain babling tongue , heare ●o idle tongue , heare and tremble , vnderstand , and quake , at the hearing of the terrible day of iudgement : he that hath hands to slay , hath hee not cates to heare● he saith , that of euery idle worde that men shall speak ; they shall giue an account therof at the day of iudgement :

Although an idle word be a small sinne in respect of greater sinnes , yet neuertheles an innumerable company of idle words , congested , accumulated , and heaped vp together , they wil make a nighty sinne . Quid peuna lenius ? quid milt● breuius ? What is lighter then a feather ? and what is shorter than the seed ●ill ? Yet notwithstanding an innumerable company of feathers truffed vp together , wil break the po●ters back . Exo. 8 , 2.4 . Smal wer the gnats that troubled Pharao , yet they being innumerable ouer came proud Pharao and all the power of Egypt . An hour is but a short time , but D●m horae horae continua successiona congeritur : While on houre by continual succession is added to another , the whole cours of our liues is finished Quid sax● durius , quid aqua liquidius ? What is harder then a stone , and what is softer then the water ? Yet a wise man saith , Poet. ●ita cauat lapidem , consimitur an●us vsu : that is , Water by continuall droppes doth eate vp the stone , and a Ring by continuall vse is worne in pocces . So an idle word , although it be but a small sin , yet many a little makes a mickle , many of them heaped vp together make an intolerable lump .

At hath beene , is , and euer will bee the fond nature of man , to imagine sinne a greate deale lesser than indeed it is . A man would thinke that Adam ( through the diuels suggestion , Gen. 3.6 . and through the abuse of his own free wil ) Eating of the forbidden fruite , had committed but a small trespasse : yet hee was guilty of euerlasting torment for the same . A man would thinke , Nu. 15.36 . that that poore man had committed but a small sin in gathering chips ( of meere necessitie ) on a Sabbath day : yet hee was by the law stoned for his labour . A man would think that Peter had giuen his maister good counsell , Mat. 16.22 23. ( when as Christ told him that he must goe to Ierusalem , & there suffer many things : ) saying , Maister fauour thy selfe , and goe not : yet he was called Sathan for his labour . Act. 5.35 . A man would thinke that Ananias and Saphira had committed but a small sinne , when as they did detaine parte of the Apostles money , for feare of afterclaps , and protested the contrary with a lye : yet they died both suddenly at the feete of Peter . So a man would thinke , that an idle word were but a smal sinne yet Christ saith heere , that a great account muste bee made for the same ; For by thy words thou shalt bee iustified , and by thy wordes thou shalt bee condemned . Ma. 11.3.5 Seeing this is true , it behooueth euerie man to set a watch before the doore of his lippes , and to keepe his tongue from idle and euill words , that he may obtaine that blessednesse : Eccl. 14.8 blessed is he that hath not fallen by the words of his mouth .

3 We must giue an account of our workes : Works . 1. cor. 5.10 Ecle . 12.14 as it appeareth to the Corinthians : Wee muste all appeare before the iudgement seat of Christe , and there receiue according to our works . Againe the Preacher saith : that God will bring to iudgement , euery worke , with euery secret thing , whether it bee good or euill . Hee that hath liued in sinne shall receiue the reward of sinne , which is death and damnation ; and he that hath liued in faith and amendment of life , shal receiue a crowne of glory , whi●h the Lord will giue him at that day .

It is the duty therefore of euery Christian to labour and endeauour with all diligent carefulnesse to liue toell , that at the day of iudgement , he may speed well . 〈◊〉 bene vmore , that is , liue well , shoulde bee the delightsome poesie , & sweete perfumed Nosegay of euery christian : thus liue wel , that thou maiest die wel , and after death eternally speed well , obtayning that blessednesse , Blessed are they that die in the Lord .

4 Wee must giue an account of our temporall goods . Goods . howe wee haue gotten them whether iustly , or vniustly : how we haue spent them , whether we haue cloathed the naked with them , or whether we haue made naked the cloathed for them . howe wee haue disposed them , least there bee any debate for them after wee bee gone : therefore Esay telling Ezekia that hee should not liue but die , saith : Esay . 38.1 Dispone domum tuam , &c. Set thine house in order , for thou must not liue but die . Howe then shall those griping vultures make an account , that haue by oppression vndone their brethren ? The worlde is grown so hard bearted , that men will rather suffer their brethren to starue in the streets , than to succour or relieue them : the dogs shall haue the remnant of the ritch mans Table , Iuk 16 21. before poore Lazarus shall haue one crumme that falleth from the same . How shall these flinty heartes looke for one dramme of mercy at the daye of iudgement ? Let them look with what measure they haue measured to others , it shall be measured to them againe : let them know that it they will stoppe their ears at the cry of the poore , they shall crie themselues , and shall not bee heard : if they will bee partakers with the Saints of the ioys of heauen , their brethren must be partakers with them of their wealth on earth : for this is to treasure vp treasures in heauen , to layout their treasures on earth .

Let men therefore so vse their temporall goods , and worldly ritches , as they may at the daye of account receiue a crowne of immortall glory .

5 We must giue an account of the time wherein wee liue , Time . and of our seuerall vocations , how wee haue imployed our selues in the same .

Saith Bernard : Omne tempus tibi impensum requiretur á te , Ber. qualiter fuerit expensum : id est . All the time that God hath giuen thee , shall bee required at thy hands , how thou hast spent it : Whether in the seruice of God or in the seruice of Sathan .

The Prince must giue an account , how hee hath gouerned his kingdome : whether hee hath ( as it becommeth Gods vicegerent ) mildly , louingly , and carefully trained his subiects vp in the worship of GOD : or as a bloodie Nero , and hard-hearted Tyrant cruelly oppressed them . The ministers of the word of God ( who haue taken vppon them curam animarum , the charge of soules ) must giue an account , how they haue be haued themselues in their ministerie : whether they haue preached Christ for Christ , that is , for the conuersion of sinners to Christ , or ( as hirelings ) for lucre and gaine of worldlye trash : whether they haue fedde their flocks carefully , or fed vpon their flocks couetously . The Magistrate must giue an account , how he hath behaued himselfe in his magistracy : whether hee hath sought the maintenance of vertue , and the confusion of vice : or hath ( his eyes beeing blinded with siluer scales ) maintained iniquity , and oppressed the innocent . The housholder , how hee hath gouerne● his family : whether in reading of holy Scriptures , and prayer , to the praise and glory of God ; or in reading of foolish fables , in gaming , dicing , playing , swearing and such like . Yea euery man must giue an accounte of the time spent in his seueral calling , from the highst to the lowest . Let euery Christian therefore beware of mispend●ng his time , liuing in security loosly , and of loosing his time securely , & carelesly : for there will come a day when for euery houre of thy life thou shalt giue an account , how thou hast spent it : according as Salomon telleth the carelesse liuer : Reioyce O young man in thy youth , cheere thy hearte in the dayes of thy youth , and walke in the wayes of thine hearte , and in the sighte of thyne eyes : but know that for all these thinges GOD will bring thee to iudgement . Time lost can neuer bee recouered , the houre past cannot bee recalled : time is painted like an olde man hauing a locke of hayre on the former parte of his head , but balde on the hinder part ; to signifie , that men should lay hold of time comming , and make much of it when they haue it : for being once gone , it can neuer bee recouered . Aug. Augustine confesseth that hee spent his time idlely when hee stoode gazing and looking on a Spider , howe thee catcht a flye in her net : But alas , men in these daies do not onely spend their time in idlenes ( which is a shamefull fault amongst Christians ) but also in all manner of euill : Amos 6. ● They put off from them the euill day , namely the day of death and iudgement , and boldly approach to the seate of iniquity : a matter much to be lamented .

Let euery Christian therefore haue a care of the expence of time , least ( had I wist ) comes too too late : for the damned in hell if they had this fauoure of God , to liue on the earth againe , and to haue hell broken loose ( which they shal neuer haue granted ) they would liue so strictly , as they might bee Chronicled for admirable spectators to the whole world . Exemp. It is the duty therfore of euery man , to imitate that person , that vigilant person , that carried alwaies about with him in his pocket a little clocke , and when hee heard it sound , hee would instantly examine himselfe how he had spent that houre : thus should Christians examine themselues , that they may neuer bee examined of the Lord , iudge themselues that they may neuer be iudged of the Lord , and account with themselues , that they may neuer be brought to an account of the Lord . Thus much for the second part of this text , namely , of what thinges we must giue an account .

But I say vnto you , of euery idle worde , &c. Before I speak of the third parts of this text , namely of the Iudge , to whom wee must giue an account , I thinkest very necessary to speake of a few things , which beeing wel considered , wee may bee able to abstaine from idle words , and shall haue the lesse account to make at that day . Three things therefore there are , which being performed , we shall abstaine from idle words .

1 A man must consider what he speaketh 2 To whom he speaketh . 3 When he speaketh .

1 What hee speaketh : Quid Peter telleth vs what we ought to speak in his first Epistle : 1. Pc. 4.11 Jf any man speak let him speak as the words of God . Againe Paule to the Ephesians saith : Epes . 4.29 Let no corrupt communication proceede out of your mouth , but that which is good to the vse of edifiing , that it may minister grace to the hearer . So that we ought to speake aboue all things of God and his word , of good and honest matters , if wee will shew our selues to be true Christians , and abstinent from idle words . Wee shoulde say with Dauid , Psal. 34.1 . I will alwaye giue thanks to the Lord , his praise shall be in my mouth continually . Iob. 27.4 . We should resolue with Iob and say : My lippes surely shall speak no wickednesse , and my tongue shall vtter forth no deceipte : then shall we vse our tongues to that purpose , to which they were created .

The tongue in Hebrew is called : Kebod : id est , gloria Glory ; because it is an instrument to sing forth the glory of God vpon earth . If wee vse our tongues to this purpose , then may wee truely say with the Poet , Lingua quid melius ? Poet. What is better then the tongue ? But if it bee abused to the dishonour of Almighty God , if it bee an vntamed member , vttering out idle , and euill words : then may wee conclude with the Poet , and say , Lingua quid p●es eadem ? What is worse than the tongue ?

Let euery Christian therefore shew himselfe ( as hee professeth ) a Christian in his speeche : Mat. 12 . 3● For out of the aboundance of the heart , the mouth speaketh . Euen as the heart standeth affected , so is the speach of euery man : For Lingua est mentis interpres : the tongue is the interpreter of the mind : the chaste man speaketh chastly and honestly , the wanton speaketh lewdely and luxuriously : the enuious person speaketh bitingly and bitterly . Euen as by his speeche a man may bee knowne what countriman hee is : so a man by his speeche may bee knowne to what kingdome he belongeth .

There are three kingdoms & men by their talke may be known to which of these they belong . There is , 1. Three kingdoms . Prouincia coelestis , the kingdome of heauen : and the speach of this country is praising of God , talking of his worde , giuing of thankes for the greate benefits wee haue receiued , and speaking of diuine and heauenly matters : hee therefore that speaketh on this maner ( Id que non hypocritice that is , Not hipocritically . For Simulata sanctitas , duplex inquitas : counterfeit holinesse is double vngodlines ) surely appertaineth to the kingdome of heauen .

2 There is prouincia terrestris : the kingdome of earth , and the sp●ach of this country is talking of terrene end earthly matters ●●ozling with the mole in the Cranies terrarumque poris , and in the pores of the earth , quite contrary to the nature of man : Ouid. for Os homini sublime dedit ( saith the Poet ) coelumque tueri inssit : God gaue man a lofty face , and bad him looke aloft , and hold vp his head toward heauen . According to that of Iohn : Qu●de terra est , de terra loquitur : He that is of the earth , speaketh of the earth . Iob. 3.31 . 1. Iohn . 4.5 And againe , They are of the world , therfore speak they of the world .

3 There is prouincia infernalis : The kingdome of Hell : and the language of this countrey is , swearing , forswearing , cursing , banning & blaspheming : if therfore thou seest such a one , it is to be feared that he belongeth to the prouince of hell . Thou therefore that wouldest belong to Gods thrice blessed kingdome , thou that wouldest abstaine from idle words , & so haue the lesse account to make ; thou must beware what thou speakest , thou must talk of God & of his word , of holy & heauenvly matters .

2 He that would abstaine from idle words , must consider , to whom he speaketh : if hee speaketh to a foole , be must vse fewe wordes , for hee spendeth his breath in vaine : if he speaketh to a froward and contentious person , hee must vse mild and gentle words : or else bee taketh the bellows to quench the fire : if he speaketh to a wise man , hee must vse no vaine Cautologies , or needlesse repetitions : for frustrà fit per plura , quod fiers potest per paucior●t . It is in vaine to vse many words , when we may as wel be conceiued in few . If these things be not considered , we may ( yea speaking of diuine and holy matters ) offend in idle words .

3 If wee would abstaine from idle words , wee must also consider when to speake : saith Salomon : Eccles. 3. ● There is a time to speake , and a time to hold ones peace . Saith one : there is a time when something may be spoken , & there is a time when nothing may be spoken , but there is no time when all things may be spoken . These three things wel considered of vs , we shal abstaine from idle words , and haue the lesse accounte to make at the day of iudgement . Againe euery Christian , as he ought to imitate Christ in al things , so he ought to imitate him in his words : Gregorie saieth , that Omnis Christi actio nostra debet esse instructio , id est , Euery action of Christ ought to be to vs an example of imitation . Greg. Christ had three things in his wordes worthy of consideration , which wee must likewise labor to haue , if we will abstaine from idle words .

1 He had veritatem in verbis : trueth in his words : yea he reporteth of himselfe in John : that he is , via , voritas , Iohn . 14.6 & vita : the way , the truth , and the life . He therefore that speaketh truth to his neighbour , sheweth himselfe to bee the child of Christ Iesus , the fountaine and origo of al truth : but he that speaketh ●asings : and vttereth forth lies , sheweth himselfe to be the childe of the diuel , the author & originall of all lies . 2 Christ had vt in verbis : profit in his words : as he spake truly , so he spake profitably : he neuer spake one idle or vnprofitable word throughout the whole course of his life , which was aboue 32 years . 3 Christ had moderamen in verbis A mean in his word● the neuer was in words excessi●e , and when iust and necessarie occasion was offered , hee was neuer deficient , but Ladie meane I meane golden vertu● drew forth his well contriued wordes out of the rich content of his euer-flowing heart , He fulfilled that saying of Iesus the son of ●h : the wordes of the wise are weighed in a ballance . ●cclesiasti 21.25 .

In these three thinges should euerie one imitate Christ Iesus , and then wee should abstaine ( as hee did ) from idle , vaine , friuolous , and vnprofitable words , for which a great account must be giuen : the which imitation of Christ , the Lord for Christ his sake , graunt to all men , that they being like vnto him may bee receiued to reigne with him , and his holy Angels in the thrice happie heauens at that day , Amen .

But I say vnto you , Text that of euery idle word that men shall , &c.

3 To whome this account must bee giuen : The third part . although in this scripture the Iudge is not expresly mentioned , yet notwithstanding quod subintelligitur non d●est : that which is vnderstoode is not wanting : and therefore not to bee omitted .

This Iudge therefore before whose tribunall seat all mankinde must appeare , it is Christ : for he was annointed of his father into a triple office : to be a Priest after the order of Melchisedech . to be a Prophet after the order of Dauid : to be a King after the order of Salomon . Therfore Christ , as hee is king ouer all in heauen and earth , is this iudge before whome wee muste all appeare : the truth of this is euident in the Epistle of Saint Paule to the Corinthians : We must all appeare before the tribunall seate of Christe , 2. Cor. 5.10 &c. Wee read also in Iohn , that the father iudgeeth no man , but hee hath committed all iudgement to his sonne . And in Mathew it is written , that all power is giuen to Christe in heauen and in earth . Iohn . 5 , 22 Math. 28.18 . Ps. 2.7.8.9 This was prophecied of him in the Psalme . Thou art my sonne , this day haue I begotten thee : aske of mee , and I wil giue thee the heathen for thine inheritance , and the ends of the earth for thy possession : thou shalt crush them with a Scepter of iron , and breake them in peeces like a potters vessel . And againe in another place : Sit thou at my righte hand , Psal. 110 , 1 vntill I make thine enemies thy footstoole . Yea , it is an article of our faith , to beleeue that Christ shall come againe to iudge the quicke and the dead .

Iudge , Christ is therfore the iudge : yea he is the vorus Index , a righte Iudge : for this word Index , that is Iudge , is as much as ius dicens : id est One that speaketh iustice : and Iudice : that is , to iudge , is as much as , ius dice : to speak iustice , and iudicium , that is , iudgement is as much as iurisdicium , if I may so terme it , that is a iust and righte speech .

So Christ being an vprighte iudge maintaineth iustice in iudgement : hee is a iudge that will vse no partialitie , but will reward euery man according to his works : he is a iudge that hath no respecte of persons . Rom ▪ 2 , ● Men in this world may fitly be compared to actors of a Comedie vpon a stage : Whereto one acteth that part of a Prince , another of a Duke , another of an Earl , another of a noble man , another of a Gentleman , another of a Magistrate , another of a merchant , another of a countriman , another of a seruant : one acteth one part , one another ; & so long as they are vpon the stage , so long there is respect [ according to their parts ] one of another amongst them : but when the Comedie is ended , and the stage pulled downe , then there is no such respect amongst them : yea many times he that played the basest part , is the best man .

So likewise , so long as men art sundry parts vpon the stage of this earth , that is , so long as men doe liue in seuerall vocations , so long there is respect amongst men , and that worthily : but when as the Come die shall bee ended , that , is , the day of doome shal come vpon all men , when as the stage shall be pulled downe , that is , the earth shall bee chaunged ( for the earth shall neuer bee brought ad non ens , to nothing ; but onely the corruptiue qualities shall bee consumed : ] then shall there bee no respecte of persons amongest men : yea it may bee that the poore man shall be greater before God than the rich man . Yea and Besides all this , vpon the earth GOD hath no respecte of persons [ although there bee respecte amongest men ) but euery man shall receiue according to his workes , the Prince as wel as the subiecte , the rich as well as the poore .

If a Iudge then should come into a citie , & should iudge the greatest part of the citty to death , sparing no man , nec precio , nec prece , neither by bribes nor intreaties , would not euery man in that Citty be in great perplexity and feare ? so feare this Iudge , who shall come with thousandes of Angels in greate Pompe , Maiestie , and Glorie , into the citty of this world , and iudge the greatest part of mankinde to death , and damnation , sparing no man , neither pretto , nor prece , neyther by bribes , nor yet by intreaties , a Iudge that wil vse no partiality , A Iudge that is able to destroy both bodie and soule in hell are for euermore : feare this iudge , Iam. 4.12 . this terrible Iudge , this iust Iudge , this strict Iudge , that wil not suffer one idle word to escape in iudgement : thou that hast offended this Iudge by thy manifolde transgressions , thou that hast deserued for them euerlasting torments in the pit of hell , feare him : quake and tremble before him at the hearing of this hard saying : But I say vnto you , that of euery idle words that men shall speake , they shall giue account thereof at the day of iudgement .

If Paule a chosen vessel , and a faithful seruant of Iesus Christ , was afraide of this iudgement : if the iust and vprighte man Iob cried out and said : Iob. 31.14 Quid agam , quò me conuertam cum venerit dominus ad iudicandum ? What shall I doe , O whither shall I tu●ne me , when the Lord commeth to iudgement ? Hil●ion . If blessed Hilary ( who from the fourteenth yeere of his age serued the Lord in singlenesse of heart , and in sincerity of life to his liues end ) was afraid of this day : as it appeareth by his speach vpon his death-bed : Egredere anima , agredere : quid times ? quid dubitas ? that is , Goe forth O soule , goe forth , why art thou afraid ? why doubtest thou ? thou hast serued Christ these seuentie yeares , & art afraid now to depart ? If these holy men were afraide of this terrible day : how oughtest thou ( O sinner ) that art defiled with sinne from top to toe , that hast not serued thy God ( as thou oughtest ) one daye in 70. yeares , how oughtest thou to quake and tremble ? 1 Pc. 4.18 if the iust shall scarce bee saued , where shalte thou ( poore wretch ) appeare ?

Ex. 16.18 . If the people of Israell trembled at the presence of God on mount Sinai , when the Lorde gaue vnto them his lawe , and ( as a Scheolemaister , ) read a lecture to all the world : how terrible will his presence bee when hee shall come and exact this lecture at thy handes , howe thou hast conned the same ? Apo. 1.17 Dan. 8.17

If Iohn and Daniel , at the sight of a mild Angel , fel vpon the earth as dead : how shalt thou ( poore sinner ) indure the presence of this terrible iudge ? If Haman could not abide the angrie countenance of King Ahasuerosh : how shalt thou ( O wicked man ) abide the angrie countenance of this frowning iudge ? If Adam , Hest. 7.6 . Gen. 3.8 . for the commission of one sinne , ranne from god in greate feare , and hid himselfe behinde the bush : whither shalt thou ( O sinfull Adamite that haste committed as many sinnes as starres in skye , as haires on head and sands by sea . Immò horum numerus numero non clauditur vllo : Yea the number of them is not to bee numbred ) whither ( I say ) shalte thou desire to runne ? and where shalte thou wish to hide thy selfe from this terrible iudge ? O ( saith Augustine ) mallent impii esse in inferno , quàm videre faciem irati indicis ; The wicked had rather be tormented in hell , than see the face of this feareful iudge . Aug. Then shalt thou cry to the mountaines : Cadite super me : Fall vpon mee : Apoc. 6.16 and to the hilles : Abscondite me à facis sedentis super thronum , & ab ir a agni : id est , Hide mee from the face of him that sitteth vppon the throne , and from the wrath of the Lamb.

Then shall the booke bee opened , videlicet , the euidence of thy workes in this life , recorded freshly in the testimonye of thyne owne conscience , and in the true and infallible memory of Gods eternall wisedome : then shall thy sinnes bee sett in order before thyne eyes : Psal. 50.21 Psal. 50.4 . Rom. 2.15 . heauen and earth shall witnesse , against thee , yea thyne owne conscience shall condemne thee : and conscientia est mille testes : Thy conscience is a thousand witnesses to condemne thee . The Diuell shall pleade hard ( most pitifull wretche ) for thy soule and body , accusing thee on this manner : O iudex iustissime , O most iust iudge , thou hast in the aboundaunce of thy loue suffered many tormentes of hell vpon the Crosse at Golgotha , for the redemption of this wretche : thou hast offered him ( times innumerable ) redemption , iustification , and endlesse happinesse : yet neuerthelesse hee hath despised thee , and hated thy instruction , and hath chosen rather to followe mee , then thee , rather to walke in iniquity after my example , then in holynesse of life after thyne , hee hath chosen to bee my seruant , rather than thyne : therefore what remayneth , but that thou shouldest refuse him , that refused thee , and that I should receiue him to euerlasting torments , that hath hitherto serued mee .

When thou ( poore soule ) shalte heere this pitifull Plea , and confesse the same to bee too true , what shall become of thee , or whither shalt thou turne thee for comfort ? Alacke , alacke , thou shalt haue no hope of saluation : for aboue thee , thou shalt see the iudge angry with thee for thy sinnes , and the blessed Angels reioycing and laughing at thy destruction : benethe thee , thou shalt see hell open , and the fierye fornace ready to receiue thee to torment : on thy right hand shall bee thy sinnes accusing thee : on thy left hand the diuells readye to execute Gods iudgements vpon thee : within thee shall lye thy conscience gnawing : without thee the damned crue bewatling : on euery side fire burning : and then shalt thou receiue this lamentable sentence : Goe from mee ye cursed into euerlasting fire , Mat , 25 41 which is prepared for the diuell and his Angels : Goc . Euery one of these wordes are able to cut thy heart a sunder . Go from me : hitherto I haue beene a Father to thee : I haue bestowed many comfortable benefits vppon thee : I haue had great care of thee : but now goe from mee into torments inexpressible : where thou shalt cry vnto mee , but I will not beere thee : in torment shalt thou lye comfortlesse : in hell thy torment shall bee endlesse : I will put a gulfe betweene thee and mee , to make thy torments remedilesse : thou shalt bee dying alwaies , yet neuer dead : thou shalt seeke death , Apoc. 9.6 . Luk. 6.25 . but neuer finde it : thou shalt bee burning alwaies , yet neuer burnt to death : thy meate shall bee griping hunger , and famine intollerable : Psal. 11.6 . Mat. 13 . 4● thy drinke shall bee lakes of fire and brimstone : thy musicke shall bee howling and roaring of crying Diuels , and weeping , wayling , and gnashing of teeth .

Yee cursed : Yee Cur● thou hast beene called hitherto by renowned and glorious titles : as Prince , Duke , Noble , Reuerend , Maister , &c.

but now thou shalt haue an other title : thou shalt be called cursed : cursed shalt thou be of God , whose curse is panarum inflictio : id est punishment : cursed shalt thou be of all the blessed Angels in heauen : whose curse is conscientiae cruciamen , id est vexation of thy conscience ; cursed shalt thou bee of all the diuels in hell , whose curse is poenarum executio , id est : the execution of thy punishment prescribed ; according to that of the poet ; Minos examen , Radamanthus dat cruciamen ; tertius heu frater tertia iura tenet : id est , One diuell rippeth vp thy examination , another diuell tormenteth thee , the third is not behinde to adde one torment to another vppon thee . Cursed moreouer shalte thou bee of all the damned crue , whose curse , is poenarum aggrauatio , id est : the augmentation of thy torment : thus cursed shalt thou bee of all thinges for euermore . Jnto euerlasting fire : O miserable torment ! there were some comforte to the damned soule , if these torments should haue end : but that shall neuer bee : O miserable wretche , thou shalt bee bound hand and foote , and cast into this euerlasting fire , Into euerl . fire . Mat. 22.13 in respect of which fire , all earthlye elementall fire is but as fire painted on a wall ; thy tormentes shall be endlesse , easelesse and remedilesse .

Which is prepared . Which is prepared for the diuell and his Angells : Heauen was prepared for thee , and not Hell : thou wert borne to glory , and not to torment ; but because thou hast chosen to followe the Diuell and not mee , therefore , Goe from mee yee cursed into euerlasting fire which is prepared for the diuell , and thee his wicked Angell ; where thou shalt lye weeping , and wailing , and gnashing of thy teeth for euermore .

The consideration of these things shoulde stirre vp euerye Christian to looke about him , to bee carefull and circumspect to all his wayes , that hee treade not his shooe awry at any time , that he offend not this fearefull iudge , in any thing : that at this day of iudgment hee may finde him a gentle and louing Lambe , and not a Lyon of Iuda : for as to the wicked this iudge is terrible , so to the godly hee is a friendly and a welcome Iudge : as to the wicked the day of iudgement is a daye of desolation , a day of cloudes and blacknesse ; so to the godly , Zeph , 1.15 it is a day of redemption , yea the godly shall leape for ioy at that day , and for the comming of that eternall daye , Apoc. 6.9 10. the blessed spirits in heauen cry out saying : how long Lord ? and the blessed ones vpon earth desiring the comming of this day also ; saying with Paule , Cupimus dissolui & esse cum Christo , id est , Phil. 1.23 . Apoc. 22. Wee desire to bee dissolued , and to bee with Christ ; and praying with Iohn , Veni Domine Iesu ; Come Lord Jesus , come quickly .

Let euery Christian therefore so lead his life , that it may goe well with him at that day ; What if J haue all the world , Math. and loose my soule at that day , what doth it profit me .

If a man be called to appeare before some earthly iudge , hee will haue an especial care to array himself in the best manner hee may , and to be haue himselfe accordingly , that hee may bee the better accepted of him : So euery Christian against the daye of iudgement , when hee must appeare before the king of Kings , and iudge of all the worlde , must haue an especiall care to put on the wedding garment of Christs righteousnesse and regeneration , least hee bee sent packing to Hell with the wicked and all those that forget God .

〈◊〉 2. Mordecay , because he went basely in sackcloth , could not bee permitted to come into the Kings pallace : and doest thou thinke ( whatsoeuer thou art ) that thou shalt be admitted into the glorious Pallace of the King of heauen , hauing on the stinking , defiled , & abhominable garment of impurity , and the menstruous cloath of iniquity ? no , no , the Lord will spue thee out of his mouthe a stinking carkas stinketh not to before men , as a polluted sinner in the nostrells of almighty God .

Nebuchadnezzar woulde haue no children in his Pallace , but those that were wise and beautifull : Dan. 4. and doest thou think , that the King of heauen and earth will haue any fooles , that is sinners ( for the sinner is called a foole in the Scripture : the foo●e ●ath said in his heart , Psal. 14.1 . there is no God ) to dwell with him in his Pallace ? or doest thou think that any vgly person shall bee suffered there ? that is any sinner ( for the sinner is an vglye and abhominable thing in the sight of God ) , no : the Lord will entertaine none into his kingdome , but such as are beautifull , shining in holinesse , purity , and righteousnesse , as the portalls of the burnisht sunne : such as are without spot or wrinckle , Omnino ad imaginem suam : altogither like vnto him : holy as hee is holy , pure as hee is pure : such will the Lord haue in his kingdome to sing Halleluiah : Saluation and glory , and honor , Apo. 19.1 . and power be to the Lord our God .

Therefore as the theefe is exceeding prouident , and very carefull how hee may aunswere the Iudge at the barre : and as in earthlye courtes men will be very carefull to prouide an answere against they bee called : yea and will make some friende to the iudge , that they may speede the better : So likewise euery Christian soule shoulde carefully prouide a good aunswere againste hee bee cited by the Apparitour death , to appeare before Christe at the generall Courte of Heauen : And that then it may goe well with him , let him get some friend to mooue the iudge in his behalfe , as he tendereth the welfare of his deare soule : and who must that friende bee ? Not Mary , nor Peter , but it muste be Christ Iesus , that sitteth at the right hand of his father in glory , and maketh daily intercession for the sinnes of the whole worlde . Get him for thy Proctour ( who offereth himselfe to al ) and then happie shalt thou bee : the diuel shall not preuaile against thee : for Christ hath broken his head : the gates of Hell shall not preuaile against thee , for Christ hath conquered them : and death shall not bolde thee captiue , for christ hath ouercome it : P. 44.15 . Happy art thou that art in such a case , yea blessed arte thou , if thou hast the Lord for thy God :

Thus much for the third pare of this Text namely , of the iudge , to whome we must giue an account . Text.

But I say vnto you , that of euery idle word , &c.

4 When we shall giue an account : it is said heer : at the day of iudgement :

The time , when this great & generall day shal be , cannot be known of mortal man : yea it is not for man to know of it : as we may read in the Acts : It is not for you to know the times & seasons , Act. 1 , 7. Marke , 13 which God hath put in his owne power : yea Christe himselfe knoweth not of this day : 32. But of that day and houre ( saith Marke ] knoweth no man , no , not the Angels which are in heauen , neither the Sonne himlelfe , saue the Father : id est : Christe according to his humane nature knoweth not of it , but according to his diuine nature , he knoweth of it , as well as God the Father : for he is coequall with God the Father in knowledge , wisedome , and in all thinges whatsoeuer : yea hee knewe of this daye before the foundation of the world was laide , yea he himselfe shal sit iudge at the day .

God will not haue vs know of this daye , when it shall bee , for these three causes ,

1 To prooue and trie our patience , faith , and other vertues : to see whether wee will put our whole trust and affiance in him , although wee ●●●●…e not the time of our dissolution .

2 To bridle our curiositie and peeuish inquisition after such ( too high ) matters : Arist. qua supra nos , nihil ad nos : that which is aboue our capacitie , wee ought not to meddle withall .

3 To keepe vs in continuall watchfulnesse : for if wee knew certainely the day of death and iudgement , surely it would be a greate and forcible motiue to drawe vs to a loose , negligent , and secure kind of life . Mat. 24.42 . Watch therfore ( saith the Euangelist ) because yee know not when your Maister will come . For these three causes the Lord will not haue vs know of the time of iudgement ,

Although ( my beloued in Christe ) we know not the certainetie of the time of this day : yet neuerthelesse wee muste knowe , that this great and general day cannot bee farre off , both according to the prophesies of holy Fathers , as also to the truth of holy Scriptures .

Augustine , in his booke vpon Genesis against the Manichees , saith , that the worlde shoulde laste sixe ages : the first from Adam to Noah : the second from Noah to Abraham : the third from Abraham to Dauid : the fourth from Dauid to the transmigration of Babilon : the fifth from the transmigration of Babilon , to the comming of Christ in the fl●sh : the sixth from the comming of Christe in the flesh to his comming againe to iudgement . So that according to his prophecie wee liue in the last age , which last age , 1 Ioh. 2.28 ● called of Iohn hora extrema or hora nouissima the laste hour● : but how long this last houre doth last , he that is α and ω the first & the last , the euerlasting God alone doth know .

The Hebrewes they boast of the prophecie of Eliah , Eliah . a great man in those da●e● hee prophecied that the worlde should last 6000 , year●s 2000 , before the law 2000 , vnder the law : and 2000 from Christ to Christe .

If this his prophecie holdes true , the world cannot last 400 yeares for since Christe his comming in the flesh , it was 1606. at Christes tide last hast , according to the computation of the Church from time to time . But leauing men and comming to the Scripturs , which cannot erre , for Humanum est errare : Man may , yea and doth many times erre .

1. Co. 10.11 Sainte Paule saith , to the Corinthians : Wee are they vpon whome the ends of the world are come . If therefore the ends of the worlde were come vpon them that liued aboue 1560. yeares ago , then surely doomes day cannot now possibly be far off .

Iam. 5.9 . Iames likewise saith : Behold the Iudge standeth before the doore .

Mat. 3.2 Iohn Baptist preached repentance to the Iewes , saying : repent for the kingdome of heauen is at hand .

So that by these places of Scripture it is euident , that the generall day of Iudgement is at hand : as also by the signes & tokens which should goe before this day immediatly , of which many , yea almost all are already fulfilled .

Moreouer we must ( deare brethren ] know that there is a twofolde iudgement : the one called a particuler iudgment the other called a generall iudgment .

Death what 1 The particular iudgemente is exercised and executed vpon euery man immediatly after death , which is segregatio anima a corpore : a separation of the soule from the bodie .

Of this particuler iudgemente wee may reade in the Epistle to the Hebrewes : It is appointed vnto men , that they shall once die , Heb. 9.27 . 2 Es. 14.25 and after that commeth iudgemente . And though the generall Iudgement commeth not these 4000. years , yet particular iudgment commeth at the day of our death : & look as we at the day of our death shal be found , so shall we bee iudged : and as we then shal be iudged , so shall wee bee iudged at the general iudgement .

2 The generall iudgement● ( of which this Scripture speaketh ) is exercised and executed vpon all men together by Christe : who shall by his power raise all those vp againe that haue beene dead from the beginning of the world , to that time : and they shall bee presented all together ( being againe vnited to theire soules ] before Christes tribunall seate , who shall come downe in a cloude from heauen , in greate maiesty and glory , with thousands of blessed Angels attending vpon him : and hee shall giue sentence vpon all in generall : the wicked shall be cast into euerlasting fire , & the godly he shall carry vp with him into caelum Empiraeum , the third and highest heauen , ( where he nowe in bodie reigneth & remaineth ) there to reape ioyes vnspeakable for euermore ,

But some man may obiecte and say , why ( I pray you ) shall there bee a generall iudgement , when as all are iudged in the particuler iudgement ? what shall thee be two iudgements executed ? There shal notwithstanding the particul●r ) be a generall iudgemente , Ans. and that for three causes .

1 Because in the particuler iudgement the faule of man is iudged onely , but then both soule & bodie shall be iudged

2 In the particuler iudgement , the soule onely is either rewarded or punished : but then both soule & bodie either shal be rewarded with ioyes , or punished with torments .

3 There shall be a generall iudgment . to declare to all the worlde assembled then together , the iuste iudgemente of god : that he hath iustly saued the godly ▪ & iu●ly condemned the wicked : yea the uery wicked themselues shal confes no lesse .

By reason of this generall iudgement , some light braine hereticks their Bee the say , that ther is no particular iudgment at al , & that the soul immediatl● after death is not iudged : for wheras it is said hodie mecūeris in paradiso , Luke . 23.43 . to day shalte thou be with me in paradise , the speech of our sauiour to the theef they take that word hodie id est , to day for 1000 years ; & bring for proofe hereof that place of the Psalmist A thousand yeeres in thy sighte are as yesterday , Psal. 90.4 .

But to answere them : this place of Scripture is not so to bee vnderstood , Ans. as that a thousand yeares shoulde bee taken for a day ; or a day for a thousand yeares : for hee saith not : a thousand yeares are a daye : but a thousand yeares in the sighte of God , that is , in respecte of the eternity and euerlastingnesse of god , are as a day : It is therefore spoken on this manner to expresse the eternitie of God , as if hee should say : a thousand yeares with man in respect of the eternity of God , are but as a daye : for as many as are , haue beene , and euer shall bee the daies of man , so many thousand , yea so many thousand thousands yeeres is the eternity of God : he is-and-the first and the last , before all beginnings , and shall neuer haue ending .

Gen. ● . 17 : Againe , they alledge that place of Genesis ; In that day that thou eatest therof ( namely of the forbidden fruite ) thou shalt die the death .

Now ( saith the heretique ) that day they died not , Ob. but liued many hundred yeers after : therfore by a day is vnderstood many hundred yeers .

Ans. But I answer that , that day ( wherin Adam did eat of the forbidden fruit ) euen that day did hee dye : that is , that day by sinne hee was separated from God : then the which separation no death is greater ; Aug. for Vt vita corporis est anima , ita vita animae est deus ; tolle animam , perit corpus : tolle deum , moritur animae ; id est , As the soule is the life of the body , so God is the life of the soule ; take away the soule , the body dieth ; take away God , the soule is dead ; So that Adam that day died in soule , being separated from the Lord ; yea that day Adam was made subiect to death in this life , and in the life to come ; that day he had the beginnings of death seasing vppon him , for hee was presently cast out of Paradise into the ragged world , he was cursed and all his posterity , yea hee should haue gone to hell , had not the second Adam broken the head of the subtile serpent that inticed him to sin . Yea , the thiefe vpon the crosse had Paradise that day in soule , in which he suffered in body ; although he had it not in so full measure , as hee shall at the generall day , when his soule shall take vnto it the body againe ; hodie , to daie thy soule with my soule shall be in Paradise , that is , in my fathers kingdome . Where is now the heretique that confoundeth particular iudgement ?

Where is now the Epicure , that thinketh there is no iudgment at all ?

Where is now the ignorant Papist that dreameth of Purgatory ? and hee that fondly thinketh that there is Limbus patrum , and Lymbus puerorum ? and where are these that imagin of a place of ab●ade , betweene Heauen and Hell ? I turne them all together to the Hebrewes for Wisedome in this point : Heb. 9.27 : where they shall finde that after death the soule of man is iudged .

Phil. 1.23 : Would Paul haue so earnestly desired to haue beene dissolued , if hee should not presently haue bin with Christ He saith , that in this world wee see in a glasse darkly : 1 Co. 13.11 Exo. 33.23 We see but Gods backe ports as Moses did , that is , but a little of the sailour of God : But then that is , after this life ended we shal see god face to face : that is , we shall haue the full fruition of him .

Luk. 16.22 We read of Diues and Lazarus , that after death the one was iudged to heauen , the other to hell : which is a Parable to signifie the trueth of this particular iudgement .

Eccle. 12.7 And ( to conclade this poynt ) we read in Salomon : that the dust returneth to the earth from whence it came , and the spirit to God ●h● gaue it .

So that wee may learne from hence the vncertainty of the day of iudgment . Wel saith Bernard : The vse : hereof , Ber. Nihil certius morte , hora mortis nihil inocentius : that is , Nothing is more certayn than death , & there is nothing more vncertaine than the houre of death .

Let euery Christian therefore ( that wisheth the saluation of his soule at the day of death and iudgement ) beware of security and carelesse liuing : let no man deferre repentance , and amendement of life , least death come when he i●d●eth not for it , and so ( being vnprepared he be cast into hell fire .

The olde world had 120. Gen. 6.3 . Ion●s 1.4 Pl. 95.10 . yeares to repent in : N●n●e had 40. dayes to repent in : Israell had 40. yeares to repent in ; but thou ( O man ) knowest not how long thou hast to liue : thou haste no lease o● thy life : thou art heere to day , and gon● to morrow : when the houres of thy life bee ended , and the glasse outrunne , thou must awaye : death wasteth for thee in euery place , and at all times : therefore waste thou for it plaing as the fiue wise virgins , Mat. 25.4 that had the candle of faith burning in the lamps of their harts , nourished which the oyle of loue and workes ,

Ierusalem , because shee could not bee brought to repentance , shee was destroyed : many hundred thousandes of her children were famish●e to death : Iosephu . and many hundred thousands taken captiue by Titus Vespatian the Roman Emperour : many cast to wilde beastes and deuoured ,

The children of Israell , because they were a stiffenecked people , and a froward generation , and woulde not bee brought to repentance : how many thousands of them lay slaine in the wildernesse ? 600000. males ; except Ioshua and Caleb .

The old world , because they would take no warning , Gen. 7.23 . and could not bee brought to amendment of life : the floud drowned them all , except faithfull Noah and his godly family . And except thou repentest , thou likewise shall perish : according to that of Luks : Except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish : beware therefore and repent betimes : Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum , Happy is he , Luke 13 , 3 whome other mens harmes do make to beware .

Refuse no good motions knocking at the doore of thy heart , but entertaine them willingly ; according to the counsell of Augustine ; Aug. If hee offereth thee grace to day ( saith hee ) take it , make much of it : for thou knowest not whether he will offer the same to morrow : Make no long tarrying to turne to the Lord , Ecclesiasticus . Poet. and put not off from day to day ; the longer thou remainest in thy sinne , the harder it is for thee to repent : for Qui non est hedie , cras minùs aptus erit : If thou beest not fit to amendement to day , thou wilt bee lesse fit to morrow . Therfore while the lord speaketh to thee , make him answer : while hee calleth vnto thee , let there be an eccho in thine heart , as was in the heart of Dauid : seek ye my face : thy face Lord will seek : and while it is said to day , Psal. 27.9 . harden not thine heart . In no case therefore defer thy repentance : for the day of death and iudgement is vncertain ; as saith Chrisostome : Poenitenti veniam spospondit , sed viuendi in crastinum non spospondit : Chrysost. that is , the Lord hath promised pardon to him that repenteth , but to liue till tomorrow , he hath not promised .

But some there be in the world , that will say ; Obiect . ( the more it is to be lamented ) I am young . I will liue a while after my hearts desire , and in my olde age I will repent mee of my sinnes ; for God hath promised ( who will be as good as his word . Eze. 18.21 22. ) At what time soeuer a sinner doeth repente him of his sinnes from the bottom of his heart , J will put all his wickednes out of my remembrance , saith the Lord .

And will pray to the Lord for forgiuenesse of their sinnes , Aug. as Augustine said before his conuersion : Ignosce ( pacer ) ignosce mihi : at noli modo : Forgiue mee my sinnes , but not now : let me sinne in my youth , & pardon me in myne age : thus they would desire to die the death of the righteous : but they would not liue the life of the righteous : but let these gracelesse persons ( that thus deferre repentance ) beware of two things .

1 Let them beware of sodaine death : Let them take heede , least they bee cut off in the middest of their sinnes , as Iobs children in the middest of their bauquetting and ryoting were soddaynely slayne by the fall of the house : Iob. 1.18 . and as the floud came vnlooked for , and drowned the old world .

Liuis reporteth a fearefull example of sodaine death : Liuie . saith hee , there were two olde men that frequented two harlots , and presently vppon the face committed they both died sodainely : the one was thrust thorow with a dagger : the other died sodainely of an Apoplerie : which is a disease ingendered of aboundance of grosse humors , which do fill those vessels and receptories of the head , from whence commeth feeling & moouing of the body , Galen . as saith Galene , and therefore they that haue this disease , are depriued of all sence , feeling & moouing .

Let euery Iustie yonker and desperate ruffian set this fearefull example before his eyes .

Againe , the young man dieth , as soone as the olde : the Lambs skinne is brought to the market , as well as the old● crones : August . true is that saying of Augustine : vita dum crescit , decrescit : vita mortalis , & mors vitalis : id est life while it increaseth , decreaseth : life is dying , and death is liuing .

2 Let all men that refuse the mercy of GOD , and deferre their repentance know ; that repentance is not theirs at command : but it is the great mercy of GOD : and it is to be feared , that they that haue refused it offered , when they would haue it , they shall goe without : according to that country Prouerbe : If you will not when you may ; when you will , you shall haue nay : And it is commonly seene , that qualis vita , finis eta : as a man liueth , commonly be dieth : he that will liue without repentance , must look to die without repentance .

Though God spared the thiefe at the laste gaspe , yet set no man presume of that : for that was a medicine against desperation , and not a matter of imitation : saith one : God spared one , that no man mighte despayre : he spared but one , that no man might presume .

Let euery man therefore ( in the feare of God ) without all delay , seeke for amendmente of life : Let them as ( Gregory wisheth ) Plangere plangenda Bewaile their sinnes that ought to be lamented : Rom , 6 , 13. and as they haue giuen their members , as weapons of vnrighteousnes to iniquity : so let them now giue them as weapons of righteousnesse to holines . Repent ( dear brethren ) betimes ; Viue de● gratus , Poet. tote mundo tumulatus : crimine mundat us semper transire paratus ; that is Liue vnto God a thankfull wight , & to the world die ; clense thy selfe from wickedns , alwaies ready hence to fly .

Play the wise steward , lay vp treasures in heauen for thy soul : imitate the Pismire which gathers in Sommer , wherby she may liue in winter .

Demasc . Damascene reporteth an excellent Historie touching this purpose : saith he There was a country where they chose their king of the poorest and basest sort of the people , and vpon any dislikement taken , they would depose him from his throne , and exile him into an Iland , where hee should bee starued to death : Now one wise fellow ( considering hereof ) sent mony before into that Iland , into which he should be banished , and when he was banished , he was receiued into the iland with greate triumph . So against thou be banished by death from this world , without penny or farthing , ( for naked thou camest , & naked thou must go ) thou must prouide whils thou art in this life , whereby thou maiest liue in heauen hereafter ,

Let nothing therfore make thee deferre thy amendment , but whilest Christ calleth thee , run vnto him . Put on Ieromes resolution who said : If my mother wete hanging about my neck , Ieromes if my brethren were on euery side , howling and crying , and if my father were on his bare knees , kneeling before me to detaine mee in their wicked and sinfull course of life , what woulde J doe ? I would shake off my mother to the ground I woulde despise and hate all my kindred and kinsfolkes , and I would tread and trample my Father vnder my feete , thereby to flie to Christ when he calleth me .

So shouldest thou resolue the amendment of life . The Lord of Heauen for his sweet Sonne Christ Iesus his sake , graune to th●r ( deere Reader ) and me , to both of vs , his holy Spirit that we may stand vnblameable before the Iudge , at that great and generall day : that we ( beeing clothed with the long white Robes of righteousnesse , ) may be in the number of those to whom it shall be said then : Come yee blessed children of my father , inherite the kingdome which was prepared for you from the beginning of the world . Grant this ●eer father for thy deere sonnes sake , Christ Iesus our onely Lorde and Sauiour : To whom with thee and the holy spirit we ascribe all power , glory , and dominion , and stag Halleluiah to thee , ( O blessed Trinitie ) for euer and euer . Amen .

FINIS .