A Golden Chain

This arraignment hath three special points in it. First of all, he must bring ⟨p. 751⟩himself forth to the bar of Gods judgement: which thing he doth when he sets himself in the presence of God, as though even now the day of judgement were. As S. Hierome did, who always thought with himself that he heard this voice sounding in his ears, Rise ye dead and come to judgement.

This arraignment hath three speciall points in it. First of all, he must bring ⟨p. 751⟩himselfe forth to the barre of Gods iudgement: which thing he doth when he sets himselfe in the presence of God, as though euen now the day of iudgement were. As S. Hierome did, who alwaies thought with himselfe that he heard this voice sounding in his eares, Rise ye dead and come to iudgement.

Secondly, he must put up an indictment against himself; by accusing himself before God, by acknowledging his known sins particularly, and his unknown generally, without any excuse or extenuation, or defence, or hiding of the least of them. Example of David.¹ I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me: against thee, against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy •ight, &c. behold, I was borne in iniquity, and in sin hath my mother conceived me. And, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, remove the iniquity of thy servant: for I have done very foolishly. Of Ezra,² O my God I am ashamed and confounded to lift up mine eyes unto thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our heads, and our trespass is grown up unto heaven.

Secondly, he must put vp an inditement against himselfe; by accusing himselfe before God, by acknowledging his knowne sinnes particularly, and his vnknown generally, without any excuse or extenuation, or defence, or hiding of the least of them. Example of Dauid.