The plain mans path-way to heaven

Phil. Well, now as you have declared unto us the terror, the suddenness, the end, and the manner of Christs coming to judgement, so lastly, show us the right use of all these things.

Phil. Well, now as you have declared unto us the terrour, the suddennesse, the end, and the manner of Christs coming to judgement, so lastly, shew us the right use of all these things.

Theol. Saint Peter telleth and teacheth us the right use of all: for saith he, Seeing all these things must he dissolved, ¹what manner of persons ought we to be in holy conversation and godliness? As if he should say: Sith the Heavens shall pass away with a noise, the Elements shall melt with heat, and the Earth, with the works that are therein, shall be burnt up: sith also the coming of Christ shall be with great terror, to a fearful end, and in a fearful manner; O how ought we to excel in goodness? So then Saint Peter telleth us, that the true use of all is this: that hereby we be brought nearer unto God, then to be more obedient to his will, and to walk in all his commandments, making conscience of all our ways, and studying to please GOD in all things, and to be fruitful in all good works, living soberly, justly and holily in this present evil world, and showing forth the virtues of him which hath called us out of darkness to this marvellous light: that so we ⟨p. 387⟩may be prepared against the day of his appearing, that it may not take us tardy. For our life ought to be a continual meditation of death: we should always live as if we should dye, or that our bed should be our grave: we must live continually as if Christ should come to judgement presently: as it is reported of a godly man in the Primitive Church, that whether he ate or drank, or whatsoever he did, he thought always he heard the Trumpet of the Lord, with these words: Arise, ye dead, and come unto Judgement. Put case it were certainly known, that Christ would come to Judgement the next Mid-summer day; O wh•t an alteration would it make in the world! how would men change their minds and affections? who would care for this world? who would set his heart upon riches? who would regard brave apparel? who durst deceive or oppress? who durst be drunk? who durst swear, lye, and commit adultery? Nay, would not all men give up themselves to the obedience of God? would not all serve him diligently? would not all men and women flock to Sermons? would they not give themselves to prayer and reading? would they not repent them of their sins? would they not cry for