be compelled to render an account, not only of unjust and slanderous words, but of even every idle one — Our Lord’s truth is confirmed.
The penalty rectifies the disorder: to sin is disorder; but to be punished when we sin is order: therefore you return by means of the penalty to the state of order that you had quitted by your fault. But to be able to sin with impunity would be the very height of disorder: — not in man, by sinning, but in God, by not punishing. Such disorder as this will never exist, because God, who is Order Himself, can be disordered in nothing; and as this Divine order is perfect — perfectly straight, without the slightest deviation — everything that does not follow its course is bruised by contact with it, and must feel the effect of its immovable rectitude.
But, on the other hand, if the threats are certain of fulfilment, so also are the promises. Go, Christian, to your crucifix! There behold all prophecies fulfilled minutely, and say to yourself: ' All things shall come to pass, and the happiness promised to me will not fail. I shall see God, I shall love and praise Him for ever and ever, and all my longings will be satisfied. Amen, amen! ’
